In response to media queries about the designation of Senat Shipping and Trading Private Limited and its president Leonard Lai by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control on 23 July 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman said:
“The Panel of Experts established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 (2009) to gather, examine and analyse information regarding the implementation of the measures imposed on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) pursuant to Security Council Resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013) and 2094 (2013), wrote to Senat Shipping and Trading Private Limited in September last year seeking information about its alleged links with the United Nations-sanctioned entity Ocean Maritime Management Company Ltd.
Subsequently, the Singapore authorities issued an advisory note to Senat reminding the company of its obligations under Singapore law to report any information on dealings with companies or nationals under United Nations sanctions. In particular, Senat was advised that it was under an ongoing duty to provide information to the Commissioner of Police under Regulation 14 of the United Nations (Sanctions – Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Regulations 2010.
To date, Senat has not responded to either the Singapore authorities or the UN Panel of Experts regarding these allegations.
Singapore takes a serious view of our obligations to prevent the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their means of delivery and related materials. While we do not implement unilateral sanctions imposed by other countries, we are bound by United Nations Security Council resolutions, including those on the DPRK.
MFA is working with relevant authorities to investigate if UN resolutions or Singapore laws have been breached in light of this new development. We will not hesitate to take action if it is warranted.”
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
25 JULY 2015