NEW : U.N. secretary-general commends Panama for its actions . The U.S. government 's assessment is that Cuba might be trying to further its arms relationship with North Korea in the wake of Russia 's not being interested in doing the upgrade work on the aging stockpile , a U.S. official said . North Korea 's foreign ministry says Panama should release the ship and crew . Comment: Rubio : The U.S. should change Cuba policies in light of `` flagrant violation ''
NEW : U.N. secretary-general commends Panama for its actions . North Korea 's foreign ministry says Panama should release the ship and crew . Comment: Rubio : The U.S. should change Cuba policies in light of `` flagrant violation ''