http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...reachinanuclear
US believes North Korea plans nuclear bomb test: US newspaper
Full Version: North Korea
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Foreign Policy and National Defense > Foreign Policy & National Defense Issues Archive
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=694003
N Korea Says Nukes Needed for Defense,
Accuses US of Trying to topple Government
Chris Brummitt
N Korea Says Nukes Needed for Defense,
Accuses US of Trying to topple Government
Chris Brummitt
NORTH KOREA'S PREPARATION FOR NUCLEAR ARMS TEST DETECTED
By Bill Gertz
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
-----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. intelligence agencies have detected activity at facilities in North Korea indicating Pyongyang may be preparing to conduct its first nuclear test in the near future, according to U.S. officials.
The Bush administration has made a private diplomatic appeal to the Chinese government to use its influence with the North Koreans to head off any test.
A North Korean nuclear test would bring the communist state into the exclusive club of nations that are declared nuclear powers.
Any test also would increase tensions in the region and possibly spur Japan or other nations to seek their own nuclear weapons.
The suspected test-related activity was detected by U.S. spy satellites in the past several days, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was reported by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which is in charge of analyzing satellite photographs.
North Korea is believed to have underground facilities for its nuclear activities at several locations across the country.
One U.S. official familiar with the issue said the intelligence on test preparations is "ambiguous."
Other officials said the intelligence included indications related to testing activity that for other nuclear powers normally includes a site where a device is placed in a deep hole and the monitoring equipment is deployed nearby.
Little is known about North Korea's covert nuclear efforts, which triggered a crisis in October 2002 that led to the current stalled talks on the issue.
North Korea's known nuclear facilities include the Yongbyon complex, where a reactor recently was shut down in what officials think could be preparation for additional reprocessing of spent fuel into bomb-making material.
A second official said North Korea could be at the point of testing a nuclear device.
North Korea is believed to have enough nuclear fuel for one or two weapons and could have enough seed material for up to eight bombs, according to U.S. officials.
The second official said North Korea in recent weeks has declared openly that it has nuclear weapons and that "a test would be the next step."
White House National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones declined to comment on the North Korean activity or the appeal to China. Mr. Jones said he could not discuss "our diplomatic conversations or intelligence matters."
In September, U.S. intelligence agencies detected a mushroom cloud in a remote region near North Korea's border with China that at first was thought to have been the result of a possible nuclear test.
It later was found to have been an unusual cloud formation, and no radiation was ever detected near the cloud from the U.S. sensors that monitor North Korea.
Those sensors include special "sniffer" equipment that can detect nuclear material in the atmosphere.
A CIA report made public in November said that North Korea threatened to "demonstrate" its nuclear weapons or to "transfer" weapons abroad.
The threat was made at the April 2003 talks and again in August 2003, the CIA report said.
Administration officials said the threat was first made by North Korean negotiator Li Gun during a meeting with James Kelly, assistant secretary of state for East Asia, during a closed-door meeting in Beijing.
Mr. Li told Mr. Kelly that the communist state would "export nuclear weapons, add to its current arsenal or test a nuclear device," according to an official familiar with the exchange.
• Sharon Behn contributed to this report.
(http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050423-085832-6308r)
For more great articles, visit us at http://www.wpherald.com/
Copyright © 2005 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
By Bill Gertz
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
-----------------------------------------------------------
U.S. intelligence agencies have detected activity at facilities in North Korea indicating Pyongyang may be preparing to conduct its first nuclear test in the near future, according to U.S. officials.
The Bush administration has made a private diplomatic appeal to the Chinese government to use its influence with the North Koreans to head off any test.
A North Korean nuclear test would bring the communist state into the exclusive club of nations that are declared nuclear powers.
Any test also would increase tensions in the region and possibly spur Japan or other nations to seek their own nuclear weapons.
The suspected test-related activity was detected by U.S. spy satellites in the past several days, said officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It was reported by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which is in charge of analyzing satellite photographs.
North Korea is believed to have underground facilities for its nuclear activities at several locations across the country.
One U.S. official familiar with the issue said the intelligence on test preparations is "ambiguous."
Other officials said the intelligence included indications related to testing activity that for other nuclear powers normally includes a site where a device is placed in a deep hole and the monitoring equipment is deployed nearby.
Little is known about North Korea's covert nuclear efforts, which triggered a crisis in October 2002 that led to the current stalled talks on the issue.
North Korea's known nuclear facilities include the Yongbyon complex, where a reactor recently was shut down in what officials think could be preparation for additional reprocessing of spent fuel into bomb-making material.
A second official said North Korea could be at the point of testing a nuclear device.
North Korea is believed to have enough nuclear fuel for one or two weapons and could have enough seed material for up to eight bombs, according to U.S. officials.
The second official said North Korea in recent weeks has declared openly that it has nuclear weapons and that "a test would be the next step."
White House National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones declined to comment on the North Korean activity or the appeal to China. Mr. Jones said he could not discuss "our diplomatic conversations or intelligence matters."
In September, U.S. intelligence agencies detected a mushroom cloud in a remote region near North Korea's border with China that at first was thought to have been the result of a possible nuclear test.
It later was found to have been an unusual cloud formation, and no radiation was ever detected near the cloud from the U.S. sensors that monitor North Korea.
Those sensors include special "sniffer" equipment that can detect nuclear material in the atmosphere.
A CIA report made public in November said that North Korea threatened to "demonstrate" its nuclear weapons or to "transfer" weapons abroad.
The threat was made at the April 2003 talks and again in August 2003, the CIA report said.
Administration officials said the threat was first made by North Korean negotiator Li Gun during a meeting with James Kelly, assistant secretary of state for East Asia, during a closed-door meeting in Beijing.
Mr. Li told Mr. Kelly that the communist state would "export nuclear weapons, add to its current arsenal or test a nuclear device," according to an official familiar with the exchange.
• Sharon Behn contributed to this report.
(http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050423-085832-6308r)
For more great articles, visit us at http://www.wpherald.com/
Copyright © 2005 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
--------------------
Two Koreas Reportedly Agree to Restart Talks
--------------------
From Times Wire Reports
April 24 2005
Leaders of the two Koreas have agreed to resume talks, an Indonesian official said, but there was no sign of progress on the international standoff over the North's nuclear ambitions.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world
Two Koreas Reportedly Agree to Restart Talks
--------------------
From Times Wire Reports
April 24 2005
Leaders of the two Koreas have agreed to resume talks, an Indonesian official said, but there was no sign of progress on the international standoff over the North's nuclear ambitions.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/25/politics...6fbb4ad&ei=5070
White House May Go to UN Over North Korean Shipments
White House May Go to UN Over North Korean Shipments
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/commo...55E1702,00.html
North Korea to bolster nuclear power
Jun Kwanwoo
North Korea to bolster nuclear power
Jun Kwanwoo
US believes North Korea plans nuclear bomb test:
In an emergency communication sent yesterday, Washington warned Beijing that Pyongyang was possibly planning a test nuclear explosion, an unidentified US official told the Journal.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...24-4-2005_pg4_9
http://snipurl.com/e8i3
In an emergency communication sent yesterday, Washington warned Beijing that Pyongyang was possibly planning a test nuclear explosion, an unidentified US official told the Journal.
