North Korean Sanctions Extended by Japan

Japan decided to extend sanctions against North Korea for another six months.

The decision was made on the first anniversary of the North's alledged first ever atomic weapons test.

The move by Japan's parliament will come despite a gesture by the North to declare its nuclear program and disable its main atomic reactor by the end of this year.

All imports from North Korea have been barred – clams, crabs, high-end matsutake mushrooms.

Ouch…how will Japan be able to continue on?

Port calls from North Korean ships are banned.

In 2002, North Korea admitted to abducting Japanese in the 70s and 80s to train them as spies.

However, all the kidnapped victims have been returned with their spouses and children, says the North. "The issue is resolved."

Japan believes there are still more abducted survivors, some privvy to the North's secrets.

Until it is resolved….no crabs, clams or matsutake from the North.

Bummer.

Do you think the North still has some of Japan's people?