U.S. monitors N. Korea's new ties to West for signs of tech transfers

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States is closely watching whether North Korea will use its newly-found relations with the West to obtain dual use components and technology for Pyongyang's missile program.

North Korea has established ties with several Western countries over the past few months in an international effort to wean Pyongyang off missile exports and missile development programs. These countries include Belgium, Canada, and other Western nations that intend to launch diplomatic relations and trade with Pyongyang.

In all, eight nations have opened diplomatic relations with North Korea this year. This includes Germany, Greece, Holland, Luxembourg and Spain.

U.S. officials said they are monitoring North Korean trade with these relations. They said Pyongyang appears to have reached a dead-end in its Taepo Dong-2 long-range missile program and is looking for Western technology and components. They said China is also being monitored for technology transfers to North Korea.

One focus by Washington will be Brazil. Brazil began developing missiles in the mid-1980s and has worked with such Middle East clients as Egypt, Iraq and Libya. All three nations are clients of Middle East.

A decade ago, Brazil suspended its medium-range Condor missile program under U.S. pressure. The United States is now considering helping Brazil's conversion of its missile effort to a satellite booster launch program.

In their joint announcement of diplomatic relations, North Korea and Brazil said they will contribute to "disarmament and nonproliferation."

North Korea has threatened to withdraw from missile and nuclear accords with the United States amid the new administration policy to enforce nonproliferation efforts.