International sanctions in Singapore

Singapore Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, said authorities will commence proceedings against anyone who is believed to have acted in violation of international sanctions.

Mr. Shanmugam added that Singapore takes its international obligations seriously.

He said: "These are allegations at this stage, but from our perspective, when we believe that people have acted in breach of international law, international sanctions, we take those allegations seriously.

"We will commence proceedings, and of course the matter is before the courts, the courts will make the ultimate decision.

"But we have always taken our international law obligations very seriously. And the fact that we've proceeded is an indication of what we believe has happened in this case."

Mr. Shanmugam spoke in Perth, Australia, where he's attending the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Four Singaporeans have been accused by the United States of illegally exporting bomb parts to Iran.

They have been arrested and remanded in custody without bail.

They are Wong Yuh Lan, 39, Lim Yong Nam, 37, Lim Kow Seng, 42, and Benson Hia Soon Gan, 44.

Singapore's Attorney-General's Chambers said that the extradition papers submitted by the United States are in the process of being served on the four persons or their counsel.

There'll be a hearing to go through the evidence provided by the United States in order for the Court to decide whether there are sufficient grounds to extradite them.

The case will be mentioned at the Subordinate Courts of Singapore again on November 1.

Asked if Singapore's relations with the US or Iran might be affected by this case, Mr. Shanmugam said state-to-state relationships are good.