hankyoreh

Japan and the co-sponsors of the U.N. Security Council resolution on North Korea are pushing for a vote within Friday, U.S. envoy John Bolton said.

"Ten days is a long time, and it's time for a decision," the ambassador to the U.N. told reporters.

But it wasn't yet clear if all 15 members would be able to agree on the language of the resolution, mainly whether it will be a Chapter 7 resolution that mandates sanctions and allows the use of military use if necessary against Pyongyang for threatening world peace.

Japan's Kyodo said the council in its morning session has not been able to compromise on this point.

China and Russia have a competing resolution that removes any references to sanctions. Chinese envoy Wang Guangya had said that he had been instructed by Beijing to veto the resolution drafted by Japan.

North Korea spurned international appeal and test-fired seven ballistic missiles last week, including its long-range Taepodong-2 that presumably can reach the U.S. west coast.

Japan immediately circulated its drafted resolution a week ago condemning the North's actions, but a vote had been delayed to let a high-level Chinese delegation visiting Pyongyang make diplomatic efforts to bring Pyongyang to the negotiation table.

Officials in Beijing and Washington have said they have not heard anything positive from the delegation.

On Wednesday, China and Russia jointly circulated their own version of a resolution that make sanctions voluntary rather than mandatory.

The critical difference between the two rival resolutions is whether North Korea's missiles launches constitute a threat to international peace and stability. Such a determination would make the outcome a Chapter 7 resolution.

"It is important to send a strong signal from the Security Council," said Amb. Bolton.

"We believe it should be a Chapter 7 resolution."

Wahington, July 14 (Yonhap News)