UP Ibalon Bicol: After the Security Council’s condemnation, North Korea responds with its nuclear threats

After the Security Council’s condemnation, North Korea responds with its nuclear threats

4/15/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

North Korea (NK) was angered when the 15-member United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to condemn the failed launch of a long range missile early this month. Pyongyang insisted that the rocket was a satellite intended for peaceful purposes. Yet, it had been suspected that the missile was a test for long range ballistic technology.

The UN condemnation was based on a violation of a 2006 resolution that prohibited Pyongyang from all missile activities.

Accusing UN of interference, Kim Jong Il’s repressive regime quickly warned to restart its plutonium production, kick out UN inspectors, and walk away from the six-nation talks on disarmament.

Pointing to the failed rocket launch on April 5, 2009 which endangered territories such as Alaska and Hawaii, the United States was quick to advise NK to stop its provocations and abide with its commitments to the outside world.

"There is no need for six-party talks anymore," the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.-----Los Angeles Times (04/15/09, Richter, P; Glionna, JM)

Russia expressed its regrets and Japan, together with China (the host of the six party meeting) advised that countries---the United States, South Korea, North Korea, Japan, Russia, and China must go back to the discussion table.

"We hope the relevant parties could proceed from the perspective of the overall interest of the region, so as to work together to safeguard the progress of the six-party talks," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a news briefing. ---- Washington Post (04/14/09, Branigin, W.; Kim S.)

Analysts believe Pyongyang’s new tantrums are the same tactics of precipitating a crisis in order to get what it wants from the world. Its rhetorical threats in the past have served the communist country well---with food aid, fuel and economic assistance as rewards of good behavior.

“North Korea outraged the world three years ago by exploding a small nuclear device. But less than a year later, as it turned brinkmanship into remuneration, it pledged to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for aid from the United States and other countries. “ ----Washington Post (04/14/09, Branigin, W.; Kim S.)

The effects of UN sanctions on NK aren’t as effective as desired. The destitute communist nation with an ailing supreme leader is able to exploit leverage, gain concessions by bold demands and vitriolic threats of an all out war with its neighbors. NK along with Iran continues to be a menace to the stability and peace of the world. (Photo Credits: Christianragen; Stephan x 2) =0=