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...24-4-2005_pg4_9
http://snipurl.com/e8i3
U.S. weighs move at UN :
The Bush administration, in a standoff with North Korea over nuclear weapons, is debating a plan to seek a UN resolution empowering all nations to intercept shipments into or out of the country that might contain nuclear materials or components, say senior administration officials and diplomats who have been briefed on the proposal.
http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file.../news/korea.php
http://snipurl.com/e8i4
The Bush administration, in a standoff with North Korea over nuclear weapons, is debating a plan to seek a UN resolution empowering all nations to intercept shipments into or out of the country that might contain nuclear materials or components, say senior administration officials and diplomats who have been briefed on the proposal.
http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file.../news/korea.php
http://snipurl.com/e8i4
Signs Stir Concern North Korea Might Test Nuclear Bomb
(Glenn Kessler, Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...5042201655.html
Saturday, April 23
U.S. officials are increasingly concerned that North Korea may be preparing its first test of a nuclear weapon, though they warn that the information is sketchy and not definitive.
A top U.S. diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher R. Hill, flew to the region yesterday to consult over the weekend with officials in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul about the signs that a test may be in the works. Officials especially want China, North Korea's main patron, to use its leverage with Pyongyang to stop it from conducting a test.
One U.S. official said the concern about Pyongyang's intentions was heightened by signs of increased activity at missile sites and other places that could be used for underground tests. U.S. spy satellites observed the activity, but it is extremely difficult to interpret, as the mistakes regarding alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq demonstrated.
(Glenn Kessler, Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...5042201655.html
Saturday, April 23
U.S. officials are increasingly concerned that North Korea may be preparing its first test of a nuclear weapon, though they warn that the information is sketchy and not definitive.
A top U.S. diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher R. Hill, flew to the region yesterday to consult over the weekend with officials in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul about the signs that a test may be in the works. Officials especially want China, North Korea's main patron, to use its leverage with Pyongyang to stop it from conducting a test.
One U.S. official said the concern about Pyongyang's intentions was heightened by signs of increased activity at missile sites and other places that could be used for underground tests. U.S. spy satellites observed the activity, but it is extremely difficult to interpret, as the mistakes regarding alleged weapons of mass destruction in Iraq demonstrated.
N. Korea to 'Bolster' A-weapons
(Choe Sang-Hun, International Herald Tribune)
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/04/24/news/korea.php
Monday, April 25
North Korea's military said Sunday that it would steadily bolster its nuclear arsenal, a warning that comes amid rising concerns that the country might take provocative steps, such as glean more plutonium from its nuclear power plant or even conduct a nuclear test, while six-nation talks on defusing the crisis were stalled.
Vice Marshal Kim Yong Chun, a member of the North Korean National Defense Commission, said, using the abbreviation for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: "The army and the people of the DPRK will never remain a passive onlooker to the U.S. moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK, but will steadily bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense to cope with the enemies' reckless moves for military aggression."
Kim accused the United States of causing international efforts for a diplomatic settlement to collapse. He made his comments in a speech marking the 73rd anniversary of North Korea's 1.2 million-strong military, the world's fifth largest. His remarks were carried by the North's official press agency, KCNA.
(Choe Sang-Hun, International Herald Tribune)
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/04/24/news/korea.php
Monday, April 25
North Korea's military said Sunday that it would steadily bolster its nuclear arsenal, a warning that comes amid rising concerns that the country might take provocative steps, such as glean more plutonium from its nuclear power plant or even conduct a nuclear test, while six-nation talks on defusing the crisis were stalled.
Vice Marshal Kim Yong Chun, a member of the North Korean National Defense Commission, said, using the abbreviation for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: "The army and the people of the DPRK will never remain a passive onlooker to the U.S. moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK, but will steadily bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense to cope with the enemies' reckless moves for military aggression."
Kim accused the United States of causing international efforts for a diplomatic settlement to collapse. He made his comments in a speech marking the 73rd anniversary of North Korea's 1.2 million-strong military, the world's fifth largest. His remarks were carried by the North's official press agency, KCNA.
US Envoy: Talks Remain Best Option in N. Korea Nuclear Dispute
[http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D27064:2F72C9D
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill says all options are
being considered to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions
Christopher Hill The top U.S. envoy to the North Korea nuclear
disarmament talks says diplomacy remains the best option to resolve
the dispute. Christopher Hill met with Japanese officials Thursday on
the final stop of Washington's latest diplomatic push to revive
stalled negotiations to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
After meeting with Japanese officials Thursday, U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State Christopher Hill said all options are being
considered to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But
the U.S. envoy stressed diplomacy is the best option and North Korea
should return to six-nation talks.
"We still believe that the six-party process is the best way to solve
this," he said. " So I don't want to speculate on what we might do if
the six-party process is not able to solve this. But what I want to
emphasize is that we're not going to walk away from this, we have to
figure out a mechanism that works."
Diplomatic efforts by the United States, South Korea, Japan, Russia
and China to disarm North Korea have dragged on for nearly two years
without significant progress. Talks stalled in June after Pyongyang
rejected an offer of possible energy aid and multilateral security
assurances in exchange for ending its nuclear programs.
In February, Pyongyang announced it was abandoning multilateral talks
and had developed nuclear weapons. Since then, North Korea repeatedly
says it is enhancing its deterrent capabilities, accusing the United
States of hostile intentions.
Pyongyang has recently shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, a move
that analysts say would allow the extraction of plutonium for
additional fuel to build nuclear weapons.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said earlier this week that
Washington reserves the right at any time to refer the issue to the
U.N. Security Council for actions. Such actions could include
sanctions or a sea blockade to intercept shipments that might contain
nuclear-related materials.
Mr. Hill's trip to Japan follows similar consultations with Chinese
and South Korean officials earlier this week.
[http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D27064:2F72C9D
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill says all options are
being considered to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions
Christopher Hill The top U.S. envoy to the North Korea nuclear
disarmament talks says diplomacy remains the best option to resolve
the dispute. Christopher Hill met with Japanese officials Thursday on
the final stop of Washington's latest diplomatic push to revive
stalled negotiations to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
After meeting with Japanese officials Thursday, U.S. Assistant
Secretary of State Christopher Hill said all options are being
considered to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But
the U.S. envoy stressed diplomacy is the best option and North Korea
should return to six-nation talks.
