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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