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Tenet: Missile proliferation changing strategic equation in Middle East, Asia

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, February 9, 2001

WASHINGTON — CIA director George testified testified that missile proliferation is changing the balance of power in the Middle East and Asia.

The CIA director said China, Russia and North Korea remain the chief suppliers of missile technology and components to the Middle East. He said much of the transfer was through third countries and difficult trace.

"The proliferation of MRBMs [medium-range ballistic missiles] — driven largely though not exclusively by North Korean No Dong sales — is altering strategic balances in the Middle East and Asia," Tenet said. "These missiles include Iran's Shihab-3, Pakistan's Ghauri and the Indian Agni -2."

U.S. intelligence is not ruling out a resumption of Chinese missile help to the Middle East.

Officials said the CIA assessment is that it remains too early to determine whether Beijing has permanently ended the transfer of ballistic missile components and technology to clients in the Middle East. These include such countries as Iran, Libya and Syria.

The officials said China has also been known to transfer missile technology through its neighbor and ally, North Korea. This, amid a Chinese pledge to the United States last year that Beijing would end missile help to North Korea and the Middle East.

"I'm not giving anyone a clean bill of health," Tenet said.

Tenet testified to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday on a range of issues. He said that over the last few years China has provided missile technology and raw material to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

Tenet pointed to a growing threat by Iraq. He said Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, with Arab support, was violating international sanctions with impunity. He did not cite any threat to Saddam's regime.

"The Iraqis have rebuilt key portions of their chemical production infrastructure for industrial and commercial use," Tenet said.

Friday, February 9, 2001



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