Tuesday, January 3, 2012

North Korea and Iran have been exchanging ballistic missile technology

Iran, N Korea 'trading missile technology'
Leaked UN report says countries exchanged ballistic missile technology in violation of UN sanctions.
14 May 2011 23:13
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/05/2011514223248385833.html

A leaked UN report says North Korea and Iran have been exchanging ballistic missile technology in violation of UN sanctions, according to the Reuters news agency.

"Prohibited ballistic missile-related items are suspected to have been transferred between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Islamic Republic of Iran on regular scheduled flights of Air Koryo and Iran Air," the report said on Saturday.

It said the illicit technology transfers had "trans-shipment through a neighbouring third country." That country was China, several diplomats told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

"For the shipment of cargo, like arms and related material, whose illicit nature would become apparent on any cursory physical inspection, (North) Korea seems to prefer chartered cargo flights," it said.

The report was submitted to the Security Council by a UN panel of experts, a group that monitors compliance with UN sanctions imposed on Pyongyang after it conducted two nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.

The UN sanctions included a ban on trade in nuclear and missile technology with North Korea, as well as an arms embargo. They also banned trade with a number of North Korean firms and called for asset freezes and travel bans on some North Korean individuals.

Several Security Council diplomats said China was unhappy about the report and might not agree to release it to the public. At the moment, only the 15 council members have official access to the document.

One of the independent experts on the panel is from China and diplomats said he never endorsed the report.

Beijing has prevented the publication of expert panel reports on North Korea and Sudan in the past. Earlier this week, Russia took similar steps to suppress an equally damning UN expert panel report on Iran.

The spokesman for China's UN mission was not available for comment.

Non-proliferation efforts

Further evidence of Iran's cooperation with North Korea on missile technology came during a military parade in October 2010, the report said, when North Korea displayed a new warhead for its Nodong missile.

The warhead had "a strong design similarity with the Iranian Shahab-3 triconic warhead."

The report said the possibility of exports of weapons-grade nuclear material from North Korea or nuclear technology to other countries remained a concern and presented "new challenges to international non-proliferation efforts."

US, Israeli and European governments have said that North Korea was helping Syria build a nuclear reactor that Israel destroyed in 2007. Damascus denies the charge, which is being investigated by the UN nuclear watchdog.

In its report, the panel said North Korea's uranium enrichment problem, which Pyongyang says is for civilian purposes, was "primarily for military purposes."

It added that North Korea "should be compelled to abandon its uranium enrichment programme and that all aspects of the programme should be placed under international monitoring."

Iranian regime now have Ballistic Missiles

Threat Alert

12/10/2011 - Iranian Regime Seeks North Korea's Help To Activate Ballistic Missiles

Breaking News: Iranian regime calls on North Korean missile experts to help with activation of their ballistic missiles. North Koreans stand in alert mode to activate six DF-31 ballistic missiles on Iranian soil.

After years of heavy concentration on the development of long-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has practically failed to produce the weapon while incurring significant and irreversible costs. The first long-range missile contract took place with China providing IRGC with a fleet of eleven 3000-kilometer-range DF-3A missiles. However, in 2009 while entangled with growing tensions between Iran and the international community and the loss of legitimacy at home, just as with many of its military or non-military issues, IRGC entered into ‘special’ talks with China that led to an $11-billion-dollar contract for Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles and 40-ton DF-31 missiles with 7000-kilometer range and the capacity to carry nuclear warheads.

Based on the terms of the contract, China accepted the responsibility for designing certain missiles and the training of Iranian experts, as well as the transportation of fleet consisting of six Ballistic missiles, six activation units and forty explosive containers and the delivery of the ready-to-assemble components to the IRGC who will in turn montage them in their military industry. The explosive containers were meant for a time when the missile-building process had reached a point where the use of these explosives alone would be deemed sufficient.

The missiles were delivered in late 2010, yet much of IRGC’s attempts at operating the enormous fleet, proved to be an exercise in futility. Moreover, as the tensions over Iran’s nuclear program began to mount, the Chinese announced their inability to further aid Iran in its military activity “unless” the Iranians find a way of circumventing the sanctions and paying them several billion dollars.

It is noteworthy however, that these particular ballistic missiles, which were built in 1960’s in Russia, have consistently experienced technical problems-- specifically two major flaws. First of all, they were designed and built before the era of precision in satellite surveillance, and are only mobile up until their installation. Therefore, once installed on the launching platform ( which often takes three days to accomplish) they cannot be moved, and are hence easily and quickly detectable by satellite radars.

