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SEOUL - North Korea said on Thursday it would carry out further rocket launches and a nuclear test that would target the United States, dramatically stepping up its threats against a country it called its "enemy".
The announcement by the country's top military body came a day after the United Nations Security Council agreed a U.S.-backed resolution to censure and sanction the country for a rocket launch in December that breached U.N. rules.
Kim Hong-Ji / Reuters
U.S. Special Representative for North Korea policy Glyn Davies, center, speaks at a news conference in Seoul on Thursday.
"We are not disguising the fact that the various satellites and long-range rockets that we will fire and the high-level nuclear test we will carry out are targeted at the United States," North Korea's National Defense Commission said, according to state news agency KCNA.
North Korea is believed by South Korea and other observers to be "technically ready" for a third nuclear test, and the decision to go ahead rests with leader Kim Jong-un who pressed ahead with the December rocket launch in defiance of the U.N. sanctions.
"Whether North Korea tests or not is up to North Korea," Glyn Davies, the top U.S. envoy for North Korean diplomacy, said in the South Korean capital of Seoul as KCNA released its statement.
"We hope they don't do it. We call on them not to do it," Davies said. "This is not a moment to increase tensions on the Korean peninsula."
The North was banned from developing missile and nuclear technology under sanctions dating from its 2006 and 2009 nuclear tests.
The concern now is that Pyongyang, whose only major diplomatic ally, China, endorsed the latest U.N. resolution, could undertake a third nuclear test using highly enriched uranium for the first time, opening a second path to a bomb.
North Korea's propaganda poets stay true to their muse despite world's laughter
Its previous tests have been viewed as limited successes and used plutonium, of which the North has limited stocks.
North Korea gave no time-frame for the coming test and often employs harsh rhetoric in response to U.N. and U.S. actions.
Its long-range rockets are not seen as capable of reaching the United States mainland and it is not believed to have the technology to mount a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile.
"The UNSC (Security Council) resolution masterminded by the U.S. has brought its hostile policy towards the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea) to its most dangerous stage," the commission was quoted as saying.
Related:
North Korea pledges to boost nuclear capability after UN rebuke
Copyright 2013 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.
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This brazen prattle from NK just proves that they think we're all bluff and bluster -- an opinion that I pretty much share. (Part of the reason, maybe, is that, without a threat, we don't even care about NK; they could sit there and punish themselves for the next 1000 years and there'd be no reason to do anything at all about it. NK is a hell-hole I'm glad I don't live in and I'm sorry for those who do, but I don't want to send U.S. troops to die just to save it.)
The U.S. won't do anything; we'll just bark and whine and kick the can down the road. Get ready to live with MAD. I lived under it most of my life; it's a barrel of fun. What can NK get from MAD? SK with it's agricultural areas and industry: who ya goin' to be most concerned about: SK or the west coast of the U.S.? (NK was created by Stalin at the end of WWII, but Korea should never be two countries; from what I've read, it's something like trying to make two countries out of Nevada and California.) NK has been playing us and our allies for many years; I don't believe there's a way to stop it without crushing the regime and letting SK administer the place until reunification can be worked out. But, crushing the regime would be brutal no matter how it's done (even if no shot is fired): we don't have the stomach for it. I don't think stepping aside and letting NK gobble up SK would be a good solution either: they'd soon ruin the place and be looking around for someone else to loot
Frankly, I'm really afraid that a whole lot of people will die before this is solved.
I'm scared... I'm thirty years old, so I'm not a little kid, but I'm scared. I have a little baby. I'm scared for the world he's going to be growing up in.
It isn't as bad as what it can get; our task is not to let it go that far. When I was a kid, things would, from time to time, get quite hot between the U.S. and the Soviets. On several occasions (I don't remember how many) the U.S. put our fleet of B52 bombers in the air -- not for an attack but (as I recall) to keep them safe and ready. We also had B47s, a smaller bomber. A relative (the family's only hero) flew one of them. These were not long range like the B52s. He said that, should he have to fly into the Soviet Union, he knew that he'd never make it back.
The longer this mess with NK goes on, the more dangerous it will become. They know we don't want a fight and they'll use pure terror to push us up against the wall -- hoping for capitulation to whatever the hell it is that they really want. But, I caution against the U.S. going into wars we don't have to -- and, therefore, won't win. Examples: the Korean war and Vietnam. Beware of altruistic wars; they may be popular until the bodies start coming back. Then people will start asking "why?" and there will be no good answer.
