The U.S. government voiced strong support Tuesday for Panama's move to interdict a North Korean cargo ship allegedly carrying missile system parts.
"The United States strongly supports Panama's decision to inspect the DPRK (North Korea) flagged vessel," State Department deputy spokesman Patrick Ventrell said at a press briefing.
The 14,000-ton Chong Chon Gang was attempting to cross the Panama Canal apparently on its way from Cuba to North Korea, with the suspected goods hidden under sacks of sugar, according to local authorities.
Based on an analysis of a related photo, London-based IHS Jane's Defence Weekly magazine said the cargo was equipment for a fire-control radar system used for surface-to-air missiles.
The U.S. department was cautious about the specifics of the shipment.
"It's going to take some time to confirm the details of this case, but that kind of export would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions," Ventrell said.
North Korea is subject to a strict ban on arms trafficking under resolutions adopted after its missile and nuclear tests. Washington said it is willing to help the investigation.
"Panama, as you know, is a close partner of the United States, and we stand ready to cooperate with Panama should they request our assistance," Ventrell said. (Yonhap)