WORLD : Bonn Probing Deals With Iraq
Germany today said it was investigating U.S. suspicions that German companies are violating trade sanctions against Iraq. One firm denied giving Iraq sensitive nuclear know-how and equipment.
The government confirmed a report that Washington has given it a list of German companies suspected of violating the U.N. embargo.
The magazine Der Spiegel reported that 50 German companies were on the list, compiled by U.S. intelligence sources. The magazine also said American intelligence has monitored Iraq’s telephone contacts with the outside world. The report did not identify its sources.
Government spokesman Dieter Vogel said that the U.S. allegations are being investigated but that no proof has been found of deliveries that violate the sanctions.
“It’s turned out the list at least partially concerns mistaken information,” said Vogel, who did not elaborate.
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