WASHINGTON, March 26: The United States on Thursday accused North Korea of seeking to sell surface-to-surface missiles to Myanmar's military government.

Matthew Daley, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, told a congressional panel the United States had raised its "concerns" with Myanmar over such moves.

"We have reason to believe that the DPRK has offered surface-to-surface missiles" to Myanmar, Mr Daley said. "We have raised this issue of possible missile transfers with senior Burmese officials and registered our concerns in unambiguous language," he told US lawmakers.

"Although Burmese officials have indicated that they have not accepted offers of such weapons systems, we will continue to monitor the situation and will deal with it vigorously and rapidly."

North Korea and the junta in Yangon already have what Daley called "a military and trade" relationship. Mr Daley said Washington was also aware "that the Burmese regime is interested in acquiring a nuclear research reactor." But he said news reports of "construction activities are not well founded." -AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...