U.S. slaps sanctions on 2 N. Korean shipping firms

 The United States imposed sanctions on two North Korean shipping firms
on Wednesday after a cargo ship from the communist nation was caught
transporting missiles and other items from Cuba last year in violation of U.N.
resolutions.

The Department of the Treasury announced the sanctions,
saying Chongchongang Shipping Co. is the operator of the once-seized freighter
Chong Chon Gang and Ocean Maritime Management Co. played a key role in
having the ship's crew lie about the cargo and providing false documents to
Panamanian authorities.

WASHINGTON, July 30 (Yonhap)