North Korea draws world's scorn for tests
By JOSEPH COLEMAN, Associated Press Writer


SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea test-fired a seventh missile Wednesday, intensifying the furor that began when the reclusive regime defied international protests by launching a long-range missile and at least five shorter-range rockets earlier in the day.

The missiles, all of which apparently fell harmlessly into the Sea of Japan, provoked international condemnation, the convening of an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council and calls in Tokyo for economic sanctions against the impoverished communist regime.

North Korea remained defiant, with one official arguing it had the right to such launches. The tests and the impenitent North Korean attitude raised fears that further firings could follow.

North Korea's state-run media did not mention the missile tests but a commentator on its Korean Central Broadcasting Station said the country's "military and people are fully prepared to cope with any provocation and challenge by U.S. imperialists."

"Maintenance of peace in our country is entirely made possible by our strong war deterrent," the announcer said, adding that without it, the North would have suffered a "cruel nuclear disaster."

An official at the South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that North Korea had tested a seventh missile that was either short- or medium-range. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of agency rules.

Japan's Kyodo News agency reported that the missile landed six minutes after launch, but did not say where. The chief of Russia's general staff said that Russian tracking systems showed that Pyongyang may have launched up to 10 missiles during the day, the Interfax news agency reported.

U.S. officials said North Korea fired a long-range Taepodong-2 early in the day, but that it failed shortly after takeoff, calling into question the technological capability of North Korea's feared ballistic missile program. Pyongyang last fired a long-range missile in 1998.

The bold firings came under close international scrutiny of the North's missile launch facilities. The North American Aerospace Defense Command monitored the launches as they progressed but soon determined they were not a threat to the United States, a spokesman said.

Some feared more firings. Pyongyang could test more missiles soon despite the international outcry, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said after making a protest via telephone to North Korea's ambassador.

"We think they probably do intend to launch more missiles in the next day or two," Downer told reporters, without explaining if the possibility of more tests came up in his talk with ambassador Chon Jae Hong.

South Korea, separated from the North by the world's most heavily armed border, said the test-launches would further deepen its neighbor's international isolation, sour public opinion in the South toward Pyongyang, and hurt efforts to control weapons of mass destruction.

The tests, which came as the United States celebrated the Fourth of July and launched the space shuttle Discovery, appeared timed to draw the most attention from Washington. Some speculated that Pyongyang wanted some of the spotlight that was focused on Iran's nuclear program.

"North Korea wants to get the U.S. to direct bilateral negotiations by using the missile card," said Paik Hak-soon, a North Korea expert at the Seoul-based Sejong Institute. "Timing the launch date on July 4 is an attempt to apply maximum pressure on the U.S. government."

A North Korea Foreign Ministry official told Japanese journalists in Pyongyang that the regime there has an undeniable right to test missiles.

"The missile launch is an issue that is entirely within our sovereignty. No one has the right to dispute it," Ri Pyong Dok, a researcher on Japanese affairs at the North's Foreign Ministry, said on footage aired by Japanese television network TBS. "On the missile launch, we are not bound by any agreement."

Japanese broadcaster NHK reported that an unidentified Foreign Ministry official in Pyongyang acknowledged the tests, but Ri told reporters that diplomats such as himself are unaware of what the military is doing.

In Russia, Interfax quoted the army chief of staff, Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky as saying the number of missiles fired by North Korea could be higher than the six cited by the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

"According to various data, 10 missiles were launched. Some say that these were missiles of various classes; however, some claim that all missiles were intercontinental," Baluyevsky was quoted as saying in the Russian Far East city of Chita.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso warned of a "very high possibility" the U.N. would level economic sanctions against North Korea. Japan also protested the launches officially through the Chinese capital, and banned a North Korean ferry from Japanese ports for six months.

He also said North Korea may face harsher sanctions from Tokyo depending on Pyongyang's actions. Japan has already prohibited North Korean officials from traveling to the country and has barred a trade boat from entering Japanese waters.

The tests followed weeks of mounting speculation that North Korea would launch a Taepodong-2. U.S. intelligence reports indicated Pyongyang was taking steps to prepare for a launch, but the timing was unknown. North Korea refused to confirm the preparations, but insisted it had the right to such a test.

