US slaps sanctions on N.Korea, Russian firms

The United States has imposed sanctions against seven companies from North Korea, Russia, India and Cuba for their alleged arms dealings with Iran, a State Department official said on Friday.

The official, who spoke on condition he not be named, said the sanctions were imposed after the United States obtained "credible information" that the companies had transferred equipment or materials to Iran since January 1, 1999.

"The sanctions apply to the specific entities and their successors, sub-units or subsidiaries and not to their respective countries or governments," said the official.

The Federal Register said the sanctions were imposed as these firms had passed on equipment or technology to Iran that could contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction or cruise or ballistic missile systems.

The sanctioned companies were listed as the Korean Mining and Industrial Development Corporation and the Korea Pugan Trading Corporation of North Korea. The Russian firms were listed as state-owned arms export firm Rosoboronexport and warplane maker Sukhoi.

The Indian firms were Balaji Amines and Prachi Poly Products while the Cuban company was identified as the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.

Russia strongly condemned the move.

"This is a clearly illegitimate attempt to make foreign companies work by internal American rules," said a Russian government statement.

Under the restrictions, no U.S. government agency may enter into a deal with the companies on the list.

The sanctions will be in place at least until July 28, 2008, and are in effect immediately.

"A new determination will be made in the event that circumstances change in such a manner as to warrant a change in the duration of sanctions," said the Federal Register.