"We still believe that the six-party process is the best way to solve
this," he said. " So I don't want to speculate on what we might do if
the six-party process is not able to solve this. But what I want to
emphasize is that we're not going to walk away from this, we have to
figure out a mechanism that works."
Diplomatic efforts by the United States, South Korea, Japan, Russia
and China to disarm North Korea have dragged on for nearly two years
without significant progress. Talks stalled in June after Pyongyang
rejected an offer of possible energy aid and multilateral security
assurances in exchange for ending its nuclear programs.
In February, Pyongyang announced it was abandoning multilateral talks
and had developed nuclear weapons. Since then, North Korea repeatedly
says it is enhancing its deterrent capabilities, accusing the United
States of hostile intentions.
Pyongyang has recently shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, a move
that analysts say would allow the extraction of plutonium for
additional fuel to build nuclear weapons.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said earlier this week that
Washington reserves the right at any time to refer the issue to the
U.N. Security Council for actions. Such actions could include
sanctions or a sea blockade to intercept shipments that might contain
nuclear-related materials.
Mr. Hill's trip to Japan follows similar consultations with Chinese
and South Korean officials earlier this week.
Surprise Testimony On Arms in N. Korea
By Bradley Graham and Glenn Kessler
The Pentagon's top military intelligence officer said yesterday that North Korea has the ability to arm a missile with a nuclear device, stunning senators he was addressing and prompting attempts by other defense and intelligence officials later to play down the remarks.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
By Bradley Graham and Glenn Kessler
The Pentagon's top military intelligence officer said yesterday that North Korea has the ability to arm a missile with a nuclear device, stunning senators he was addressing and prompting attempts by other defense and intelligence officials later to play down the remarks.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
US Envoy Expresses 'Sense of Urgency' About Pyongyang Nuclear Crisis
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D2EE86:2F72C9D
US envoy Christopher Hill says there is no hard deadline, puts blame
squarely on North Korea for delaying resumption of talks
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill answers reporter's
question during a press briefing in Seoul, Friday
A senior U.S. envoy has wrapped up a diplomatic mission to Asia saying
a sense of urgency is growing about the North Korean nuclear crisis.
The comments come a day after President Bush urged international
consensus in dealing with what he called North Korea's "dangerous"
leader.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill says there is no hard
deadline, but puts the blame squarely on North Korea for delaying the
resumption of talks.
"The fundamental issue is that North Korea still has not made, really,
its strategic decision to do away with its weapons," he said.
"Obviously the situation grows with a sense of urgency because it's
now been some ten months and counting that we've last had a session."
Mr. Hill briefed reporters in Seoul Friday, after spending the week
consulting with senior officials in South Korea, Japan, and China,
which together with Russia and the United States, are party to the
stalled talks.
Since last June, when it boycotted talks, North Korea has said it
possesses nuclear weapons and plans to make more, despite having
signed several agreements to remain nuclear free.
Mr. Hill called it "disquieting" that North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear
reactor had not been functioning for about three weeks - a sign the
North may be reprocessing spent fuel into weapons material. He urged
Pyongyang not to conduct a nuclear test.
"To go ahead and have a nuclear test at a time when the six-party
talks are in abeyance, I think, would be extremely troubling," he
said.
On Thursday, the head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency told
U.S. lawmakers he believes North Korea is capable of mounting a
nuclear warhead on a missile. If correct, that would mean North Korea
could target its regional neighbors or even the western United States.
In a press conference Thursday evening, President Bush referred to
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il as a "tyrant", and said it was best to
assume the intelligence estimate about the North's missile capability
is correct.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D2EE86:2F72C9D
US envoy Christopher Hill says there is no hard deadline, puts blame
squarely on North Korea for delaying resumption of talks
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill answers reporter's
question during a press briefing in Seoul, Friday
A senior U.S. envoy has wrapped up a diplomatic mission to Asia saying
a sense of urgency is growing about the North Korean nuclear crisis.
The comments come a day after President Bush urged international
consensus in dealing with what he called North Korea's "dangerous"
leader.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill says there is no hard
deadline, but puts the blame squarely on North Korea for delaying the
resumption of talks.
"The fundamental issue is that North Korea still has not made, really,
its strategic decision to do away with its weapons," he said.
"Obviously the situation grows with a sense of urgency because it's
now been some ten months and counting that we've last had a session."
Mr. Hill briefed reporters in Seoul Friday, after spending the week
consulting with senior officials in South Korea, Japan, and China,
which together with Russia and the United States, are party to the
stalled talks.
Since last June, when it boycotted talks, North Korea has said it
possesses nuclear weapons and plans to make more, despite having
signed several agreements to remain nuclear free.
Mr. Hill called it "disquieting" that North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear
reactor had not been functioning for about three weeks - a sign the
North may be reprocessing spent fuel into weapons material. He urged
Pyongyang not to conduct a nuclear test.
"To go ahead and have a nuclear test at a time when the six-party
talks are in abeyance, I think, would be extremely troubling," he
said.
On Thursday, the head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency told
U.S. lawmakers he believes North Korea is capable of mounting a
nuclear warhead on a missile. If correct, that would mean North Korea
could target its regional neighbors or even the western United States.
In a press conference Thursday evening, President Bush referred to
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il as a "tyrant", and said it was best to
assume the intelligence estimate about the North's missile capability
is correct.
--------------------
N. Korea Can Arm Missile, U.S. Aide Says
--------------------
Top U.S. official surprises a hearing by saying Pyongyang can arm a missile with a nuclear device, but others contradict him.
By Greg Miller and Mark Mazzetti
Times Staff Writers
April 29 2005
WASHINGTON; The head of the Defense Intelligence Agency testified Thursday that North Korea now has the ability to arm a missile with a nuclear device, marking the first time a U.S. intelligence official has publicly said Pyongyang has crossed that critical technological threshold.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/f...lines-frontpage
N. Korea Can Arm Missile, U.S. Aide Says
--------------------
Top U.S. official surprises a hearing by saying Pyongyang can arm a missile with a nuclear device, but others contradict him.
By Greg Miller and Mark Mazzetti
Times Staff Writers
April 29 2005
WASHINGTON; The head of the Defense Intelligence Agency testified Thursday that North Korea now has the ability to arm a missile with a nuclear device, marking the first time a U.S. intelligence official has publicly said Pyongyang has crossed that critical technological threshold.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/f...lines-frontpage
--------------------
U.S. Downplays Remarks on N. Korea's Arms Ability
--------------------
Officials say the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency may have overstated Pyongyang's nuclear missile progress.
