Islamic nations lusting for nuclear weapons got a slap on the wrist from the United Nations today, as the Security Council passed a resolution calling for nations to enact laws “prohibiting” weapons of mass destruction: UN Council Unanimously Adopts Terrorist Arms Ban.

In a White House statement, Bush called the vote “an important achievement” and urged nations to enact appropriate measures. “We must continue to press these efforts to ensure that the world’s most destructive weapons are kept from the world’s most dangerous regimes and organizations,” he said.

The resolution compels nations to adopt and enforce laws to prevent terrorists and black marketeers from being able to “manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery.”

‘NAME AND SHAME’

It was adopted under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter, which makes it obligatory for all nations and could allow for eventual sanctions and the use of force.

In this case, it does not provide any sanctions if the states do not comply. Instead, U.S. officials said they relied mainly on “name and shame” pressures on errant nations, and British envoys said any enforcement action would need another resolution.