Egypt defies UN embargo, buys weapons worth $23 million from North Korea

- Egypt defies UN embargo, buys weapons worth $23 million from North Korea.

- The weapons found include 30,000 rocket-propelled grenades from the cold war era.

- U.S planning to cut off aid to Egypt unless it genuinely cuts off trading ties with North Korea.
A United Nations inquiry has revealed that Egypt bought weapons from North Korea in what has been described as a clear violation of the recent embargo placed on the country (North Korea).

Following a tip to Egyptian officials in Cairo about a ship allegedly headed for North Korea, custom officials swarm in and intercepted the vessel. It was discovered that around 30,000 cold war rocket-propelled grenades had been hidden under bins of iron ore.

A UN report following an inquiry has now revealed that some Egyptian business executives had been involved in the illicit trade where around $23 million was paid for the said weapons on behalf of the Egyptian Military.

A statement from the Egyptian Embassy in Washington pointed to Egypt's "transparency" and cooperation with U.N. officials in finding and destroying the contraband.

"Egypt will continue to abide by all Security Council resolutions and will always be in conformity with these resolutions as they restrain military purchases from North Korea," the statement said.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump recently withheld a $290 million aid to Egypt stating that this was the time for them to pick sides between the U.S. and North Korea.

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