Obama signs bill placing more sanctions on North Korea

By Esra Kaymak Avci

WASHINGTON

President Barack Obama on Thursday signed legislation placing tighter sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear weapons program, according to the White House.

"The North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act strengthens and expands statutory sanctions on North Korea," the statement said.

The sanctions target all individuals involved with North Korea’s nuclear program and “authorizes $10 million annually over the course of five years for expanding North Koreans' access to media”.

Congress sent the legislation to Obama last week for expanded sanctions.

Lawmakers voted less than two weeks after North Korea announced that it had launched a rocket that carried a satellite into space.

Observes fear the advanced technology could be used in the military program of the reclusive state.

Last month, Pyongyang conducted its fourth underground nuclear test.

In its annual report to Congress on North Korea’s military capabilities, the Pentagon, Pyongyang's efforts to build "a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile" would have the capacity of reaching U.S. territories.