U.S. imposes sanctions on 2 new N. Korean entities

미, 북 노동자 해외송출 기업 제재…돈줄 차단하며 중•러 경고The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on two North Korean companies.The move is an attempt to further stifle the regime's weapons development programs.Lee Seung-jae reports.In a move aimed at stamping out North Korea's weapons programs,... the U.S. Department of the Treasury on Thursday added two North Korean entities to its list of entities subject to sanctions.According to an update posted on the department's website,... they are Pyeongyang-based Korea Cholsan General Trading Corporation,... and Mokran Limited Liability Company based in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.The Treasury Department says both companies are engaged in "construction of other civil engineering projects" said to be involved in "forced labor" by sending North Korean workers to Russia.The department noted that both had "engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for the exportation of forced labor from North Korea, including exportation to generate revenue for the Government of North Korea or Workers Party of Korea."The companies are the latest in a long list of firms and organizations that have been sanctioned by the U.S.,... for what Washington alleges is an abusive policy of sending North Koreans to work abroad to earn foreign currency for the regime.Most of the salaries they make is taken by the regime for nefarious purposes.The sanctions freeze any assets the companies might hold under U.S. jurisdiction,... and ban American companies and individuals doing business with them.Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.