http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Japan_eases_pressure_on_N_Korea.html?siteSect=143&sid=6882385&cKey=1152529950000TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan backed off its plan to push for a vote on North Korean sanctions at the U.N. Security Council on Monday in the face of continued efforts by regional powers to resolve a missile crisis through direct diplomacy.
The resolution is opposed by China -- Pyongyang's biggest ally -- and Moscow, which both have veto power.
South Korea has also said sanctions would be ineffective against its reclusive communist neighbour, which test-fired a barrage of missiles last week.
"The vice minister of China is going to North Korea to persuade them. Under such circumstances, there is no need to insist on a vote on the 10th," Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told reporters.