US blacklists Myanmar general for DPRK arms deals

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-7-2 23:41:07

The Obama administration on Tuesday slapped sanctions on a Myanmar general for his involvement in trade of arms to the Southeast Asian nation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The move against Lt. General Thein Htay, the head of Myanmar's Directorate of Defense Industries (DDI), bars Americans from doing business with him and freezes all of his assets under US jurisdiction, the Department of Treasury said.

Thein Htay, 57, was blacklisted under an executive order targeting those involved in arms trading between the DPRK and Myanmar. He was also accused of acting on DDI, which was designated in July 2012 for purchasing military equipment and material from the DPRK.

"Thein Htay has disregarded international requirements to stop purchasing military goods from North Korea, the revenues from which directly support North Korea's illicit activities," David Cohen, under secretary of Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.

The Treasury said the government of Myanmar was not targeted in the action, as it has continued to take "positive steps" in severing its military ties with the DPRK.

The Obama administration has eased sanctions on Myanmar and sent back an ambassador in response to the reforms undertaken in Myanmar in the past few years.

Posted in: Americas

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