By Greg Miller and Mark Mazzetti
Times Staff Writers
April 30 2005
WASHINGTON; Although intelligence analysts are increasingly concerned that North Korea may be able to arm a missile with a nuclear warhead, U.S. spy agencies have not obtained evidence confirming that Pyongyang has developed that capability, intelligence officials and weapons proliferation experts said Friday.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2283779.story
U.S. Downplays Remarks on N. Korea's Arms Ability
--------------------
Officials say the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency may have overstated Pyongyang's nuclear missile progress.
By Greg Miller and Mark Mazzetti
Times Staff Writers
April 30 2005
WASHINGTON; Although intelligence analysts are increasingly concerned that North Korea may be able to arm a missile with a nuclear warhead, U.S. spy agencies have not obtained evidence confirming that Pyongyang has developed that capability, intelligence officials and weapons proliferation experts said Friday.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2283779.story
N.Korea May Carry Out Nuclear Test by June - Kyodo
TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States has warned theInternational Atomic Energy Agency that North Korea has been
preparing to carry out an underground nuclear test since March
and could go ahead as early as June, Kyodo news agency said on
Saturday.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
TOKYO (Reuters) - The United States has warned theInternational Atomic Energy Agency that North Korea has been
preparing to carry out an underground nuclear test since March
and could go ahead as early as June, Kyodo news agency said on
Saturday.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/30/internat...ia/30korea.html
US Weapons Envoy Pessimistic About Talks with North Korea
US Weapons Envoy Pessimistic About Talks with North Korea
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-04-29-voa75.cfm
Pentagon: No New North Korean Nuclear Weapon Capability
Pentagon: No New North Korean Nuclear Weapon Capability
http://www.voanews.com/english/Report-Nort...Be-Imminent.cfm
Report: North Korean Nuclear Test May Be Imminent
Report: North Korean Nuclear Test May Be Imminent
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-04-29-voa4.cfm
Rice: North Korea Well Aware of US, Allied Deterrent Power in Region
Rice: North Korea Well Aware of US, Allied Deterrent Power in Region
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-04-28-voa37.cfm
North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions Challenge International Community
North Korea's Nuclear Ambitions Challenge International Community
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/GD30Dg01.html
June seen as North Korean meltdown point
Bruce Klingner
June seen as North Korean meltdown point
Bruce Klingner
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?Stor...30-101240-4052r
US warns of possible North Korea nuclear test
US warns of possible North Korea nuclear test
--------------------
N. Korea Lashes Out at 'Hooligan' Bush
--------------------
The communist regime says it won't negotiate with the president, who called Kim a tyrant.
By Barbara Demick
Times Staff Writer
May 1 2005
SEOUL; North Korea appeared to slam the door on a diplomatic solution to its nuclear impasse with the Bush administration in a sharply worded denunciation Saturday, calling the president a "philistine" and a "hooligan" with whom it could not negotiate.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...,0,750032.story
N. Korea Lashes Out at 'Hooligan' Bush
--------------------
The communist regime says it won't negotiate with the president, who called Kim a tyrant.
By Barbara Demick
Times Staff Writer
May 1 2005
SEOUL; North Korea appeared to slam the door on a diplomatic solution to its nuclear impasse with the Bush administration in a sharply worded denunciation Saturday, calling the president a "philistine" and a "hooligan" with whom it could not negotiate.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...,0,750032.story
Report: North Korean Nuclear Test May Be Imminent
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D32DD4:2F72C9D
Reports say test explosion of small-scale nuclear device using
plutonium could take place as soon as June
Reports from Vienna Saturday say U.S. officials have warned members of
the International Atomic Energy Agency that North Korea appears to be
ready to conduct an underground nuclear test in the near future.
The reports say a test explosion of a small-scale nuclear device using
plutonium could take place as soon as June.
Diplomats tell reporters that U.S. officials have supplied satellite
photographs of activity in North Korea to support their argument that
North Korea is planning a controlled nuclear explosion.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill answers reporter's
question during a press briefing in Seoul, FridayNeither the IAEA nor
the United States has commented officially on Saturday's reports.
However, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told
reporters in South Korea Friday that the Communist North's plutonium
reactor at Yongbyon has been shut down for close to three weeks. The
North Koreans' move raised suspicions that an operation may be under
way to reprocess nuclear fuel into material suitable for use in a
nuclear warhead.
Authorities in Seoul have warned North Korea that a nuclear test would
isolate Pyongyang from the international community even further, and
would endanger its future.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D32DD4:2F72C9D
Reports say test explosion of small-scale nuclear device using
plutonium could take place as soon as June
Reports from Vienna Saturday say U.S. officials have warned members of
the International Atomic Energy Agency that North Korea appears to be
ready to conduct an underground nuclear test in the near future.
The reports say a test explosion of a small-scale nuclear device using
plutonium could take place as soon as June.
Diplomats tell reporters that U.S. officials have supplied satellite
photographs of activity in North Korea to support their argument that
North Korea is planning a controlled nuclear explosion.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill answers reporter's
question during a press briefing in Seoul, FridayNeither the IAEA nor
the United States has commented officially on Saturday's reports.
However, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told
reporters in South Korea Friday that the Communist North's plutonium
reactor at Yongbyon has been shut down for close to three weeks. The
North Koreans' move raised suspicions that an operation may be under
way to reprocess nuclear fuel into material suitable for use in a
nuclear warhead.
Authorities in Seoul have warned North Korea that a nuclear test would
isolate Pyongyang from the international community even further, and
would endanger its future.
Some information for this report provided by AP and Reuters.
North Korea Labels Bush a 'Dictator'
By Glenn Kessler
North Korea lashed out at President Bush yesterday for comments he made about the country's leader, Kim Jong Il, at a news conference Thursday, asserting that the North Korean nuclear impasse will never be resolved while Bush remains in office.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
By Glenn Kessler
North Korea lashed out at President Bush yesterday for comments he made about the country's leader, Kim Jong Il, at a news conference Thursday, asserting that the North Korean nuclear impasse will never be resolved while Bush remains in office.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/internatio...html?oref=login
Report: North Korea May Have Fired Missile
Report: North Korea May Have Fired Missile
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/01/internat...059&partner=AOL
Threats by Iran and North Korea Shadow Talks on Nuclear Arms
Threats by Iran and North Korea Shadow Talks on Nuclear Arms
‘Bush is a hooligan,' North Korea says Joongang Ilbo
Japan, South Korea Play Down North Korea's Missile Launch Voice of America
Bargaining With North Korea
Democrats want to solve this crisis soon. Bush wants to simply manage
it - with China. The Monitor's View
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0505/p08s02-comv.html?s=hns
Democrats want to solve this crisis soon. Bush wants to simply manage
it - with China. The Monitor's View
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0505/p08s02-comv.html?s=hns
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/06/internat...c1a45e4&ei=5070
US Cites Signs of Korean Preparations for Nuclear Test
David Sanger and William Broad
US Cites Signs of Korean Preparations for Nuclear Test
David Sanger and William Broad
North Korea May Test Nuclear Device :
Japan has information that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test, a Defense Agency official said Friday, less than a week after Pyongyang is believed to have tested a short-range missile off its eastern coast.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/stor...4987399,00.html
http://snipurl.com/epqo
Japan has information that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test, a Defense Agency official said Friday, less than a week after Pyongyang is believed to have tested a short-range missile off its eastern coast.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/stor...4987399,00.html
http://snipurl.com/epqo
QUOTE(Snuffysmith @ Feb 10 2005, 10:05 AM)
North Korea Admits to Possessing Nuclear Weapons
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B82E8F:2F72C9D
North Korea says it plans to keep its nuclear weapons as a deterrent
under any circumstances North Korea says it will not return to
multilateral talks on ending its nuclear ambitions and has repeated
its earlier assertions that it has already manufactured nuclear
weapons. South Korean, Japanese and U.S. officials are pushing
Pyongyang to resume talks.