Secondly, it is their solid fuel and new components added over time which make the main trigger system incompatible with standard design and the missile’s electronic apparatus, which is the reason why countries such as Russia and China have systematically removed these missiles from their military system. It has been reported that to date at least six missile explosions similar to the recent incident in Tehran’s military base have occurred in China. Interestingly enough, China has long since corrected the technical problems in these missiles and moved on to the more modern and sophisticated continental-range missiles.

Based on reports by Green Experts of Iran, to repair the core technical problems with the fleet of missiles, a delegation of Chinese and North Korean experts traveled to Iran nine months ago and agreed that, in exchange for $7 billion, it will deliver to Iran the necessary hardware as well as the installation technology and training via North Koreans-- who are not bound by the same diplomatic and military obligations that restrict China-Iran relations. In addition, North Koreans and Iranian Revolutionary Guards agreed to set up a joint base in order to expand their mutual activities. The initial part of Iran-Korea contract is set to cost approximately $3 billion.

Based on the contract, North Korea has agreed to develop and enhance Iran’s fleet of missiles and, in collaboration with China, to provide services necessary to protect the missiles from possible attacks and possible replication and reproduction of them. They have also agreed to be present in Iran and activate the missiles at times of crisis. Following the recent explosions in Tehran’s military missile base, the mounting tensions between the international community and Iran, and the state of alert called for all military units, there was a meeting between the North Korean officials and commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards calling for the North Korean missile experts to be stationed in Iran and stand by ready to install and activate the DF-31 ballistic missiles in Iran, by December 10, 2011. CNN

First source: http://www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org/Alert_threat.aspx?news_id=3717

Second source: CNN iReport

Iranian Regime Seeks North Korea's Help To Activate
Ballistic Missiles
By Utkanos
Posted December 10, 2011 Tehran, Iran

CNN PRODUCER NOTE: (The following is a translation of a report by Green Correspondents of Iran. A link to the Farsi-language original can be found below)

Breaking News: Iranian regime calls on North Korean missile experts to help with activation of their ballistic missiles.

North Koreans stand in alert mode to activate six DF-31 ballistic missiles on Iranian soil.

Source:http://www.greencorrespondents.com/2011/12/blog-post_8424.html

Monday, January 2, 2012

Keystone to provide jobs and stimulate economy

Independent Study Finds Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion to
Stimulate More Than $20 Billion in New Spending For U.S. Economy



Calgary, Alberta – June 17, 2010 – An independent economic study finds that construction of
the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Pipeline project should provide significant, positive
contributions to the U.S. economy valued at over $20 billion.

The Perryman Group study also states that the proposed pipeline project should improve U.S.
energy security with the ongoing benefit to the U.S. economy of a more stable source of
consistent energy supply over an extended period of time.

