BRUSSELS (Sputnik) – According to the statement, the people subjected to the EU restrictions are mostly "high-ranked military officials involved in key bodies responsible for supporting or promoting the DPRK's nuclear-related, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction-related programmes," while the entity on the list is reportedly involved in developing and implementing such programs.
The sanctions presuppose travel restrictions for the officials and asset-freeze for the company, the EU institution specified. The EU measures complement the existing UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea, the statement added.
Since the start of 2016, North Korea has carried out a series of short and medium-range rocket launches, as well as a long-range missile test. In response to Pyongyang’s actions, the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on Pyongyang in February, followed by additional sanctions by Washington.
North Korea maintains that it needs atomic weapons as a deterrent to prevent an invasion from the United States.