DPRK'S KOMID PROCURING VEHICLE, PARTS VIA RUSSIA

S E C R E T STATE 077515 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2034 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL MNUC ETTC RS KN YM SUBJECT: DPRK'S KOMID PROCURING VEHICLE, PARTS VIA RUSSIA FOR BALLISTIC MISSILE PROJECT IN YEMEN (S) Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(C),AND (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Embassy Moscow, please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) Background/Objectives: The United States Government has information indicating that in April 2009, the Korea Mining Development General Trading Corporation (KOMID) and a North Korean broker in Moscow were working to procure a MAZ-543 engine and ZIL-131 truck, as well as parts for these vehicles from the Russian firm Stroimachintorg. Our information indicates that the items, after purchase by KOMID, would be shipped from Odessa, Ukraine, to Hodeidah, Yemen. We understand that this equipment will be used by KOMID to support a North Korean ballistic missile project in Yemen. MAZ-543 vehicles can be converted for use as transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) for Scud-based missile systems. ZIL-131 trucks can be used as Scud ground support equipment. ¶3. (S) KOMID was recently designated pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 for its role in North Korea's ballistic missile and military programs. Pursuant to that resolution, Russia must ensure that no economic resources are made available to designated entities by any persons or entities in Russia's territory. Moreover, on June 12, 2009, the UN adopted Security Council Resolution 1874, which includes a number of new measures to prevent proliferation and related activities by North Korea. We therefore want to urge Russian officials to investigate this activity and use all appropriate measures to prevent the export of this equipment to Yemen. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Moscow approach appropriate Russian authorities to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 5 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non- paper. ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET//REL RUSSIA) -- We would like to alert you to a matter of proliferation concern and request your assistance in investigating this activity. -- The United States has information that in April 2009, the Korea Mining Development General Trading Corporation (KOMID) and a North Korean broker in Moscow were working to procure a MAZ-543 engine and ZIL-131 truck, as well as parts for these vehicles from the Russian firm Stroimachintorg. -- Our information indicates that these items would be shipped from Odessa, Ukraine, to Hodeidah, Yemen, once the purchase arrangements had been finalized. -- We are bringing this to your attention because we understand that this equipment will be used by KOMID to support a North Korean ballistic missile project in Yemen. -- As you are aware, MAZ-543 vehicles can be converted for use as transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) for Scud-based missile systems. ZIL-131 trucks can be used as Scud ground support equipment. --KOMID was recently designated pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 for its role in North Korea's ballistic missile and military programs. --Pursuant to that resolution, Russia must ensure that no economic resources are made available to designated entities by any persons or entities in Russia's territory. --Moreover, as a result of continued North Korean provocations, including its May 25 nuclear test, the Security Council passed Resolution 1874, which imposes new measures to prevent proliferation and related activity by North Korea. -- We therefore urge you to investigate this activity and use all appropriate measures to prevent the export of this equipment to Yemen. --We also urge you to take all appropriate measures in accordance with paragraph 18 of UNSCR 1874 against North Korean entities, such as KOMID, which may be operating in Russia. -- We look forward to future cooperation on nonproliferation issues and to hearing of any actions your government takes in response to this information. End talking points/non-paper. ¶6. (U) Please contact ISN/MTR's John Paul Herrmann with any questions or follow-up issues related to this case (202-647-1430 - herrmannjp@state.sgov.gov) and slug reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR, EUR/RUS, and EUR/PRA. ¶7. (U) A word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. CLINTON