Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, September 6, 1993 TAG: 9309060082
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BEIJING LENGTH: Medium
Saudi inspectors completed a search of the freighter in the Saudi port of Damman, apparently without finding any suspect cargo, according to sources in Saudi Arabia who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Some chemicals were found among 628 containers aboard the 19,237-ton Yin He, but they didn't appear to be part of the consignment U.S. intelligence claimed was bound for Iran, the sources said Saturday.
The Foreign Ministry said in a long statement carried by the official Xinhua News Agency that no evidence of chemical weapons material was found in the search begun Aug. 28. It said U.S. and Saudi officials jointly signed a report to that effect. Neither U.S. nor Saudi officials have announced an end to the inspection.
"Recently, the United States has so often willfully brought pressure to bear on other countries on the grounds of its so-called `intelligence,' which was no more than hearsay or self-invented stories," China said.
"This is a show of hegemonism and power politics pure and simple," the statement said. "The Yin He incident is only one example in this regard. In the course of this incident, the United States has acted in an utterly indiscreet and irresponsible manner."
China demanded a public apology and compensation from the United States.
Washington claimed last month that the Yin He was carrying at least 24 containers of thiodiglycol and thionyl chloride bound for Iran. The chemicals can be used to make mustard gas and nerve toxins.
U.S. warships shadowed the freighter after it reached the Gulf Aug. 3. Washington initially insisted the Yin He be searched by U.S. warships. Beijing refused, but later agreed to let the Saudis conduct the search.
Last month, the United States, citing intelligence reports, imposed sanctions against China for its alleged sale of M-11 missiles or parts to Pakistan in violation of an international agreement to restrict proliferation of long-range missiles.
by CNB