US takes tough line on Macau bank ties with NKorea (Reuters)

US takes tough line on Macau bank ties with NKorea
03 Nov 2006 02:14:50 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - A U.S. investigation has confirmed
evidence of illicit activity by North Korea and the Macau bank it
deals with, officials said on Thursday, raising possible complications
for new nuclear talks with Pyongyang.

The U.S. Treasury Department reaffirmed its tough line on Banco
Delta Asia, the Macau bank identified as a "primary money laundering
concern" in 2005 because of involvement with Pyongyang's accounts.

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She declined to answer questions, but another U.S. official told
Reuters that Treasury was moving toward a final determination the bank
was a "primary money-laundering concern" under the Patriot Act passed
after the Sept. 11 attacks.

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That could make it harder to achieve progress in six-country nuclear
talks North Korea said on Tuesday it agreed to resume because Washington
promised to discuss the U.S.-led crackdown that Pyongyang says drove
it from the negotiating table.

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