Switzerland has once again tightened sanctions against North Korea, in line with a UN resolution last December after Pyongyang conducted a new missile test.

The Swiss Federal Council on Wednesday approved immediate measures targeting trade, work permits and services to the shipping sector such as reinsurance. 

A previous ban on work permits for North Koreans is being stepped up by revoking residence permits for North Koreans earning income in Switzerland. Only “permits which cannot be withdrawn due to national or international legal norms” are exempt, according to a press releaseExternal link from the economics ministry. 

Existing trade restrictions have also been extended.  In shipping, the provision of certain services is now banned. The Federal Council can also remove ships from the Swiss register if they have been involved in prohibited activities. 

A raft of international sanctions have already been slapped on North Korea in response to its nuclear programme and missile tests. 

+Read more about previous sanctions 

Wednesday’s move by Switzerland comes as Pyongyang last week announced an end to its nuclear tests, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is due to hold a third summit with his South Korean counterpart in an atmosphere of apparent détente. 

US President Donald Trump, who is also expected to hold a historic summit with Kim Jong-un, warned on Sunday that he will not start lifting sanctions before Pyongyang starts dismantling its nuclear arsenal.

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