U.S. to Target Companies that Aid Proliferation

U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to give the Treasury Department authority to seize assets of companies suspected of helping Iran, Syria and North Korea build their nuclear weapons programs, the Wall Street Journal reported today (see GSN, Sept. 3, 2003).

The authority would be much like powers used against companies suspected of financially supporting terrorists.

The presidential order would initially affect fewer than 12 companies, some of which are believed to be fronts for the nations. Other targets are engaged in direct trade with Syria, Iran or North Korea, according to the Journal.

Under existing powers, the government can bar federal agencies from making purchases from businesses thought to be supporting WMD programs (Carla Anne Robbins, Wall Street Journal, June 23). 

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