'N. Korean embassy in Germany used for nuclear program'

By Lee Min-hyung

North Korea has secured components for its missile and nuclear development programs through its embassy in Germany, according to Germany’s intelligence chief.

“We determined that procurement activities have been carried out from there, and in our view, this is done with a view to the missile program and sometimes also for the nuclear program,” Hans-Georg Maassen, chief of Germany’s BfV intelligence agency, was quoted as telling a local broadcasting company.

He also reportedly said that the German authority took preventive measures, but has not been able to stop all the activities, at least for the time being.

“We cannot guarantee that we can detect and prevent this in all cases,” he said.

Nothing specific has been unveiled about how the North Korean Embassy in Berlin contacted traders or manufacturers involved in the missile and nuclear components industry.

The United Nations is intensifying pressure on the North to stop the regime from continuing to develop its ballistic and nuclear missiles.

Despite international economic and political sanctions, the regime shows no signs of ceasing research and development to enhance its defense and military ability.

According to a recent U.N. report, the North is teaming with countries, such as Syria and Myanmar, in trading military weapons and parts.

The report, obtained by overseas media, also noted that North Korean diplomats across the globe were at the center of the regime’s offensive weapons development programs.