Seized North Korean plane with weapons a 'serious matter' - Ban

Mon, 14 Dec 2009

New York - A North Korean cargo plane loaded with weapons and seized by Thai authorities in Bangkok is a "serious matter" requiring the attention of the UN Security Council, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Monday. Ban said the Thai government was expected to provide the 15-nation council in New York with information on the cargo plane. A Thai court on Monday ordered a 12-day detention period without bail for the five crew members.

The Russian-made IL76 cargo plane was seized by Thai authorities at Don Mueang Airport on Saturday after they discovered 35 tons of weapons. The plane originated from Pyongyang and landed in Bangkok for refueling. Its final destination was not revealed.

The UN council has imposed an arms and military equipment embargo on North Korea after it exploded a nuclear device in May this year. North Korea is also prohibited from dealing on nuclear material and important nuclear technology.