29 August 2009 |
Diplomatic officials say the United Arab Emirates seized a ship earlier this month allegedly carrying North Korean weapons to Iran.
The officials said Friday the shipment comes in violation of United Nations sanctions, and they said the U.A.E. has reported the seizure to the U.N. sanctions committee.
In June, the U.N. Security Council adopted sanctions that call for international inspections of North Korean sea and air shipments.
The council imposed the sanctions as a result of North Korea's nuclear weapons program in defiance of the global community.
The reports about the ship seizure do not suggest it was carrying nuclear weapons. Officials say the cargo included rocket-propelled grenades.
Diplomats identified the seized ship as the ANL Australia, registered in the Bahamas.