The Times of India

FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2003

Japan arrests 4 for exporting missile tech to Iran

AP

TOKYO: Four people were arrested in Japan for allegedly exporting equipment
to Iran that could be used in the production of missiles, media reports said
on Thursday.

The suspects worked for a machine manufacturing company in Tokyo and include
the firm's 68-year-old president, according to Kyodo News agency and other
Japanese media.

The company is suspected of exporting without a license industrial grinders
that can be used in making solid fuel for rockets, the Japanese news agency
said, citing Tokyo Metropolitan Police sources.

A police spokesman refused to confirm or otherwise comment on the report.

Last month, about 10 firms in Japan were reportedly cautioned by Japan's
Trade Ministry to get proper permits after failed attempts to export to
North Korea high-tech items capable of use in weapons of mass destruction.

Japan has been a strong supporter of Washington's war on terror and attempts
to rein in the spread of weapons of mass destruction. North Korea, along
with Iraq, are countries fingered by US President George W Bush as weapons
proliferators.


Copyright © 2003 Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.