Tension escalates over N. Korea nuclear test
U.S. President Barack Obama and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
Obama warns Pyongyang of `consequences'
By Kang Seung-woo
U.S. President Barack Obama warned North Korea that it “must face consequences” for its latest nuclear test in an address at the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly in New York, Tuesday.
However, there were fresh reports suggesting that Pyongyang is preparing for another nuclear test, Wednesday.
“When Iran agrees to accept constraints on its nuclear program that enhances global security and enhances Iran’s ability to work with other nations. On the other hand, when North Korea tests a bomb, that endangers all of us,” said Obama. “Any country that breaks this basic bargain must face consequences.”
In South Korea, the National Assembly passed a new resolution urging the Kim Jong-un regime to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.
“We warn that North Korea’s reckless provocations will lead to diplomatic isolation and stronger international pressure,” the resolution said.
It also urged the North to take immediate and effective denuclearization measures, stressing that it cannot survive with its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Lawmakers also called on the government to seek countermeasures against the North’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction.
The moves came as the international community is seeking tougher sanctions on North Korea for its fifth nuclear test, Sept. 9.
The foreign ministers of South Korea, Japan and the United States held a meeting in New York, Monday, and discussed stepped-up sanctions on the North to curtail its nuclear ambitions.
In addition, China, the North’s lone ally, is also moving to join fresh sanctions on the North, as Obama and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to step up cooperation in the U.N. Security Council and in law-enforcement channels, Monday.
Following its fourth nuclear test in January, the U.N. Security Council adopted the toughest sanctions resolution to date in March, targeting the country’s trade in minerals and tightening banking restrictions.
Pyongyang going crazy
According to sources, the North has covered the entrances to two tunnels at its Punggye-ri nuclear test site, igniting speculation that it may detonate another nuclear device in the near future.
There are three tunnels at the North Korean nuclear test site and No.1 and No. 2 tunnels have been used for the country’s five tests.
“Large canopies have been erected to hide the entryways of No. 2 and No. 3 tunnels, which is identical to what was observed before its fifth nuclear test,” said a military official.
The fifth test was conducted in No. 2 tunnel and many predict a sixth test could take place in No. 3.
“We assess that both No. 2 and No. 3 tunnels could be used for another nuclear test at any time,” a government official also said.
This assessment came one day after the North claimed its successful ground test of a new rocket engine — a sign that the country may be aiming to eventually launch an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach as far as the U.S. mainland.
Given that the North pushed ahead with the fifth nuclear test 16 days after its leader Kim Jong-un instructed the military to take “eventful action steps” as a full-fledged military power, Aug. 24, The South Korean military expects that it may make another provocative action — either a missile launch or a nuclear test — in time for the 71st founding anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, Oct. 10.
Amid increasing signs of further provocation, the military remains on high alert, closely monitoring movements by the North.