On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney was questioned by CBS’ Bill Plante on the North Korean ship carrying hidden 'missile equipment' which was detained after leaving Cuba. Carney dodged the question and refused to criticize either nation, saying an investigation is currently taking place to find out what was on the ship:
Q: Is the U.S. upset with Cuba for sending missile parts, apparently, to North Korea?
MR. CARNEY: What can I tell you about that? I think, as you heard from our colleagues at the State Department yesterday, the United States commends the actions that the government of Panama took in this case. And Panama, as you know, has a very important responsibility to ensure that the Panama Canal is utilized for safe and legal commerce, and has consistently shown that it takes that responsibility seriously.
Panama is a close partner of the United States and we will carefully consider any requests for assistance. Efforts to determine exactly what was on the ship that you mentioned are ongoing, and it will take time to confirm all of the details.
Q: (Inaudible) -- said that they're sending missile parts to be refurbished.
MR. CARNEY: Well, again, I -- there is an effort underway to determine exactly what was on the ship. And if it is determined that materials found onboard the vessel violate U.N. sanctions, sanctions enforcement would be handled through a United Nations process. And if that eventuality presents itself, I'd refer you to the State Department and USUN for additional details and information on next steps.
Q: You don't want to get involved in criticizing Cuba, it looks like.
MR. CARNEY: I think that we don't want to get ahead of a process that's underway to determine what exactly was on the ship. And then if it's determined that materials found onboard that vessel violate sanctions, then the body that levied the sanctions, the United Nations, would handle enforcement matters.