United Nations probing suspected North Korea violation...

The United Nations is reportedly investigating a suspected violation by North Korea of UN resolutions prohibiting the country from exporting weapons.

UN officials say the case involves the seizure by Greek authorities in November 2009 of ampoules of reagents believed to be related to chemical weapons. The shipment was found in a cargo ship bound for Syria that stopped at a Greek port.

The Greek government reported the case to the United Nations. The officials say a UN team of international experts have begun an investigation into the case.

Trade in weapons with North Korea is banned by UN resolutions adopted after North Korea's nuclear weapon tests in 2006 and 2009.

The resolutions require all UN member countries to report any moves suspected of being a violation.

North Korea and Syria have been accused of cooperating in nuclear and missile development. UN officials say the United Nations has evidence in a different case of weapon exports by North Korea.
(Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 2012-01-05)