A North Korean television announcer reads a Foreign Ministry statement
Thursday, saying that Pyongyang is suspending participation in
multilateral nuclear talks for "an indefinite period."
He then says North Korea has manufactured nuclear weapons, repeating
earlier claims.
The statement also says that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice's recent description of the North is an "outpost of tyranny"
shows that Washington has a hostile attitude toward North Korea.
Pyongyang says that means it has no justification to continue the
talks.
Speaking in Luxembourg, Ms. Rice said the decision would only "deepen
North Korea's isolation." She says the international community has
been clear there is no need for nuclear weapons on the Korean
peninsula, and that the United States has no intention of attacking
the North.
For months, North Korea has stalled efforts to have a fourth round of
talks with China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States.
Many experts on North Korea thought Pyongyang delayed in part because
it hoped that President Bush would be defeated in last year's
election. After Mr. Bush was re-elected, Pyongyang indicated it would
decide on resuming talks after the president selected his new foreign
policy team.
Mr. Bush last week gave only a low-key mention to North Korea in his
annual State of the Union address, giving some experts hope that
Pyongyang would return to the table. And in recent weeks, U.S. and
South Korean officials had expressed optimism about the talks.
Chun Youk, a spokeswoman for the conservative Grand National Party in
South Korea, says her party is disappointed in North Korea's decision.
Ms. Chun says North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has made a choice to
protect his regime, rather than negotiate in the interest of his
people.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he will continue to
urge North Korea to return to the six-party talks, despite the latest
announcement.
North Korean has said publicly in the past it possesses nuclear
weapons, and U.S. experts have said it may have built one or two crude
devices, and has the fuel to build about eight more. However, North
Korea has not yet conducted a nuclear test.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=B82E8F:2F72C9D
North Korea says it plans to keep its nuclear weapons as a deterrent
under any circumstances North Korea says it will not return to
multilateral talks on ending its nuclear ambitions and has repeated
its earlier assertions that it has already manufactured nuclear
weapons. South Korean, Japanese and U.S. officials are pushing
Pyongyang to resume talks.
A North Korean television announcer reads a Foreign Ministry statement
Thursday, saying that Pyongyang is suspending participation in
multilateral nuclear talks for "an indefinite period."
He then says North Korea has manufactured nuclear weapons, repeating
earlier claims.
The statement also says that U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice's recent description of the North is an "outpost of tyranny"
shows that Washington has a hostile attitude toward North Korea.
Pyongyang says that means it has no justification to continue the
talks.
Speaking in Luxembourg, Ms. Rice said the decision would only "deepen
North Korea's isolation." She says the international community has
been clear there is no need for nuclear weapons on the Korean
peninsula, and that the United States has no intention of attacking
the North.
For months, North Korea has stalled efforts to have a fourth round of
talks with China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States.
Many experts on North Korea thought Pyongyang delayed in part because
it hoped that President Bush would be defeated in last year's
election. After Mr. Bush was re-elected, Pyongyang indicated it would
decide on resuming talks after the president selected his new foreign
policy team.
Mr. Bush last week gave only a low-key mention to North Korea in his
annual State of the Union address, giving some experts hope that
Pyongyang would return to the table. And in recent weeks, U.S. and
South Korean officials had expressed optimism about the talks.
Chun Youk, a spokeswoman for the conservative Grand National Party in
South Korea, says her party is disappointed in North Korea's decision.
Ms. Chun says North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has made a choice to
protect his regime, rather than negotiate in the interest of his
people.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said he will continue to
urge North Korea to return to the six-party talks, despite the latest
announcement.
North Korean has said publicly in the past it possesses nuclear
weapons, and U.S. experts have said it may have built one or two crude
devices, and has the fuel to build about eight more. However, North
Korea has not yet conducted a nuclear test.
You can't talk with north Korea its world domination. They want control. Here we have an party saying yea we got it yet we invaded iraq. We had elections there but not all the people want democracy it apears. Some blame it all on terrorists but it has to come from support from the local population to an exstent. I will not say its for nothing but the fact remains saddam said I don't have it and Korea says we do this angers many americans. I will stay out of it but I am not afraid to say how I see it.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/korea/article/0,....html?gusrc=rss
Spy photos spot signs of N Korea nuclear test site
Spy photos spot signs of N Korea nuclear test site
http://www.antiwar.com/ips/aslam.php?articleid=5871
US Nuclear Weapons Hypocrisy Highlighted at Conference
Abid Aslam
US Nuclear Weapons Hypocrisy Highlighted at Conference
Abid Aslam
http://www.qctimes.com/internal.php?story_...on&c=22,1050596
US headed for North Korea showdown as nuclear test said to be imminent
David Ignatius
US headed for North Korea showdown as nuclear test said to be imminent
David Ignatius
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?Stor...07-015358-8823r
38 Countries urge North Korea to rejoin nuclear talks
38 Countries urge North Korea to rejoin nuclear talks
China, South Korea Call for North Korea to Rejoin Nuclear Talks
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D5D05F:2F72C9D
Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted Chinese President Hu
Jintao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as saying all sides in
the talks should continue work to resolve the North Korean nuclear
crisis through peaceful dialogue China and South Korea have again
called on North Korea to return to stalled nuclear talks, saying they
will renew effort to restart the negotiations. Concerns are mounting
that the North might be planning a nuclear test soon.
The Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted Chinese President Hu
Jintao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as saying all sides in
the talks should continue work to resolve the North Korean nuclear
crisis through peaceful dialogue.
The two leaders were in Moscow for commemorations marking the end of
World War II in Europe. The South Korean leader said his country
expects China to take an active role in getting Pyongyang to rejoin
negotiations.
As North Korea's chief supplier of food and fuel, Beijing is seen as
having the most influence over the reclusive communist state. But
Chinese officials have consistently said their ability to sway North
Korea is limited.
