Seoul mate US pushes for fresh N Korea sanctions

The measures announced by Hillary after high-level talks with South Korean officials take aim at counterfeiting,money laundering and other dealings that she said the North Korean regime uses to generate hard currency to pay off cronies and cling to power. The US is also trying to forestall future provocative acts like the torpedoing of the Cheonan,which killed 46 South Korean sailors.

Hillary and Gates toured the demilitarised zone in Panmunjom. Under sporadic downpours and the watchful gaze of curious North Korean guards,they paid tribute to the US,South Korean and international forces patrolling the border.

At one point,in the Military Armistice Commission building where officials from North Korea and the UN Command meet for talks,Hillary and Gates stood briefly on North Korean soil while a North Korean soldier peered at them through a window.

Gates said the visit was intended to send a strong signal to the North,to the region and to the world that our commitment to South Koreas security is steadfast. In fact,our military alliance has never been stronger and should deter any potential aggressor, he said.

In response to the Cheonan sinking,the US and South Korea have announced plans to conduct new military exercises in the coming weeks,sparking threats from North Korea and expressions of concern from its lone major ally,China.

We continue to send a message to the North: There is another way. There is a way that can benefit the people of the North, she said. But until they change direction,the United States stands firmly on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Korea.