Around four North Korean firms and banks are likely to become subject to U.N. sanctions in the wake of the North’s April fifth rocket launch.

Diplomatic sources said Friday that four North Korean entities --- including the Korea Mining Development Corporation and Tanchon Commercial Bank --- are expected to be included on the U.N. Sanction Committee’s list of entities that will face sanctions. The committee is required to draw up the list in line with a U.N. Security Council statement denouncing the North’s rocket launch.

The two North Korean entities reportedly played pivotal roles in Pyongyang’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles.

Sources said Japan and the United States had submitted to the Sanctions Committee a list of ten to fourteen firms it suggested be added to the list, but ended up narrowing the figure due to opposition from China and Russia.