UNITED NATIONS, July 7: Significant divisions appeared among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council on Friday over the issue of sanctions against North Korea.

Among the permanent five the-United States, Britain and France were on the side of a strong resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea, while China and Russia were against any move which could provoke North Korea and undermine the situation further.

Japan circulated a resolution that would ban any country from transferring funds, material and technology that could be used in North Korea’s missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.

Briefing the press following a second meeting of the five permanent members plus Japan, at the US mission in New York. US Ambassador John Bolton said that a ‘broad and deep support existed in the UN Security Council for the Japanese-sponsored resolution which stipulates sanctions invoking chapter vii of the UN Charter, which stipulates the use of force.

But Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya said that although other members of the Council expressed outrage over the tests by North Korea, there was no agreement on the Japanese resolution and instead suggested that the council adopt a strong presidential statement.

Asked whether China would veto the Japanese resolution, Mr Wang responded: “We have no agreement on the resolution. If put to vote all options are on the table.”