Four ships banned from all ports for violating UN sanctions against North Korea

Soldiers applaud during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the election of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang. (AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin)

The UN Security Council has banned all nations from allowing four ships that transported prohibited goods to and from North Korea to enter any port in their country.

Hugh Griffiths, head of the panel of experts investigating the implementation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea, announced the port bans at a briefing to member states on Monday.