New U.S. Sanctions Aim at North Korean Elite

[Elmore Furth]

Source: NY Times

By MARK LANDLER
Published: August 30, 2010

WASHINGTON — The latest target for the United States, as it tries to tighten the screws on North Korea, is a shadowy party organization, known as Office 39, which raises hard currency to buy fine liquor, exotic food and luxury cars for cronies of North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-il.

N. Korea Confirms Leader’s China Trip (August 31, 2010) The Obama administration on Monday singled out Office 39 as one of several North Korean entities that it says are engaged in illicit activity — fleshing out new sanctions that were first announced in July by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during a visit to South Korea.

Under a new executive order, the United States will try to choke off the flow of luxury goods into North Korea, which officials say Mr. Kim uses to buy the loyalty of the political elite, as well as the sale of conventional weapons by the North. The Treasury Department also designated entities suspected of trafficking in nuclear technology, using existing authority.

“We need to send a signal to the North that provocative behavior will not go unpunished,” said Robert J. Einhorn, the State Department’s special adviser on arms control and nonproliferation issues. “They are not directed at the people of North Korea, but at their leaders.”


Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/31/world/asia/31diplo.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

[RandomThoughts]

1. Actually that is how it always works.

It is the same in the USA or Europe or even in theologies and companies.

Control forces always go after leaders, because control forces are so limited in power.

But if they can get leaders, or pick who leaders are, and have a hiarical society, they can still control many people.

[John Kerry VonErich]

2. Gee, that'll work

We'll write a letter and tell you how very angry we are at you!

:sarcasm: