Japanese Cos. Linked to Illegal Exports of Goods Used to Make Nukes

[TexasLawyer]

Japanese Companies Linked to Illegal Exports of Goods Used to Make Nuclear Weapons
By Steve Herman
Tokyo
02 September 2006

An investigation in Japan is revealing more details about domestic manufacturers that exported equipment that can be used to make nuclear weapons. There is evidence that Japanese technology has aided nuclear programs in Libya, Iran and North Korea.

Manufacturers and trading companies in Japan have long been reported to be participants in the international black market in nuclear technology. The latest case, involving precision machinery maker Mitutoyo and a Iranian trading company in Tokyo, Seian, alleges that sensitive goods have been exported from Japan for two decades.

Mitutoyo makes sophisticated measurement tools essential for enriching uranium, which can be used for nuclear bombs. The International Atomic Energy Agency found one of its machines in a Libyan nuclear facility nearly three years ago.

Japanese news media say Mitutoyo's equipment was shipped through an international ring run by Pakistan's top nuclear scientist, Abdul Qadeer Khan, via such countries as China, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

<snip>

http://voanews.com/english/2006-09-02-voa9.cfm

[ShockediSay]

1. The nuclear war to end all wars; sooner or later

it's gotta happen, human nature being what it is.

[TexasLawyer]

2. "Axis of Evil"

Kinda makes you wonder how they come up with the list of Axis of Evil countries. Many countries have nuclear weapons and many countries have contributed to nuclear proliferation, especially Pakistan and Dr. Khan.

Yet some of these nations continue to be America's best buds, while others are sold as America's worst enemies.

[VegasWolf]

3. Maybe it's the "Axis of Oil"??? nt

[DavidDvorkin]

4. That's it! Time to nuke Japa--

Oh. Never mind.