JAPAN has extended its sanctions against North Korea for six months, amid growing doubts that Pyongyang will close its key nuclear reactor by this Saturday's deadline.The Japanese cabinet yesterday voted to extend the restrictions, with the Foreign Minister, Taro Aso, citing a lack of progress in resolving the 30-year-old issue of kidnapped Japanese . "North Korea hasn't been sincere so far in its efforts to solve the abduction issue," Mr Aso said. "We will continue similar sanctions unless North Korea acts appropriately."
The Government will continue its ban on imports from North Korea, bar its ships from calling on Japanese ports and forbid its officials from entering Japan.