Stephen Noerper is an expert on North Asia security issues at the
Nautilus Institute, a California organization that studies global
problem solving. Speaking in Beijing, he said that while China has
called for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula, it perhaps lacks
sufficient incentive to push Pyongyang harder. He says Beijing dreads
a collapse of the North's government, led by Kim Jong Il.
"I think China is willing to accept a nuclear North Korea, as long as
it has stability," said Mr. Noerper. "For North Korea, it is all about
regime stability. For China, it is just about stability in northeast
Asia."
Many regional political analysts say Beijing fears that a collapse of
the government could lead to instability in the North and push
hundreds of thousands of refugees into China from its impoverished
neighbor.
Concern has risen after recent reports out of Washington that North
Korea might be preparing for a nuclear test. Pyongyang says it has
manufactured nuclear weapons and will make more. The head of the
International Atomic Energy Agency says North Korea may have five or
six bombs.
Six-nation talks on the nuclear issue, involving the Koreas, China,
Japan, Russia, and the United States, have been stalled since last
June. At that session, the United States proposed offering Pyongyang
security guarantees and other benefits if it gave up its nuclear
programs in a verifiable manner.
North Korea never responded to the proposal and has given various
reasons for not returning to the negotiations. Among other things, it
has said the United States must first drop what Pyongyang says is a
hostile attitude toward North Korea.
The North in the past also demanded bilateral negotiations with the
United States, a condition Washington dismisses. On Sunday, North
Korean officials appeared to reverse that position, with the state
news agency saying Pyongyang has never requested talks independent of
the six-party negotiations.
The United States has urged North Korea to return to negotiations
without conditions, saying the six-party talks remain the best option
that North Korea has to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D5D05F:2F72C9D
Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted Chinese President Hu
Jintao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as saying all sides in
the talks should continue work to resolve the North Korean nuclear
crisis through peaceful dialogue China and South Korea have again
called on North Korea to return to stalled nuclear talks, saying they
will renew effort to restart the negotiations. Concerns are mounting
that the North might be planning a nuclear test soon.
The Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted Chinese President Hu
Jintao and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as saying all sides in
the talks should continue work to resolve the North Korean nuclear
crisis through peaceful dialogue.
The two leaders were in Moscow for commemorations marking the end of
World War II in Europe. The South Korean leader said his country
expects China to take an active role in getting Pyongyang to rejoin
negotiations.
As North Korea's chief supplier of food and fuel, Beijing is seen as
having the most influence over the reclusive communist state. But
Chinese officials have consistently said their ability to sway North
Korea is limited.
Stephen Noerper is an expert on North Asia security issues at the
Nautilus Institute, a California organization that studies global
problem solving. Speaking in Beijing, he said that while China has
called for a nuclear-free Korean peninsula, it perhaps lacks
sufficient incentive to push Pyongyang harder. He says Beijing dreads
a collapse of the North's government, led by Kim Jong Il.
"I think China is willing to accept a nuclear North Korea, as long as
it has stability," said Mr. Noerper. "For North Korea, it is all about
regime stability. For China, it is just about stability in northeast
Asia."
Many regional political analysts say Beijing fears that a collapse of
the government could lead to instability in the North and push
hundreds of thousands of refugees into China from its impoverished
neighbor.
Concern has risen after recent reports out of Washington that North
Korea might be preparing for a nuclear test. Pyongyang says it has
manufactured nuclear weapons and will make more. The head of the
International Atomic Energy Agency says North Korea may have five or
six bombs.
Six-nation talks on the nuclear issue, involving the Koreas, China,
Japan, Russia, and the United States, have been stalled since last
June. At that session, the United States proposed offering Pyongyang
security guarantees and other benefits if it gave up its nuclear
programs in a verifiable manner.
North Korea never responded to the proposal and has given various
reasons for not returning to the negotiations. Among other things, it
has said the United States must first drop what Pyongyang says is a
hostile attitude toward North Korea.
The North in the past also demanded bilateral negotiations with the
United States, a condition Washington dismisses. On Sunday, North
Korean officials appeared to reverse that position, with the state
news agency saying Pyongyang has never requested talks independent of
the six-party negotiations.
The United States has urged North Korea to return to negotiations
without conditions, saying the six-party talks remain the best option
that North Korea has to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully.
Experts Outline Process of Possible North Korea Nuclear Test
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D5D060:2F72C9D
Experts say determining whether North Korea will actually conduct its
first nuclear weapons test remains, to a large extent, guesswork
North Korea's spent nuclear fuel rods kept in a cooling pond are seen
at the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, North Korea (File photo
-1996)As multinational talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear
ambitions remain stalled, fears are growing that Pyongyang may conduct
its first nuclear test.
Recent news reports say that intelligence experts in the United States
and Asia are seeing signs that North Korea may soon conduct an
underground nuclear test. U.S. spy satellites have reportedly captured
images of excavation activity at a suspected test facility in the
northeastern part of the country, and even the construction of a
reviewing stand, where military leaders and dignitaries might sit
while a test is conducted.
But because so little is known about North Korea's activities, experts
say determining whether the North will actually conduct its first
nuclear weapons test remains, to a large extent, guesswork.
However, scientists have enough information about Pyongyang's nuclear
capabilities to at least sketch out what a test might look like - an
underground blast using a plutonium device.
Estimates vary, but North Korea is believed to have reprocessed as
much as 40 or 50 kilograms of plutonium from spent fuel rods from its
Yongbyon reactor. That could be enough fissile material for 10
weapons.
Dan Pinkston, a Korea specialist at Center for Nonproliferation
Studies in Monterey, California, says if North Korea tests a device,
its scientists would have to calculate carefully the size of the
explosion.
"They have a small inventory of fissile material, so they don't want
to waste any of the fissile material, he said. "But, if they test a
bomb, they want it to work. It would be bad if they were to test a
bomb and it failed or they had a low yield."
British nuclear scientist John Large says North Korea might test a
device containing a sphere of plutonium about the size of a
grapefruit. When surrounding explosives are detonated, the plutonium
would set off a nuclear chain reaction, releasing destructive force
and radioactive material.
Mr. Large says from North Korea's perspective, the ideal test may be a
missile launch, rather than an underground one, because it
accomplishes two things.
"Preparing for an underground test gives too much forewarning …. The
North Koreans may say: 'Oh no, we don't want to do that, because the
American scientists may say it's not very good….' A missile test would
prove that the weapon not only worked, but it was matched to a
deployment system … that would be a direct demonstration of its
nuclear capability," explained Mr. Large.
Other experts say an underground test is more realistic, because too
many things could go wrong with a missile test. For instance, the
missile could misfire. They say because the Korean peninsula is so
densely populated and surrounded by neighbors, Pyongyang would need to
hold the test deep underground to contain the nuclear fallout.
Professor Pinkston in Monterey, however, notes it is possible there
will be no test. He says the construction activity could be just for
show, intended to discredit U.S. intelligence if North Korea does not
test.
