U.S. CONCERNED OVER BW WEAPONS - Egypt, Iran, Libya and Syria.

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States has becoming increasingly concerned
that so-called rogue states will be able to install biological warheads on a
range of missiles.

U.S. officials said a range of Middle East countries are seeking to acquire
or develop technology to install biological weapons on Scud-class short- and
medium-range missiles. They said these programs have been launched in such
countries as Egypt, Iran, Libya and Syria.

North Korea, the officials said, has been a major supplier of technology and
components for the BW programs of several Middle East countries. They said a
biological warhead could solve problems inherent in extending the range of
Scud-class missiles.

"I am especially worried about two things: biological weapons and missiles,"
Assistant Secretary of State for Verification and Compliance Paula DeSutter
said. "Those are the two areas that stand out."
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