China, Russia Circulate Draft North Korea Resolution

Reports say the new resolution drops language contained in a rival draft resolution by Japan that could leave the door open to possible future military action against Pyongyang.

The new resolution comes after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier called Japan's draft resolution in response to North Korea's missile tests "unacceptable."

Russia has condemned Pyongyang's decision to test fire missiles earlier this month, but argues against imposing sanctions on North Korea. Its position is shared by China, like Russia a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council.

Japan, backed by the United States and Britain, has pushed for a tough UN resolution seeking sanctions related to North Korea's missile technology.

(compiled from agency reports)