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| Korea |
| N. Korea boosts nuclear program |
| 2003-10-02 |
| North Korea has admitted reprocessing 8,000 fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor to boost its nuclear capabilities in response to threats from the United States. No, that’s not why they did it. They thought the reprocessed rods were edible. In a rare interview, Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon told CNN of the move, saying North Korea’s nuclear deterrence was not intended to attack other countries, but as a means to safeguard the country’s territory. Choe claimed Wednesday the war with Iraq convinced the North Korean government to further strengthen its military defense -- implying it may have nuclear arms in its arsenal. And I thought it was because Bush isn’t giving in like Clinton did.* "As we have clearly pointed out, since the United States is now threatening the DPRK (North Korea) with nuclear weapons to launch a preemptive nuclear attack against the DPRK, we have been left with no alternative but to be in possession of the nuclear deterrence," the minister said. Damn. I missed that White House press release. "That’s why we have taken up all measures to maintain and strengthen that nuclear deterrence." U.S. officials have estimated that plutonium obtained from the 8,000 rods could be used to build between 6 and 12 nuclear warheads. Yeah but by the time they try to launch them (assuming they’re going to use ICBMs) Pyonyang would be toast. A rather crisp piece of toast. Choe also told CNN that Pyongyang’s relations with the United States are at their worst level ever, repeatedly attacking Washington for not signing a non-aggression treaty with North Korea. See * above. The minister said the treaty would enable Pyongyang to cooperate with the international community on nuclear issues. "Our proposal is modest and simple, we just want both the DPRK and the United States to put down guns at the same time and coexist peacefully." We can do that without a non-aggression treaty. Punk. The minister refused to say if and when North Korea will test a nuclear weapon as the government has previously indicated it would. In other words, if China lets ’em. The traveling minister said relations were very good with influential neighbor China. Beijing is concerned about a nuclear North Korea and the flood of refugees should conflict erupt. Excuse me Mr. traveling minister, in case of nuclear war and given your "sea of fire" metaphor, there ain’t gonna be no refugees. Choe also attacked the United States for U.S. President George W. Bush’s statement that North Korea was part of the "axis of evil." "We’re not part of an axis!!" There was no indication when North Korea would agree to another round of multi-nations talks on its nuclear program. The last round was in Beijing in August. "We have never made any promises with regards to the next round of six party talks," the vice foreign minister said. "Will the talks be catered? Maybe I’ll think about it..." |
| Posted by:Rafael |
| #9 Don't underestimate the NORKS in their capabilities. They can hoard what treasure they get from missile sales, heroin, contraband, etc. (less Kimmie's tasty treats that he craves) and buy Russian engineers who will work for a price. Kimmie and Co may become glass, but do not assume that he is all bluff. He is dumb enough to do it. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-10-2 8:27:02 PM |
| #8 the administration should just ignore NKor. They're like a child throwing a tantrum. Probably too stupid to develop a nuke anyways. |
| Posted by: Jarhead 2003-10-2 1:42:56 PM |
| #7 We don't need to do any 'cept wait. This is a Chineese problem. |
| Posted by: Shipman 2003-10-2 11:28:05 AM |
| #6 Choe has just finished reading "How to Play Poker with George Boosh" by S. Hussein. |
| Posted by: Matt 2003-10-2 10:55:09 AM |
| #5 If the Nkors really do test a nuke, the chances for miscalculation on the part of the Skors could turn this into a full scale confalguration. If that happens, NK won't have very long to live. Sit down, light a smoke, and wait for the rain of fire. |
| Posted by: Bomb-a-rama 2003-10-2 10:50:16 AM |
| #4 Choe also told CNN that Pyongyang’s relations with the United States are at their worst level ever, repeatedly attacking Washington for not signing a non-aggression treaty with North Korea. Excluding 1950-53, of course. Although, things were ok prior to Inchon. :) |
| Posted by: Tornado 2003-10-2 10:10:03 AM |
| #3 Considering relations are pretty bad and the quarters fairly close. If the Nkors really do test a nuke, the chances for miscalculation on the part of the Skors could turn this into a full scale confalguration. |
| Posted by: Douglas De Bono 2003-10-2 9:19:59 AM |
| #2 Oh, I think they're getting really close to testing a nuke...unfortunately it'll be one of ours |
| Posted by: Frank G 2003-10-2 8:19:15 AM |
| #1 Choe continued his attack on Bush administration and expressed hope that negotiations could be resumed with his former counterpart, Jimmy Carter. The Bush administration is completely responsible for our Nukes and all the problems on the Korean peninsula. We demand that they stop running amok. We demand that they send Jimmy Carter to negotiate, or at least that woman, Madeline Albright. |
| Posted by: Tokyo Taro 2003-10-2 4:05:36 AM |