"You know, then they can say, oh, look, U.S. intelligence is wrong,
they don't know what they're talking about. So, other things that U.S.
intelligence says or that U.S. policy makers say are also flawed,"
said Professor Pinkston.
Still, scientists and weapons experts say a test can not be ruled out.
Kim Tae-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense
Analyses in Seoul, says although there is still reason to believe
North Korea is bluffing, the threat must be taken seriously. Mr. Kim
says North Korea has taken a lot of risks in developing its nuclear
capability, suggesting that it genuinely feels threatened and feels it
needs a nuclear bomb to protect itself.
For two years, the United States, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia
have been trying to persuade Pyongyang to comply with its previous
commitments to not develop nuclear weapons. North Korea, however, has
withdrawn from nuclear disarmament talks with the other five
countries.
Pyongyang says it needs nuclear weapons to deter what it considers a
hostile United States. Officials in the Bush administration have said
many times, however, that the United States has no intention of
attacking or invading North Korea.
Washington and its regional partners say a North Korean nuclear test
would deal a severe blow to attempts to resolve the stalemate
peacefully and diplomatically.
On Friday, the Japanese foreign minister said it might be necessary to
take the issue to the United Nations Security Council, which possibly
could impose sanctions on Pyongyang.
North Korea has never tested a nuclear weapon, despite having declared
itself a nuclear state. Experts say regional seismograph readings will
probably be the only way means of knowing for sure if North Korea
proves its nuclear capability.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D5D060:2F72C9D
Experts say determining whether North Korea will actually conduct its
first nuclear weapons test remains, to a large extent, guesswork
North Korea's spent nuclear fuel rods kept in a cooling pond are seen
at the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, North Korea (File photo
-1996)As multinational talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear
ambitions remain stalled, fears are growing that Pyongyang may conduct
its first nuclear test.
Recent news reports say that intelligence experts in the United States
and Asia are seeing signs that North Korea may soon conduct an
underground nuclear test. U.S. spy satellites have reportedly captured
images of excavation activity at a suspected test facility in the
northeastern part of the country, and even the construction of a
reviewing stand, where military leaders and dignitaries might sit
while a test is conducted.
But because so little is known about North Korea's activities, experts
say determining whether the North will actually conduct its first
nuclear weapons test remains, to a large extent, guesswork.
However, scientists have enough information about Pyongyang's nuclear
capabilities to at least sketch out what a test might look like - an
underground blast using a plutonium device.
Estimates vary, but North Korea is believed to have reprocessed as
much as 40 or 50 kilograms of plutonium from spent fuel rods from its
Yongbyon reactor. That could be enough fissile material for 10
weapons.
Dan Pinkston, a Korea specialist at Center for Nonproliferation
Studies in Monterey, California, says if North Korea tests a device,
its scientists would have to calculate carefully the size of the
explosion.
"They have a small inventory of fissile material, so they don't want
to waste any of the fissile material, he said. "But, if they test a
bomb, they want it to work. It would be bad if they were to test a
bomb and it failed or they had a low yield."
British nuclear scientist John Large says North Korea might test a
device containing a sphere of plutonium about the size of a
grapefruit. When surrounding explosives are detonated, the plutonium
would set off a nuclear chain reaction, releasing destructive force
and radioactive material.
Mr. Large says from North Korea's perspective, the ideal test may be a
missile launch, rather than an underground one, because it
accomplishes two things.
"Preparing for an underground test gives too much forewarning …. The
North Koreans may say: 'Oh no, we don't want to do that, because the
American scientists may say it's not very good….' A missile test would
prove that the weapon not only worked, but it was matched to a
deployment system … that would be a direct demonstration of its
nuclear capability," explained Mr. Large.
Other experts say an underground test is more realistic, because too
many things could go wrong with a missile test. For instance, the
missile could misfire. They say because the Korean peninsula is so
densely populated and surrounded by neighbors, Pyongyang would need to
hold the test deep underground to contain the nuclear fallout.
Professor Pinkston in Monterey, however, notes it is possible there
will be no test. He says the construction activity could be just for
show, intended to discredit U.S. intelligence if North Korea does not
test.
"You know, then they can say, oh, look, U.S. intelligence is wrong,
they don't know what they're talking about. So, other things that U.S.
intelligence says or that U.S. policy makers say are also flawed,"
said Professor Pinkston.
Still, scientists and weapons experts say a test can not be ruled out.
Kim Tae-woo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense
Analyses in Seoul, says although there is still reason to believe
North Korea is bluffing, the threat must be taken seriously. Mr. Kim
says North Korea has taken a lot of risks in developing its nuclear
capability, suggesting that it genuinely feels threatened and feels it
needs a nuclear bomb to protect itself.
For two years, the United States, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia
have been trying to persuade Pyongyang to comply with its previous
commitments to not develop nuclear weapons. North Korea, however, has
withdrawn from nuclear disarmament talks with the other five
countries.
Pyongyang says it needs nuclear weapons to deter what it considers a
hostile United States. Officials in the Bush administration have said
many times, however, that the United States has no intention of
attacking or invading North Korea.
Washington and its regional partners say a North Korean nuclear test
would deal a severe blow to attempts to resolve the stalemate
peacefully and diplomatically.
On Friday, the Japanese foreign minister said it might be necessary to
take the issue to the United Nations Security Council, which possibly
could impose sanctions on Pyongyang.
North Korea has never tested a nuclear weapon, despite having declared
itself a nuclear state. Experts say regional seismograph readings will
probably be the only way means of knowing for sure if North Korea
proves its nuclear capability.
Dynamic of war :
The chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency tells the Senate Armed Services Committee North Korea has the wherewithal to put a nuclear device in the nose cone of a three-stage, long-range missile that can reach Hawaii and Alaska.
http://www.segye.com/Service5/ShellView.as...505091511000105
http://snipurl.com/erlc
The chief of the Defense Intelligence Agency tells the Senate Armed Services Committee North Korea has the wherewithal to put a nuclear device in the nose cone of a three-stage, long-range missile that can reach Hawaii and Alaska.
http://www.segye.com/Service5/ShellView.as...505091511000105
http://snipurl.com/erlc
Rumors of N.Korea Crisis in June Intensify:
There are immediate signs that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test in Kilju, North Hamgyeong Province, with talk of a test coming not just from the U.S. but also from China and Japan. Most of it is pessimistic. "North Korea could conduct a nuclear test as early as June,"
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8784.htm
http://snipurl.com/erld
There are immediate signs that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test in Kilju, North Hamgyeong Province, with talk of a test coming not just from the U.S. but also from China and Japan. Most of it is pessimistic. "North Korea could conduct a nuclear test as early as June,"
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8784.htm
http://snipurl.com/erld
What is the Truth of the North’s Nuclear Issue? :
The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that “the U.S.’ intelligence manipulation” is designed for China to develop a feeling of crisis by making it keep its eye upon Pyongyang’s disquieting action.
