N.Korea exporting rocket launchers to Myanmar

2008/04/02 -North Korea has reportedly been exporting multiple-tube rocket launchers to Myanmar, in violation of UN sanctions. Diplomatic sources told NHK that the exports began last year after the 2 nations restored diplomatic ties, and have been carried out through a Singapore-based trading company.

North Korea and Myanmar cut diplomatic ties in 1983, when South Korea's former President Chun Doo Hwan was targeted in a terrorist bombing in Myanmar's capital. Myanmar, then Burma, blamed the attack on North Korean agents. But the 2 nations normalized diplomatic ties a year ago for the first time in 24 years. The rockets used with the launchers are said to measure 240 millimeters in diameter and about a meter in length, and have a range of about 65 kilometers. North Korea is believed to have a number of such multiple-tube launchers deployed along the demilitarized border with South Korea.

The UN Security Council adopted a sanctions resolution against North Korea following its nuclear tests in October 2006. The resolution bans the country from exporting or importing nuclear material, ballistic missiles and other types of conventional weapons.The reports of North Korean exports of weapons to Myanmar, a fellow military dictatorship, has raised concerns in the United States and South Korea. North Korea has been cut off from international economic assistance due to a deadlock in the six-party talks on its nuclear disarmament.

sender.... Naing Oo