The study estimates that during construction, the $7 billion pipeline project is expected to
stimulate:
• More than $20 billion in new spending for the U.S. economy
• More than 118,000 person-years of employment
• An increase of $6.5 billion in the personal income of Americans
• Increased gross output (product) of $9.6 billion
• More than $585 million in state and local taxes in the states along the pipeline route
The study further concluded that once the pipeline is operational, the states along the pipeline
route are expected to receive an additional $5.2 billion in property taxes during the operating life
of the pipeline.
The study also highlights the significant ongoing benefit to the U.S. economy of a more stable,
consistent and reliable supply of oil. When completed, the Keystone Pipeline System is
expected to provide five per cent of current U.S. petroleum-consumption needs and represent
nine per cent of U.S. petroleum imports. Once permitted and completed, the Keystone Gulf
Coast Expansion project will supply roughly half the amount of oil that the U.S. currently imports
from the Middle East or Venezuela.
The Perryman study conservatively estimated the permanent increase in stable oil supplies the
Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion pipeline creates will add more than 250,000 permanent jobs for
U.S. workers and add more than $100 billion in annual total expenditures to the U.S. economy.
These figures assume that oil prices remain stable at the “2007 average price per barrel of
$66.52.” On the other hand, “If high oil prices prevail, the effect of the increase in stable oil
supplies” is even more pronounced, adding as many as 553,000 permanent jobs and an annual
increase in total expenditures of $221 billion to the U.S. economy. (Note: for the high oil price
scenario, The Perryman Group “used prices equal to the peak cost per barrel reached during
the summer of 2008 of approximately $147.)
The project received approval in March 2010 from both the South Dakota Public Utility
Commission and the National Energy Board in Canada for the proposed Keystone expansion.
Construction is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2011 with deliveries of crude oil to the
U.S. Gulf Coast expected to start in the first quarter of 2013.
When completed, the expansion project will increase the commercial capacity of the Keystone
Pipeline System from 590,000 barrels per day to approximately 1.1 million barrels per day. The
$12 billion system is 83 percent subscribed with long-term, binding contracts that include
commitments of 910,000 barrels per day for an average term of approximately 18 years.
Commercial operation of the first phase of the Keystone system is expected to commence in the
summer of 2010.
The Keystone expansion project is a planned 1,959-mile (3,134-kilometre), 36-inch crude oil
pipeline stretching from Hardisty, Alberta and moving southeast through Saskatchewan,
Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. It will link up with a portion of the Keystone Pipeline that
will be built through Kansas to Cushing, Oklahoma and facilitate take away capacity from US
hubs located on the pipeline. The pipeline will then continue on through Oklahoma to a delivery
point near existing terminals in Nederland, Texas to serve the Port Arthur, Texas marketplace.
To view a map of the proposed pipeline route and obtain a copy of the study, please visit the
project web page at www.transcanada.com/keystone
With more than 50 years’ experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development
and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and oil
pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada’s network of wholly owned
natural gas pipelines extends more than 60,000 kilometres (37,000 miles), tapping into virtually
all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent’s largest
providers of gas storage and related services with approximately 380 billion cubic feet of
storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns, or has interests
in, over 11,700 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada
is developing one of North America’s largest oil delivery systems. TransCanada’s common
shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. For more
information visit: www.transcanada.com
TransCanada Forward-Looking Information
This news release may contain certain information that is forward looking and is subject to
important risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "should",
"estimate", "project", "outlook", "forecast" or other similar words are used to identify such
forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to
provide TransCanada securityholders and potential investors with information regarding
TransCanada and its subsidiaries, including management’s assessment of TransCanada’s and
its subsidiaries’ future financial and operations plans and outlook. Forward-looking statements
in this document may include, among others, statements regarding the anticipated business
prospects and financial performance of TransCanada and its subsidiaries, expectations or
projections about the future, and strategies and goals for growth and expansion. All forwardlooking
statements reflect TransCanada’s beliefs and assumptions based on information
available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those
predicted in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events
to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the ability of TransCanada
to successfully implement its strategic initiatives and whether such strategic initiatives will yield
the expected benefits, the operating performance of TransCanada’s pipeline and energy assets,
the availability and price of energy commodities, capacity payments, regulatory processes and
decisions, changes in environmental and other laws and regulations, competitive factors in the
pipeline and energy sectors, construction and completion of capital projects, labour, equipment
and material costs, access to capital markets, interest and currency exchange rates,
technological developments and the current economic conditions in North America. By its
nature, forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could
cause TransCanada's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated
results or expectations expressed. Additional information on these and other factors is available
in the reports filed by TransCanada with Canadian securities regulators and with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Readers are cautioned to not place undue
reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this
news release or otherwise, and to not use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for
anything other than their intended purpose. TransCanada undertakes no obligation to update
publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise, except as required by law.
- 30 -
Media Enquiries: Cecily Dobson/Terry Cunha 403.920.7859 -- 800.608.7859
Investor & Analyst Enquiries: David Moneta/ Terry Hook 403.920.7911 -- 800.361.6522

Find the facts at: http://www.transcanada.com/5494.html

Approve Keystone for U.S. Energy Security

An independent economic study finds that construction of the
Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Pipeline project should provide
significant, positive contributions to U.S. energy security and the
U.S. economy valued at over $20 billion. The Perryman Group
study states that the proposed pipeline project should improve
U.S. energy security with the ongoing benefit to the U.S. economy
of a more stable source of consistent energy supply over an
extended period of time.
Creating Economic Growth
The study further concluded that once the pipeline is operational, the
states along the pipeline route are expected to receive an additional
$5.2 billion in property taxes during the estimated operating life of
the pipeline. The $7 billion pipeline project is expected to directly
create more than 15,000 high-wage manufacturing jobs and
construction jobs in 2011-2012 across the U.S., stimulating significant
additional economic activity.
Strengthening U.S. Energy Security
The study also highlights the significant ongoing benefit to the
U.S. economy of a more stable, consistent and reliable supply of
oil. When completed, the Keystone Pipeline System is expected
to provide five per cent of current U.S. petroleum-consumption
needs and represent nine per cent of U.S. petroleum imports. Once
permitted and completed, the Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion
project will supply roughly half the amount of oil that the U.S.
currently imports from the Middle East or Venezuela.