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?...d=2005051047868
http://snipurl.com/erle
The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that “the U.S.’ intelligence manipulation” is designed for China to develop a feeling of crisis by making it keep its eye upon Pyongyang’s disquieting action.
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?...d=2005051047868
http://snipurl.com/erle
N. Korea Hints It Will Hold Atomic Test
By Anthony Faiola and Sachiko Sakamaki
A North Korean official told a delegation of Japanese academics visiting Pyongyang last week that a nuclear test was an "indispensable" step toward proving the nation's military capabilities to the world.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
By Anthony Faiola and Sachiko Sakamaki
A North Korean official told a delegation of Japanese academics visiting Pyongyang last week that a nuclear test was an "indispensable" step toward proving the nation's military capabilities to the world.
To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...er=emailarticle
North Korea Steps Up Rhetoric Over Nuclear Talks
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D624AC:2F72C9D
State-run newspaper does not confirm or deny the reports that
Pyongyang is preparing to conduct an underground nuclear weapons test
in June As the United States and China renew their calls for North
Korea to return to nuclear talks, Pyongyang is stepping up its
rhetoric and pledging to defy any pressure for it to disarm.
Throughout the North Korean nuclear crisis, Pyongyang has resorted to
defiant and often insulting language against the United States and its
leaders.
Tuesday, a state-run newspaper in Pyongyang accused Washington of
"making a fuss" over speculation that the North may be planning a
nuclear test soon.
Along with what has become a usual list of personal attacks against
President Bush, the commentary repeated Pyongyang's earlier assertions
that it would not deal further with his administration.
Referring to the possibility that the United States might refer the
case of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons to the U.N. Security Council, the
commentary declared that North Korea's "bold stance" is to let the
United States do what it wants.
China, the host of three unsuccessful rounds of talks on Pyongyang's
nuclear weapons program expressed its growing concern over the reports
of a possible nuclear test. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu
Jianchao said Beijing remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic
solution.
"We believe the appearance of nuclear weapons in North Korea is not
beneficial for any country in the region and the world," he said.
"That is why it is necessary for us to be genuinely committed to
denuclearization."
President Bush and his aides have called North Korean leader Kim Jong
Il a "tyrant" and referred to the country as "an outpost of tyranny."
In Beijing, the Chinese spokesman suggested that those involved in the
talks should not "say or do anything that is not in favor of
continuing the six-party talks." The talks have been stalled since
North Korea refused to attend a fourth round in September, accusing
the United States of taking a "hostile" attitude toward Pyongyang.
North Korea says it has nuclear weapons, and western and Asian experts
agree the country may well possess several nuclear devices.
Adding to concerns about a possible nuclear test were reports this
week from a delegation of Japanese scholars recently back from North
Korea. The head of the delegation was quoted as saying North Korean
officials told him a test is an "indispensable" step toward proving
Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday repeated Washington's
calls for Pyongyang to return to the six-way talks, saying they are
the "best route." She said anything the North Koreans do to escalate
the situation would only isolate their country further.
http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D624AC:2F72C9D
State-run newspaper does not confirm or deny the reports that
Pyongyang is preparing to conduct an underground nuclear weapons test
in June As the United States and China renew their calls for North
Korea to return to nuclear talks, Pyongyang is stepping up its
rhetoric and pledging to defy any pressure for it to disarm.
Throughout the North Korean nuclear crisis, Pyongyang has resorted to
defiant and often insulting language against the United States and its
leaders.
Tuesday, a state-run newspaper in Pyongyang accused Washington of
"making a fuss" over speculation that the North may be planning a
nuclear test soon.
Along with what has become a usual list of personal attacks against
President Bush, the commentary repeated Pyongyang's earlier assertions
that it would not deal further with his administration.
Referring to the possibility that the United States might refer the
case of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons to the U.N. Security Council, the
commentary declared that North Korea's "bold stance" is to let the
United States do what it wants.
China, the host of three unsuccessful rounds of talks on Pyongyang's
nuclear weapons program expressed its growing concern over the reports
of a possible nuclear test. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu
Jianchao said Beijing remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic
solution.
"We believe the appearance of nuclear weapons in North Korea is not
beneficial for any country in the region and the world," he said.
"That is why it is necessary for us to be genuinely committed to
denuclearization."
President Bush and his aides have called North Korean leader Kim Jong
Il a "tyrant" and referred to the country as "an outpost of tyranny."
In Beijing, the Chinese spokesman suggested that those involved in the
talks should not "say or do anything that is not in favor of
continuing the six-party talks." The talks have been stalled since
North Korea refused to attend a fourth round in September, accusing
the United States of taking a "hostile" attitude toward Pyongyang.
North Korea says it has nuclear weapons, and western and Asian experts
agree the country may well possess several nuclear devices.
Adding to concerns about a possible nuclear test were reports this
week from a delegation of Japanese scholars recently back from North
Korea. The head of the delegation was quoted as saying North Korean
officials told him a test is an "indispensable" step toward proving
Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday repeated Washington's
calls for Pyongyang to return to the six-way talks, saying they are
the "best route." She said anything the North Koreans do to escalate
the situation would only isolate their country further.
North Korean Conundrums
(Carnegie Analysis, Jon Wolfsthal)
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/npp/publi...a=view&id=16896
Tuesday, May 10
Despite reports that North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test and may soon have access to another four weapons worth of plutonium, North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and intentions remain unclear. The known facts, however, are disturbing enough to confirm that current efforts to stop North Korea’s nuclear program have failed.
Earlier this year, on February 10, North Korea declared definitively that it had nuclear weapons. While not supported by new evidence, the Foreign Ministry statement enhanced the perception that North Korea is a nuclear weapon state. While responsible leaders have to assume North Korea has enough nuclear material to make a weapon, there is no clear evidence that it has produced such weapons or can deliver them reliably.
(Carnegie Analysis, Jon Wolfsthal)
http://www.carnegieendowment.org/npp/publi...a=view&id=16896
Tuesday, May 10
Despite reports that North Korea may be preparing to conduct a nuclear test and may soon have access to another four weapons worth of plutonium, North Korea’s nuclear capabilities and intentions remain unclear. The known facts, however, are disturbing enough to confirm that current efforts to stop North Korea’s nuclear program have failed.
Earlier this year, on February 10, North Korea declared definitively that it had nuclear weapons. While not supported by new evidence, the Foreign Ministry statement enhanced the perception that North Korea is a nuclear weapon state. While responsible leaders have to assume North Korea has enough nuclear material to make a weapon, there is no clear evidence that it has produced such weapons or can deliver them reliably.
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