UN's position

In a unanimous vote, the United Nations Security Council applied sanctions on North Korea following the country's nuclear test. It says it wants the country to ban nuclear testing and programs and return to the non-proliferation pact and accept the nuclear watchdog's safeguards. According to the United Nations, North Korea must "abandon all other existing weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner."

Canada's position

Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay says Canada has a "direct interest" in seeing the sanctions imposed. Under the 1953 Korean War armistice, Canada is obligated to come to South Korea's aid if Pyongyang attacks.

North Korea's position

North Korea's UN Ambassador, Pak Gil Yon, says the country rejects the Security Council's position: "It is gangster-like of the Security Council to have adopted today a coercive resolution while neglecting the nuclear threat and moves for sanctions and pressure of the United States against the DPRK," he said. If Washington continues to pressure Pyongyang, he said North Korea would consider it a "declaration of war."

Iran's position

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has come under fire from Washington over his own country's nuclear program, says he rejects the sanctions against North Korea. He accused the United States of using the UN as a "weapon to impose its hegemony." He also said it was illegal for the Security Council to ask his own country to cease its uranium enrichment.

China's position

The country has sent mixed signals. It says it will not let the UN sanctions get in the way of its trading with North Korea, but reports say its inspectors are examining shipments along the border. The country seeks a solution through "dialogue and consultation."

UN sanctions

• Stop imports and exports of military equipment and of items that could contribute to a nuclear program or "other weapons of mass destruction-related programs." Stop assistance or training related to military items.
• No more luxury goods exports to North Korea. Countries have been asked to inspect all exports and imports to North Korea.
• Countries have been asked to freeze money that is linked to nuclear programs, but some items are exempt from sanctions, such as money for food and medical treatment.
• A travel ban on people, and their families, who are linked to nuclear programs.

U.S. sanctions

• Anyone who transports material linked to nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction can lose government contracts.
• Ban on some U.S. aid, including programs run under the World Food Program.
• Set limits on trade between the two countries.

Japanese sanctions

• Trade embargo on North Korea and ban on entry of North Korean ships to Japanese ports.