UNITED NATIONS • North Korea has been shipping supplies to the Syrian government that could be used in the production of chemical weapons, United Nations experts contend.

They include acid-resistant tiles, valves and thermometers.

North Korean missile technicians have also been spotted working at known chemical weapons and missile facilities inside Syria, according to the report, which was written by a panel of experts who looked at North Korea's compliance with UN sanctions.

The report highlights the potential danger posed by any such trade between Syria and North Korea, which could allow Syria to maintain its chemical weapons while also providing Pyongyang with cash for its nuclear and missile programmes.

The possible chemical weapons components were part of at least 40 previously unreported shipments by North Korea to Syria between 2012 and 2017 of prohibited ballistic missile parts and materials that could be used for both military and civilian purposes.

NYTIMES