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