Deciphering Rumors of Burma's Nuclear Ambitions
U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-Va.) postponed his planned visit to Burma following fresh allegations that Burma may have received an arms shipment from North Korea. “This development comes on the heels of recent statements by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell charging that Burma may be in violation of a U.N. arms embargo on North Korea,” says Suzanne DiMaggio, Asia Society’s Director of Policy Studies. “Some reports have indicated that the arms trade between Burma and North Korea may include a nuclear technology component, as well as technical assistance with tunnel construction for protecting the ruling generals’ military assets. Burma’s military leaders reportedly have given assurances to several governments that it will not abrogate its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and rumors of Burma’s nuclear weapons aspirations re main murky. Nonetheless, these rumors are unsettling to Burma’s neighbors and threaten to introduce a new source of instability into the region."
Suzanne, who is based in New York, is Director of Asia Society’s Task Force on U.S. Policy toward Burma/Myanmar. To arrange an interview, contact the Asia Society communications department at 212-327-9271 or [email protected].