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U.S. sanctions North Korea over missile sales to Yemen

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Monday, August 26, 2002

WASHINGTON Ñ The United States has imposed sanctions on North Korea after the administration determined that Pyongyang had exported Scud-class missile components to Yemen. The shipment of the components was completed during the term of former President Bill Clinton.

Yemen was approached by the United States and acknowledged the Scud purchase, officials said. They said Sanaa pledged not to purchase additional missiles from North Korea.

U.S. officials said the Bush administration has imposed sanctions against the state-owned Changgwang Sinyong Corp and the North Korean government. Changgwang Sinyong is the marketing arm for North Korea's missile production facilities, according to Middle East Newsline.

Officials said Pyongyang exported components for unspecified medium-range missiles. They said the sanctions would last for two years.



The Federal Register contained an Aug. 23 notice by the State Department that said the sanctions would be imposed on the North Korean company and the government for "all activities of the North Korean government relating to the development or production of missile equipment or technology and all activities of the North Korean government affecting the development or production of electronics, space systems or equipment, and military aircraft."

The Federal Register identified Changgwang Sinyong as engaging in "missile technology proliferation activities that require the imposition of sanctions." On Saturday, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh confirmed that Sanaa acquired Scud missiles from North Korea. Saleh said the United States did not impose a military ban on Yemen.

"We have bought those missiles and this is a legitimate right of Yemen," Saleh said.

U.S. officials said North Korea was also believed to have shipped missile components to several Middle East states over the last two years. They included such countries as Egypt, Iran, Libya and Syria.

Changgwang Sinyong has been under sanction in the past and will not be allowed to deal with the U.S. government or American companies. In all, they said, one shipment was reported.

The administration decision comes amid criticism that the United States has done little to stop North Korean missile exports to Iran, Pakistan and Middle East countries. The United States has expressed the need to discuss a range of issues with Pyongyang, including its deployment on the Korean Peninsula.

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