Japan bans Bin Laden deals

Japan says it will ban financial transactions with people linked to Osama Bin Laden and Afghanistan's ruling Taleban militia.

The finance ministry says the curbs will apply to 165 individuals designated by the United Nations as having connections with Osama Bin Laden or the Taleban.

The restrictions will come into effect from Saturday.

A statement said the measure follows a decision by the UN security council to freeze the assets of the Taleban regime and followers of Osama Bin Laden.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service