Posted on 11/16/2006 8:25:32 AM PST by blam
France searches N Korean vessel
North Korean ships can be searched in territorial waters
French officials in the Indian Ocean have inspected a North Korean ship under the terms of UN Security Council sanctions adopted against Pyongyang. The ship was examined on the island of Mayotte, but there were no reports it was carrying any illegal cargo.
It is believed to be the first time a North Korean vessel has been inspected under Security Council Resolution 1718.
The resolution imposed sanctions on North Korea after it carried out a nuclear test in October.
The measures are aimed at preventing North Korea from acquiring or spreading nuclear technology.
UN SANCTIONS ON N KOREA
* Bans sale to, or export from, N Korea of military hardware
* Bans sale or export of nuclear and missile related items
* Bans sale of luxury goods
* Freezes finances and bans travel of anyone involved in nuclear, missile programmes
* Allows inspection of cargo to and from N Korea
* Stresses new resolution needed for further action
Key stances on sanctions
Customs officials carried out a "thorough and complete inspection" of the ship, its crew and its contents, a spokesman for France's foreign ministry said.
"We are exercising particular vigilance regarding cargo transported by North Korean ships, and all ships starting from or heading to North Korea," he said.
The Associated Press news agency quoted a customs official as saying that no weapons, drugs or other prohibited material had been found on the ship or the 45-strong crew after a search "from bow to stern and top to bottom".
Nuclear crisis
North Korea carried out a nuclear test on 9 October.
The test brought swift and widespread international condemnation, including criticism from China, seen as close to Pyongyang, and the US.
North Korea does not allow inspection of its nuclear sites.
The UN Security Council unanimously passed Resolution 1718 on 14 October.
Six-nation talks on the continuing crisis - also involving South Korea, Japan and Russia - are expected to resume soon.
The talks broke down last year when North Korea opposed financial sanctions imposed by the US.
However, Japan has signalled its opposition to any talks held while North Korea still retains nuclear weapons.
US intelligence estimates suggest that North Korea may have a "handful" nuclear weapons, although any bombs are not thought to be small enough to be delivered by missile.
I wonder if France would "really" tell the UN that North Korea had anything. hummm
The French?
OH JET and rest of North Korea list something is up that Chia Pet need bug the French
Why doesn't that comfort me and makes me think "dear God, don't take their word for it and search it again!"?
Bunny
Pancake.......you be the judge.
Now that very funny ROFL
The French and saddam were tight once. About 3 years ago.
Were they?
I can't imagine Chia pet hanging out with smelly creature Chiac LOL!
You know what I can't never get tired of that image Godzilla handling of chia Pet LOL!
Heheheh
France: " We searched throughly and didn't find anything."
Mr. Ronery: "Check is in mail."
GOD I wish Chia Pet was in Godzilla's mouth LOL!
Exit that funny hey add to you nicknames Freepers gave to Kim Jong 11 like
Little Kim
Roaney one
Chia Pet
Chia head
MR Roaney
Little misfit
Mini Me
Pick a nickname anyone it be add to FR Hall of Fame on nicknames of wacky dicators
"Dear Minky" (Peter Sellers voice)
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