UAE seizes NK weapons’ cargo for Iran

UAE seizes North Korea arms cargo bound for Iran, reports say | World | Deutsche Welle | 29.08.2009

The United Arab Emirates has seized a ship illegally carrying weapons from North Korea to Iran, diplomatic sources say. The incident comes at a time of heightened western concern about Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

…. The Australian-owned cargo ship is reported to have been carrying grenade launchers, detonators, and munitions falsely listed as machine parts on its shipping manifesto.

A new round of UN sanctions on North Korea was approved unanimously on June 12, following a nuclear weapons test by Pyongyang and subsequent missile launches.

… According to news agency AFP, US experts believe North Korea has earned hundreds of millions of dollars by exporting military technology until recent sanctions. North Korean ships have previously been intercepted as they headed to Myanmar.

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Former US President Bill Clinton secured the release of two American journalists during a visit to Pyongyang earlier in August

The arms seizure comes in the midst of an apparent thawing of relations between North Korea and the rest of the world. In August, Pyongyang freed two US reporters who had been sentenced to 12 years in prison for “hostile acts.”

This happens the same day we know that:

A new report commissioned by the International Atomic Energy Agency says that Iran’s nuclear energy program may contain “military dimensions.” (Does it contain military dimensions or not?).

And:

Pakistani judge ruled on Friday that nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan should be allowed freedom of movement more than five years after being put under house arrest for his role in a nuclear proliferation scandal.

Now, are they all related or are just a coincidence?

Crossposted from T&P.

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3. Mysterious Cargo Aboard Iranian Ship Seized by Pirates Raises WMD Concerns
4. Iran: Country ready to offer new nuclear package to West
5. Iran Chemical, Bio Weapons Threat Is Real
6. US Military sends Navy Destroyer to Intercept North Korean Ship
7. Report: Hijacked Russian vessel was transporting arms to Iran
8. Israel President: We will not attack Iran alone
9. North Korea making threats again
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