WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- A North Korean ship, believed to be carrying banned weapons or technology, is under U.S. surveillance in the Pacific Ocean, a U.S. official told CNN.
The North Korean-flagged ship, identified as the Kang Nam, has carried "proliferation materials" in the past and is known to be a "repeat offender," the CNN report said, quoting sources.
A recent U.N. Security Council resolution passed in response to North Korea's May 25 nuclear test does not permit forcible boarding of a suspect North Korean ship, but allows for a permission request to search it. The resolution also allows for any country where the suspect ship docks to inspect it for any illicit items.
At a news conference Thursday, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff -- without any reference to the Kang Nam -- said the United States would not forcibly board a North Korean ship but would request permission to search it or press for its inspection at any port where it stops, the report said.
