International

UN claims that N Korea shipping supplies used in chemical weapons production to Syria

United Nations: According to a report by the United Nations experts, North Korea has been shipping supplies to the Syrian Government which could be used in producing chemical weapons, reported the New York Times.

The report comes after the Syrian Government was recently alleged of using chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta, which has been enduring bombardment from past two weeks.

However, a Russian backed truce came into effect recently for creating a ‘humanitarian corridor’ in order to evacuate around 400,000 civilians in the area. However, Al Jazeera reported that the truce is being called ‘dishonest’ as two more people have been killed after Syrian Government forces launched fresh attacks in the area.

The supplies from North Korea include acid-resistant tiles, valves and thermometers, according to a report by United Nations investigators. North Korean missile technicians have also been spotted working at known chemical weapons and missile facilities inside Syria, according to the report, which was written by a panel of experts who looked at North Korea’s compliance with United Nations sanctions.

ALSO READ: Amidst gory images, conflicting media reports create confusion about ‘Truce’ in Syria’s Eastern Ghouta

The report highlights the potential danger posed by any such trade between Syria and North Korea, which could allow Syria to maintain its chemical weapons while also providing North Korea with cash for its nuclear and missile programs.

The possible chemical weapons components were part of at least 40 previously unreported shipments by North Korea to Syria between 2012 and 2017 of prohibited ballistic missile parts and materials that could be used for both military and civilian purposes, according to the report, which has not been publicly released but which was reviewed by The New York Times.

Neither the report’s authors nor members of the United Nations Security Council who have seen it would comment, and neither would the United States’ mission to the international agency.

It is unclear when, or even whether, the report will be released.

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