U.N. to Impose Sanctions Against Somalia to Stop Pirate Trade

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council unanimously agrees to impose new sanctions against Somalia aimed at stopping its booming pirate trade and lawlessness.

The 15-nation council voted on the British plan for added sanctions Thursday morning. It calls for a panel of the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body, to recommend people and entities whose financial assets would be frozen by nations.

Council members say the added sanctions, which exclude money intended for basic expenses like food and medicine, are intended to strengthen Somalia's weak U.N.-backed government.

The resolution also reaffirms the U.N.'s arms embargo against Somalia under resolutions since 1992.