MFA Spokesman's Comments in response to media queries that a Singapore-registered company, Chinpo Shipping Company Pte Ltd, had facilitated payment for costs related to the voyage of the shipment of arms and related materiel bound for the DPRK from Cuba that was interdicted by Panama in July 2013

In response to media queries that a Singapore-registered company, Chinpo Shipping Company Pte Ltd, had facilitated payment for costs related to the voyage of the shipment of arms and related materiel bound for the DPRK from Cuba that was interdicted by Panama in July 2013, the MFA Spokesman said :

“In January this year, Singapore received information that a Singapore-registered company has been implicated in the shipment of arms and related materiel bound for the DPRK from Cuba that was interdicted by Panama in July 2013.

The Government of Singapore immediately launched an investigation of this case.  We are unable to share any further information at this juncture as our investigations are on-going.

Singapore takes a serious view of our obligations to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), their means of delivery and related materials.  As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore has given full effect in our domestic legislation to the measures prescribed by United Nations Security Council resolutions and will take action against any individuals and/or companies that flout these.  We have also extended our full cooperation on this matter, within our laws, to the Panel of Experts established pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 (2009) and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006).”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

15 FEBRUARY 2014