The test was likely to cast a pall over efforts to lure North Korea back to stalled six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program. Pyongyang has boycotted the negotiations to protest a U.S. crackdown on alleged North Korean counterfeiting and other financial crimes. A North Korean official said Wednesday his country would stand by that stance.

Diplomatic moves over North Korea gathered pace. U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill was to leave Washington for the region later Wednesday, and the launches coincided with a trip by South Korea's security chief to Washington for consultations. China's vice-premier was also scheduled to go to Pyongyang next week.

China, North Korea's neighbor and most important ally, urged all parties to remain calm.

"We are seriously concerned with the situation which has already happened," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement on the ministry's Web site.

"We hope that all the relevant sides ... do more things which are conducive to peace and stability ... and not take any actions to escalate and complicate the situation," the statement said.

Two State Department officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the long-range missile was the Taepodong-2, North Korea's most advanced missile with a range of up to 9,320 miles. Some experts believe it could reach the United States with a light payload.

North Korea's missile program is based on Scud technology provided by the former Soviet Union or Egypt, according to American and South Korean officials. North Korea started its Rodong-1 missile project in the late 1980s and test-fired the missile for the first time in 1993.

North Korea had observed a moratorium on long-range missile launches since 1999.





Bush was right when he said that Iran and North Korea were the axis of evil.


ds

To paraphrase from Austin Powers...

"Do you propose that we nuke North Korea?"
"Would you miss it...? I mean, would you really miss it?"

:p

I hope that the UN does something about this and doesnt just sit around doing nothing. If they dont then Bush should do whatever needs to be done to protect this country.


ds

Considering that North Korea doesn't have the long range ICBM delivery system necessary to pose a threat to the United States, what steps do you think are necessary for President Bush to take to protect our country?

How do u know that they dont have the range to reach the US? And if they dont then what should we do sit around doing nothing until they do? The UN needs to act now. If the UN doesnt do something then Bush should do whatever needs to be done to make sure that no attack from North Korea ever comes to our country.


ds

To steal something I'd figure you would say...

How do you know they don't have this technology?

Then again, they'd only hit California. Sorry TIS. :rolleyes:

I'll agree that the U.N. should do something for a change, but instead of George Bush doing the George Bush thing and playing lone ranger, shouldn't he try working with the U.N.? Give them a chance with something important like North Korea. It's important enough to where, if no progress is made within the U.S. and U.N., then don't work with them, yet still gain some support from other countries so the task isn't overbearing for this country. We only make ourselves weaker when we go about achieving all these things independently. We can come up with some type of aliment with other countries.

If the U.S. wants to look like a superpower, then we shouldn't only defend ourselves, but what's left of our allies. Prove that we look out for our friends. It can't hurt us much more than we are already down.

The UN has condemned the actions, but I can appreciate your (rational) concern that this will be shrugged off by the international community.

As far as any thread to the United States at this point, relax. The updated systems that were originated in SDI under Reagan have been going well (from what I've read), as well as Navy tests to shoot down missiles in the Pacific.

Also, if you read in one of the more recent issues of popular mechanics, the government now has a laser-driven plane that can destroy the missiles from mid-air. Quite impressive.

Have you seen Team America yet?

"Hans Brix! Can't you see hrow frucking brusy I am!" - Kim Jung Il

We did.

It was called World War II.

Thanks.

"One for the money,"
Double-J

Hmmmm. Doing this on the 4th of July, a day of celebration for our country, and then making a statement like the one I quoted above.

Nah, they're not looking to provoke a confrontation with the United States here. :rolleyes: They're not in bed with Iran here either. :rolleyes:


This has to be handled very delicately because this has the potential to really escalate into something major.

However, by the same token our leader cannot stand by if other leaders from around the world are not willing to take the proper steps within the UN to stop these war mongers.

But right now I believe that every step possible must be taken through world alliances and through the UN council to address this situation.


Don Cardi

Meanwhile, let's infiltrate his palace with a few moles, and then have him whacked during his sleep.

