Italy Halts Yacht Sale Bound for Kim Jong Il

Italy blocked the multimillion-dollar sale of two luxury yachts that Italian police say were destined for North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in violation of international sanctions. The 105-foot and 95-foot Italian-made seafaring vessels were ordered from the Azimut-Benetti boatyard, a maker of luxury yachts near Turin, by an Austrian company. A Chinese company stepped in later to complete the purchase, Italy’s Economic Development Ministry said. Italian financial police said the Chinese company paid a Hong Kong business to take delivery of the vessels, valued at nearly €13 million ($18.5 million).