‘Libya uranium came from North Korea’

Scientific tests have led American intelligence agencies and government scientists to conclude with near certainty that North Korea sold processed uranium to Libya, bolstering earlier indications that the reclusive state had exported sensitive fuel for atomic weapons, according to officials with access to the intelligence.

The determination, which has circulated among senior government officials in recent weeks, has touched off a hunt to determine if North Korea has also sold uranium to other nations, including Iran and Syria. So far, there is no evidence such additional transactions took place. Nonetheless, the conclusion about the uranium transfer to Libya could alter Washington’s debate on North Korea’s nuclear threat.

Libya surrendered its huge cask of uranium hexaflouride to the US when it dismantled its nuclear programme last year. Officials say extensive testing concluded the material did not originate in Pakistan or other suspect countries, and one official said ‘‘with a certainty of 90 per cent or better, this stuff’s from North Korea.’’ —NYT