This news came out about ten minutes ago :

UN holding emergency meeting on N Korean missiles


DHARAM SHOURIE, UNITED NATIONS, JULY 5 (PTI)
The United Nations Security Council members were in emergency talks today to consider their response to North Korea test-firing at least seven missiles.

The closed-door meeting was requested by Tokyo after Pyongyang test-fired seven missiles today, including a long-range Taepodong-2 capable of reaching US soil, sparking fierce condemnation from neighbouring Japan and the United States.

Diplomats said they do not expect any resolution to be voted today and were not sure whether the 15-member Council will issue a consensus statement, a step lower than resolution.

Going into the meeting, American Ambassador John Bolton expressed the hope that the Council will send a strong unanimous signal to North Korea that its behaviour is unacceptable.

"We're going to meet this morning to discuss the situation, go over some of the procedural issues. Then the government of Japan will have a draft resolution to begin consideration at the expert level later this afternoon," he added. "This is obviously a very serious matter."

Tokyo has flayed the North Korean launches and threatened "stern measures," including possible economic sanctions against Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya, whose country is a close ally of Pyongyang, said Beijing was concerned about the North Korean launches but stressed that any action "should be constructive."

The United States, meanwhile, announced it would dispatch its top envoy on Asian affairs, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, to the region for talks, while South Korea's national security adviser was due at the White House.


------------------------------------------------------------


Don Cardi

Absolutely. We need to take the proper steps to go through the UN process first and hopefully get their support. And if we don't then we must gain support from our allies and aline with them to take whatever steps necessary to insure both the safety of our allies and the safety of our country.

Everything you say in what I quoted above, Tony, is correct. We must do it exactly the way that we did it with Iraq.


Don Cardi

I don't know, of course, but I've never heard the slightest suggestion or hint that they do.

And even if they do, I can't see them attacking us, which would guarantee certain annihilation for them.

But if the U.N. doesn't act, what do you propose that President Bush do?

Plaw, according to a report to the National Assmebly back in 2003, the warhead of a long-range missile test-fired by North Korea was found in the U.S. state of Alaska. And according to various reports and news stations, including CNN, the Taepodong-2 is believed to have the range to reach U.S. territory, including Hawaii and Alaska.


Don Cardi

Its been talked about for a few years now that they have a missile capable of reaching the US. The President should do whatever he and congress feel is needed to protect our country and it's people.


ds

I think they could have things we don't know about, any country could and the public may not know the entire situation. This is scary.

Your right Smitty. Because if they don't, and our country is attacked, then there will be those screaming that the President had pre-intelligence and did not act on it and they will form 9/11 like commissions, asking why the government didn't act on prior intelligence, asking for impeachment hearings and dragging all those in the admministration in front of the TV cameras to answer why they did not do anything after getting pre-intelligence of possible missile attacks on our nation.

In my opinion, if all roads lead to a dead end when going the course of the UN, and I really think that every road MUST be taken with getting the UN to act on this, then it's up to our leaders here in this country to take whatever means neccesary to protect this nation and it's people. And if that means our having to fire a missile to take out one that North Korea may fire in our direction, then so be it.

But let's not jump the gun here before all other options are explored through the United Nations, NATO, etc.


Don Cardi

Stupid North-Koreans with their rightwing dictator. What's the use for upsetting Japan and the rest of the world?

But for now, let's not get carried away, nothing bad happened. So this must be solved on a large international diplomatic scale.

Only Tom Clancy is allowed to talk about intercontinental ballistic missiles. :p

I would imagine that the Chinese are going to step in pretty soon and take care of the "Dear Leader." That guy is far and away the biggest nut job on earth.

If China does not, why cant we send in a crack team of seals and taken him out? I dont believe he is especially beloved by all those people he has starved half to death.

Besides once N Korea is free, the cost of all those electronics and Hyundais will continue to drop

Does that include blatant disregard for the U.S. constitution and Bill of Rights? Those same rights our ancestors ended their lives to preserve, so we could enjoy, and experience them today.