Kansas
• $683 million in new spending for the Kansas economy
• More than 6,700 person years of employment
• Increased personal income by $376 million
• Additional state and local tax revenues of more than $17 million
• $486 million in increased Gross State Product
South Dakota
• $470 million in new spending for the South Dakota economy
• More than 5,100 person years of employment
• Increased personal income by $319 million
• Additional state and local tax revenues of more than $10 million
• $389 million in increased Gross State Product
More than $20 billion in new spending for the
U.S economy
More than 13,000 jobs during
construction of the pipeline
An increased $6.5 billion in the personal income
of Americans
www.transcanada.com
Montana
• $421 million in new spending for the
Montana economy
• More than 5,500 person years of employment
• Increased personal income by $286 million
• Additional state and local tax revenues of
more than $8.9 million
• $349 million in increased Gross State Product
Texas
• $2.3 billion in new spending for the
Texas economy
• More than 50,300 person years of employment
• Increased personal income of $1.6 billion
• Additional state and local tax revenues of
more than $48 million
• $1.9 billion in increased Gross State Product
Nebraska
• More than $465 million in new spending for
the Nebraska economy
• More than 7,500 person years of employment
• Increased personal income by $314 million
• Additional state and local tax revenues of
more than $11 million
• $390 million in increased Gross State Product
Oklahoma
• $1.2 billion in new spending for the Oklahoma economy
• More than 14,400 person years of employment
• Increased personal income by $874 million
• Additional state and local tax revenues of more than $25 million
• More than $1billion in increased Gross State Product

Fact on the Keystone Pipeline System

Keystone Pipeline System

An innovative and cost-competitive solution to a growing
North American demand for energy, the Keystone Pipeline
System will link a reliable and stable source of Canadian
crude oil with U.S. demand. Upon completion, the
Keystone Pipeline System will be comprised of the 2,151-
mile (3,461-kilometre) Keystone Pipeline and the proposed
1,661-mile (2,673-kilometre) Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion
Project (Keystone XL). TransCanada affiliates will build and
operate the Keystone Pipeline System in four phases.
Keystone Pipeline (Phase I)

Originating at Hardisty, Alta., Keystone Phase I transports
crude oil to U.S. Midwest markets at Wood River and
Patoka, Ill. Keystone Phase I began commercial operation
in June 2010.

The Canadian portion of Keystone Phase I involved the
conversion of approximately 537 miles (864 kilometres)
of existing TransCanada pipeline in Saskatchewan and
Manitoba from natural gas to crude oil transmission
service. Along with the construction of 16 pump stations
and approximately 232 miles (373 kilometres) of new
pipeline in Canada, new facilities were also required
at the Keystone Hardisty Terminal, including: three
operational storage tanks, an initiating pump station,
and interconnections with existing pipeline systems in the
Hardisty area.

The U.S. portion of the Keystone Pipeline included the
construction of 1,084 miles (1,744 kilometres) of new, 30-
inch diameter pipeline and 23 pump stations throughout
North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois.
Keystone Cushing Extension (Phase II)
Measuring approximately 298 miles (480 kilometres) in
length, Keystone Phase II is an extension of Keystone Phase
I from Steele City, Neb., to Cushing, Okla.

Construction of the 36-inch diameter pipeline was
completed in 2010, connecting Keystone Phase I to
storage and distribution facilities at Cushing, a major
crude oil marketing/refining and pipeline hub. In addition,
Keystone Phase II included the construction of four new
pump stations as well as an expansion of additional
pumping units for 22 of the 23 pump stations built as part
of Phase I in the United States.

In Canada, Phase II also included the construction of seven
new pump stations and additional pumping units for seven
of the 16 initial pump stations built to support Phase I.
Keystone Phase II commenced commercial operation in
February 2011.

Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion (Phases III and IV)
The proposed Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project is a 1,661-
mile (2,673-kilometre), 36-inch crude oil pipeline that would begin
at Hardisty, Alta. and extend southeast through Saskatchewan,
Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. It will incorporate the 298-
mile (480-kilometre) portion of Keystone Phase II through Nebraska
and Kansas to serve markets at Cushing, Okla. Keystone Phase III will
continue south from Cushing to a delivery point near terminals in
Nederland, Texas to serve the Port Arthur, Texas marketplace.
Construction of Keystone Phase III would be built first and would include
435 miles (700 kilometres) of new pipeline in Oklahoma and Texas.
Construction of Keystone Phase IV would follow with approximately 327
miles (526 kilometres) of new pipeline through Canada. The pipeline
would then extend south approximately 852 miles (1,371 kilometres)
through Montana and South Dakota to Steele City, Neb.

