Japan Bans Port Calls By North Korean ships

The Japanese government decided Wednesday to ban port calls by North Korean ships, including the Man Gyong Bong, over a six-month period in retaliation for Pyongyang's firing of six missiles, officials said. The decision, made under the special law regarding a ban on port calls by specific ships, was approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday morning. The Man Gyong Bong that regularly travels between North Korea and Niigata was at anchor near Niigata Port on Wednesday, but will be turned back in accordance with Tokyo's decision.Man Gyong Bong waiting outside Niigata portMoreover, the government asked the United Nations to convene a Security Council meeting to discuss sanctions against North Korea. Japan is also considering banning remittances to North Korea under the revised Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law.