U.S. and Macau (2006)

U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 26, 2006

12:55 p.m. EDT

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: So North Korea -- can you confirm the reports that the Bank of China has frozen North Korea-related assets and also explain how that might be related to the U.S. sanctions against Banco Delta Asia and Macau?

MR. CASEY: Well, frankly, I would refer you to the Bank of China for why they took actions that they took. I've seen the same reports you have. I understand that they've frozen some assets in the Macau branch from the DPRK. Why did they do it? My understanding why they did it is the same reason any country takes actions against illicit financial activity, whether that's counterfeiting or money laundering or anything of its kind, but frankly, their decision. We certainly support their efforts as well as any country's efforts to protect the international financial system from counterfeiting and other illicit activities.

Okay. Thank you.

(The briefing was concluded at 1:20 p.m.)