Also proposed is an approximate 47-mile (76 kilometre) pipeline to
transport crude oil from Liberty County, Texas to the Houston, Texas area.
The proposed Project will also require new facilities at the Keystone
Hardisty Terminal, including: three operational storage tanks, an initiating
pump station and interconnections with existing pipeline systems in
the Hardisty area. The Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion would include
construction of an additional eight pump stations in Canada and 30 pump
stations in the United States.

Commercial Information
The first leg of the Keystone Pipeline from Hardisty, Alta. to Wood
River and Patoka, Ill. has capacity of 435,000 barrels per day. Phase II
of the project to Cushing, Okla. increases capacity to 591,000 barrels
per day. Keystone XL will add an additional 500,000 barrels per day
in 2013. When completed, Keystone XL will increase the commercial
design of the Keystone Pipeline System from 591,000 barrels per day to
approximately 1.1 million barrels per day. Keystone Pipeline has secured
long-term commitments for 910,000 barrels per day for an average term
of approximately 18 years. These commitments represent approximately
83 per cent of the commercial design of the Keystone System which will
have a capital investment of approximately US$12 billion.

Regulatory Requirements
TransCanada received National Energy Board approval in 2007 for two
major regulatory applications to construct and operate the Canadian
portion of the Keystone Pipeline Project. The U.S. Department of State
issued its Record of Decision and National Interest Determination
regarding the Keystone Pipeline in the first quarter of 2008. In the first
quarter of 2010, TransCanada received approval from the National
Energy Board to construct and operate the Canadian portion of the
Keystone Gulf Coast Expansion Project. Applications for U.S. regulatory
approvals are proceeding and decisions are anticipated in 2011.
Construction in the U.S. is set to start soon after regulatory approvals are
received and expected deliveries of crude oil to the U.S. Gulf Coast to
begin in 2013.

Design and Construction
When designing and constructing facilities, we use
high-strength steel and specialized welding and
inspection techniques developed specifically for
high-pressure pipelines. All pipe is delivered from
qualified manufacturers with a corrosion resistant
protective coating.
The pipeline is buried with a minimum depth of
cover of four feet (1.2 metres), except in areas of
consolidated rock, where the pipeline is buried with
a minimum depth of cover of three feet (one metre).
The permanent right-of-way easements – the strips of
land set aside to construct and operate a pipeline –
measure approximately 50 feet (15 metres) in width,
although additional temporary workspace is required
during construction.

We use non-destructive examination equipment to
inspect all welds and then apply a coating to the weld
to protect it from corrosion. Additionally, prior to being
placed into operation, all new pipeline sections are
pressure tested with water up to at least 125 per cent of
the pipeline’s maximum allowable operating pressure.

Your Safety, Our Integrity
The safety of the public and our employees is our top
priority. We meet or exceed industry and government
standards that have been designed to ensure public
safety. Our commitment is reflected in the design and
construction of our facilities, as well as in our operating
and maintenance practices.

The Keystone Pipeline System will traverse primarily agricultural
lands; therefore, considerable focus will be placed on the
handling, conservation and reclamation of the soils and
vegetation to ensure the land’s equivalent capability is
maintained. We take great care and extensive planning to
minimize and avoid impacts to the environment, including rare or
endangered species, habitat and significant water crossings.

About TransCanada
TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and
reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure,
including natural gas pipelines, power generation, gas storage
facilities, and projects related to oil pipelines. TransCanada’s
network of wholly owned pipelines extends more than 37,000
miles (59,000 kilometres) in North America. TransCanada is one
of the continent’s largest providers of gas storage. TransCanada
owns or has interests in approximately 11,700 megawatts of
power generation in Canada and the United States. For more
information, go to www.transcanada.com.

Our pipeline maintenance activities include regular aerial patrols,
internal pipeline inspection using specialized electronic inspection
tools and cathodic protection systems. The pipeline is continuously
monitored using supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and
leak detection systems.

We maintain an ongoing public awareness program to keep the lines
of communication open with our neighbors about our facilities and
how to live and work safely around pipelines. As part of this program,
we involve local emergency response agencies to ensure there is an
understanding about the specifics of our pipeline, which will lead to
the safe and effective response in the unlikely event of an incident.

Respecting the Environment
We design, construct and operate our facilities to meet or exceed
all applicable laws and regulations and to minimize risks to our
employees, the public and the environment. We respect the diverse
environments and cultures in which we operate. We work diligently
to minimize adverse environmental impacts from our activities,
while upholding our responsibility to meet today’s strategic energy
demands. Our goal is to conserve environmental resources and reestablish
the essential physical, chemical and biological characteristics
of the environment.