The European Union has agreed to a raft of new sanctions against North Korea in retaliation for the country's nuclear test last week which it condemned again in the strongest possible terms. A statement issued by the EU yesterday said the measures range from additional financial sanctions to travel bans and asset freezes against individuals and are intended to bolster the international regime against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The number of people subject to a travel ban and asset freeze was put at 26 while the number of entities targeted was 33. Among other steps, the EU banned the export and import of certain types of aluminium which Pyongyang could use in its ballistic missile systems while trade in North Korean bonds was also barred. Ministers said in the statement they were determined to consider further restrictive measures in consultation with key partners.