Does that include blatant disregard for the U.S. constitution and Bill of Rights? Those same rights our ancestors ended their lives to preserve, so we could enjoy, and experience them today. [/b][/quote]Actuallly I am surprised that DS includes the Congress in presidential decision making since the creep in the White House doesnt seem to pay attention to Congress or the Courts.

But, yes, the wingholes would all abolish the Constitution in a heartbeat. They hate democracy and they want a permnant dictatorship in this phony "War on Terror"

Where did Smitty or any of us for that matter suggest anything like that?

Actually in a twisted way you contradict yourself because
the President is sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The people of the United States are afforded many freedoms under the Constitution so therefore the President has a responsibility to the American people to accomplish the defeat of our enemies in any part of the world where the safety of America and it's people demands such defeat.

Tell me something Tony, and I ask you this not with any malice of sarcasm, but with sincere curiosity ; If the United Nations fails to act on these actions taken by North Korea, or enforce the laws of the United Nations, and North Korea decides to launch a missile pointed towards the United States Of America, then what do you suggest that the President and Congress do?


Don Cardi

Actually DonT, the wingholes don't have to try and abolish the constitution or destroy democracy in the name of having a dictatorship. Libholes like yourself and those in office are already doing a great job in helping the enemy destroy our contstituion, our freedoms and everthing that our soldiers have fought for and continue to fight for in this war on terror.

You libholes continually undermine our soldiers while they are on the battlefield fighting the enemy. You libholes insist on sitting on the fence when push comes to shove, and you libholes continue to place blame and claim that things are done wrong, but still have not come up with a plan or idea on how to battle the enemy or win this war. Well I stand corrected because the "libbys' in the country have offered up ideas to the enemy on how they can defeat us in this war.

You play the same old fucking tune in every topic that you post in. Point fingers, call names to those in power, and lay blame. But you cannot and will not admit that not ONE single person from the liberal side that is on office has the ability to come up with a plan for ANYTHING that comes about in this world.

At least the wingholes have the balls enough to defend our country against the same enemies that you libholes keep empowering with your anti-american propaganda and rhetoric!

The battle cry of the libhole : "We're losing the war we're losing the war, we can't win we can't win.... run run run!"

And in the same breath that you accuse the wingholes of having total disregard for the constitution, it's freedoms and humanity, you post things like this :

So don't sit there and accuse this administration and those on the right of abolishing the constitution and everything it stands for after you call for a covert hit squad to go into a country and remove it's leader.

Have some consistancy, please.


Don Cardi

It seems to me DC that dontomasso just really hates this country and has nothing good to say about it. Why doesnt he just leave if he hates it so much. And he calls this a phony war on terror? Why doesnt he look up the phone numbers of all the people who lost someone on 9-1-1 and tell them its all phony? Go ahead dontomasso call them all up 1 by 1.

ds

Why can't we be friends? Why can't we be friendssssss?

If the North Koreans do have a delivery system that can reach U.S. territory, so be it.

Not good.

But DS, you don't seem to want to answer the question:

What do you think President Bush should do if U.N. intervention fails?

Saying that "he should do whatever he thinks is necessary" is not really an answer.

So let me rephrase the question:

"What do you think we should do?"

And, on another subject....

Suggesting that those of us who strongly disagree with our government's policies hate America and should leave is just plain wrong, IMO.

To me, it proves that they love this country, because they are so passionate about wanting things to change for what they perceive to be for the better, just as you do.

It just happens that you disagree on what a change for the better would be, but that doesn't mean that either of you love our country any less.

Does anyone tell you, for example, that if you don't like the influence that the ACLU has, that you should leave?

Don T is perfectly entitled to say to you, "Hey, Don Smitty....if you don't like my views or the way I express them, that's too bad. This is a free country, and I'm guaranteed freedom of speech. if you don't like it, leave."

I really thought we had gotten past that ridiculous "America, love it and support it or leave" argument.

I think that Bush should do something, but he should also exhaust every avenue.

That IS why we elected him. I beleive in diplomacy and it should be employed here and now unlike a little military quagmire which will remain nameless*cough*. That aside, here is a situation in that we are being tested on the world stage and must not back down either.