generalspeaking

Mission On Track

"It is obvious that some work is being conducted, and for a long time at that."
"The reactor is in a nightmarish state, it is a design dating back to the 1950s. For the Korean Peninsula, this could entail terrible consequences, if not a man-made catastrophe."
Russian diplomatic source.

"To achieve denuclearization and to maintain peace and stability is what China has been advocating."
Hong Lei, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman

"If it turns out that these reports are true, this would be a very serious matter."
"[It would represent] a misstep on the part of North Korea because, of course, it would violate seriously the United Nations Security Council resolutions [flying in the face of North Korea's own commitments]." 
Glyn Davies, U.S. envoy for North Korea policy

The IAEA does not have a "clear understanding" of the situation prevailing at Yongbyon, the shuttered but now restored North Korea nuclear reactor with its outdated technology not subject to monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, because, said its director general, Yukiya Amano, the Republic had not permitted inspectors to visit the site.

North Korea doesn't appear too concerned over the comments by the international community, interfering as usual in its affairs. Nor does it mind the comments particularly, since it reflects concerns that North Korea is very happy to be the focus of. It is the psycho-social life-blood of a contented self-worshiping Kim Jong-un who is never as happy as when all eyes are swivelled toward his noble figure.



The evidence is there, identified for all the international nuclear experts. The reactor capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons -- the worst-scenario nightmare of the international community - hugely applauded by North Korea's partner in offending and frightening that same community, the Islamic Republic of Iran -- has been restarted. Concerned for the welfare of North Korea the professionals in the field warn its return to service could end in disaster.

For whom? North Korea? The International community? Both?

The threat was there, it was hanging delicately in the air and had been since April when Pyongyang, in a raging fit of pique over criticism from that same international community resulting from North Korea's third nuclear test. It's just thudded indelicately to ground, that's all. North Korea making good on its promises. Which leads one inevitably to wonder about the timing of other promises. Linked to long-range ballistic missiles, and to nuclear warheads.

Linked to its rather unfriendly relations with South Korea, with Japan, with the United States. Credible analysts believe North Korea is in possession of anywhere between four and ten nuclear devices. Built thanks to plutonium deriving from Yongbyon before its shuttering in 2007, in honour of its then-concession to an international agreement. That's the way the wind blew then; it's changed course since.

Should the world be concerned?

American and South Korean intelligence sources warn that those innovative, clever and capable North Korean scientists have realized huge strides in their miniaturization attempts of nuclear warheads. Where now they can be attached to a missile. The estimate is that the country may be about a year away from perfecting their ultimate technology. At which point they will sit back, chuckle and indulgently inform the United States not to worry.

Labels: China, Communications, Munitions, North Korea, Nuclear Technology, Russia, Technology, United Nations, United States

posted by Pieface @ Saturday, September 14, 2013