April 13 (Bloomberg) -- The United Nations Security Council, ending a week of diplomatic bargaining, agreed to condemn North Korea’s April 5 rocket test and enforce previously imposed sanctions against Kim Jong Il’s reclusive regime.

The 15-nation panel unanimously adopted a statement that says the launch was in “contravention” of a 2006 resolution barring North Korea’s development of missile technology and demands that no further launches be conducted.

“The U.S. is very pleased that the Security Council today issued a strong, unanimous statement clearly and unequivocally condemning the launch,” U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice told reporters after the Security Council meeting. “It clearly demands that there be no further such launches.”

The accord on a Security Council “presidential statement,” which lacks the legally binding weight of a UN resolution, stemmed from a compromise brokered by the U.S. and China. The U.S. initially sought a resolution and stronger sanctions on North Korea, while China was reluctant to condemn the launch or increase pressure on Kim.

“It is a good face-saving measure for both sides, but a hollow threat from the North Korean perspective,” said Abraham Kim of the Eurasia Group, a New York-based political-risk analysis firm. “The key is implementation. China has signed on to statements in the past but has not implemented them, and has sent signals recently that they are still protecting North Korea.”

Into the Ocean

North Korea claims the rocket lifted the Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite into Earth orbit. The U.S. said the first stage of the missile fell into the Sea of Japan, and the remaining stages, along with the payload itself, landed in the Pacific Ocean.

The statement says the Security Council “agrees to adjust the measures imposed” by the resolution adopted on Oct. 14, 2006, following North Korea’s detonation of a nuclear device. That resolution, which has never been implemented, froze the assets and banned the travel of “persons or entities” involved in North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

The Security Council sanctions committee created by the 2006 resolution was instructed to report by April 24 on how the sanctions are to be enforced. The council will “complete action” to do so by April 30 in the event there is no agreement within the committee, according to the statement.

Goods and Entities

Japan’s Ambassador Yukio Takasu and Rice said they would quickly submit proposed lists of “goods and entities” to be subject to the 2006 sanctions.

“As the country most threatened by the recent launch, Japan is very pleased the Security Council has adopted unanimously a very strong presidential statement,” Takasu said.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui said it was critical that the statement also endorsed continued negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs through the so- called six-party talks, which also include South Korea, Russia, the U.S. and Japan.

“This is a very sensitive moment,” Zhang said. “What is important is for all the parties concerned to keep calm and restrained, and work together to maintain peace and stability in northeast Asia.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomes the “strong and clear signal” the Security Council sent to North Korea and is “hopeful” it will help resolve the dispute, according to a statement released by his spokesman.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bill Varner at the United Nations at wvarner@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: April 13, 2009 16:34 EDT