VISIT TO THE UAE BY REPRESENTATIVE OF NORTH

S E C R E T STATE 081224 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/28/2033 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL IR AE SUBJECT: VISIT TO THE UAE BY REPRESENTATIVE OF NORTH KOREA'S KOMID (S) REF: 00 STATE 68398 Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM. REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D). ¶1. This is an action request. Embassy Abu Dhabi, please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) Background/Objective: In June 2008, North Korea's primary weapons trading firm, Korean Mining Development Corporation (KOMID),was working to acquire a visa so that its representative could travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This individual has been associated with KOMID's assistance to Iran's missile program, and in light of KOMID's past missile-related assistance to the UAE, we are concerned that this person's travel to the UAE could pose proliferation risks. We therefore want to share this information with UAE authorities and ask them to investigate this activity. We also want to request that the UAE provide us with any available details regarding the purpose of this delegation's visit to the UAE. ¶3. (S) Additional Background/For Post Only: The 1999 transfer of Missile Technology Control Regime Category I Scud ballistic missiles and related equipment from North Korea to the UAE triggered a review under the U.S. missile sanctions laws. As a result of this review, the USG determined on April 6, 2000 that sanctionable activity took place requiring the imposition of sanctions on North Korea's Changgwang Sinyong Corporation (now known as KOMID) and the UAE's Armed Forces General Headquarters. However, the USG further decided, as permitted under the law, that it was essential to the national security of the United States to waive these sanctions against the UAE entity. The decision to waive sanctions was made based on assurances provided the USG by then UAE Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mohammed bin Zayid (MBZ) on behalf of the UAE government (UAEG). Specifically, MBZ affirmed the USG's understanding that the UAE missile force consists of fewer than 30 missiles, roughly half Scud C and half Scud B, and that the UAEG is committed to: a) not acquire any additional ballistic missiles capable of delivering a payload of at least 500 kg to a range of at least 300 km; b) not upgrade the range/payload capability of the missiles the UAE currently possesses; c) not possess unconventional warheads or weapons of mass destruction; and d) not conclude any new missile technology or arms deals with North Korea. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Abu Dhabi approach appropriate UAE authorities to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 4 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper. ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET//UNITED ARAB EMIRATES) -- We would like to raise with you a matter of potential proliferation concern involving your government and North Korea. -- The U.S. has information that in June 2008, North Korea's primary weapons trading firm, the Korean Mining Development Corporation (KOMID) was working to acquire a visa so that its representatives could travel to the UAE. -- The KOMID representative attempting to travel to the UAE is O Song Ho (passport number 554420560). -- We understand the individual seeking a visa has been associated with KOMID's assistance to Iran's missile program, and we are concerned that he could be traveling to the UAE to promote missile-related cooperation between KOMID and your government. -- In light of our long-standing concerns regarding the activities of KOMID, we urge you to immediately investigate this information. We would appreciate learning any details you can provide about the purpose of this delegation's visit to the UAE. -- We look forward to hearing from you soon and to continuing cooperation on this and other nonproliferation matters. End talking points/non-paper ¶6. (U) Washington POC is ISN/MTR James Mayes (Phone: 202-647-3185). Please slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR. ¶7. (U) A word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. RICE