The world situation is not as bad as it has been in the past. For example, there's a long history of murderous mass movements killing millions with wars all over Europe. The place destroyed itself with war and now seems to have learned the error of its ways. Although a disturbing mess, Russia isn't nearly the danger to Europe or the U.S. that it once was. I'm not at all convinced that China is benign, but they seem to have learned the value of having some money in their pockets. The situation in China used to be murderous and insane; I'd don't see it that way now. There is no Japanese empire; they, like SK, are huge contributors in the world. For most of the world -- and this is important -- totalitarianism has lost its appeal. Considering all the medical and technological progress that's been made, your baby will grow up in a world, that, all-in-all is better than ever.
My advice? Don't read the news as it's never good news.
Don't take Trent's advice; you can't do anything to protect your baby that way.
I'm scared too because i live in California where supposedly one of these rockets could land. Let's hope the anti missile defense would indeed take care of it. Maybe these people who don't believe in NK's capabilities live in the east and don't feel as threatened. Anyway, i'm in my sixties and maybe safe for another 20 or 30 years but what about the little ones like your baby.
Here we go. For those that don't seem to get it. Stage 1 Propulsion is the initial liftoff and flight. When fuel runs out it removes from the rocket and stage 2 engages and finishes the fueled flight. When fuel runs out, it removes and the warhead finishes it's arc and returns to earth and hits it's target. Just like a mortar. The only difference between this and a normal rocket flight is it is at a tactical angle.
What just went on over there. Stage 1. Success. Stage 2. Success. Satellite now in space. The propulsion system is the same. They only use 1 rocket type over there.
Unbelievable! I can't believe NK said that. It's like Iran's threats toward Israel. I hope South Park makes another parody that's funny for us and insulting to NK.
OK! What and the HELL are we (US) waiting for???
We need to collaborate with Japan and South Korea, help beef them up, so we’re right at North Korea’s back door ready to go.
Oh! AND I personally do NOT owe the Chinese S#it. Nor do they own anything I have invested in.
Here’s a good idea, maybe everyone should check into their finance company’s international interests before signing on the line. Duh!
Throw more money at it, gotcha. It doesn't really work. And unless you bolster the South Korean military to numbers equal that of the North it would be overrun easily. Problem is you can't bolster that military at least right away without provoking the north to hit the button they've got their fingers on.
Ha,ha. Probably everything you own was made in China.
And I really doubt Japan want to go to war either. Look at your history, then realize a war with them will be worse then all the wars combined since WW2. Then go down and sign up to be an infantryman or marine.
Trent: Valid point, but what are the options? Technology brother. We have installments, which are very cheap in contrast as a whole to the military spending story. Honestly Trent, it would be a drop in the bucket compared to the fuel our military uses on a daily basis. Sorry dude, but money DOES make the world go around. All the love in the world will not pay the electric bill. I dare the finger on the button to push it.
John: Bro, you are jaded, and yeah, Japan would if we told them to. It is the direction we are headed. Sounds like a little denial issue on your part there bud. You are right though Johnny, I can't build a computer without the Chinese getting involved lol. Try taking American currency over there and spending it. Won’t happen.
John, seriously, you sound like a 9th grader with that reply. Try buying stuff with your own cash not someone else’s.
Don't try to belittle me you flat-liners. lmao. Don’t be so cocky behind your little masturbation stations.
A lot of people would rather lie down and take it in the a$$ (wait for the pain), key point, however, I am not from the lame group of spineless complainers. Resolve is the final duty, not just bitc#ing about it. Think about it.
I would simply let them know that another test will result in a test of our own, on their soil, above ground. Mass ships and troops and call their bluff, then backdoor diplomacy just like we did in the cold war.
We should just dare them to launch. Our missile defense system would take out there out of date junk even if it did come towards the U.S. I figure that they are only going to make fools out of themselves, like they continue to do over and over again. I say that we call their bluff.
We should have finished that job while I was still in Korea in the early 50s. Now any action relatted to the ultimate solution to the North Korean "problem" will involve the entire world. Too bad, but it is a 'comin.
Ohhh how scary lol. What a joke.
We have the ability to end any conflict in a matter of minutes. FOREVER.
Hey Frostbit, the same rocket they used to launch the satellite into orbit is capable of warhead, and tactical hit against the State of Hawaii. If that's all you can say, then guess all you care about is yourself, huh.
Typical comments for the typical lefts.......ignore the real threats and attack your own. A house divided can not stand.................Please keep your mouths shut; you left, liberals are making America look rediculous!
Silly comment. Nobody is going to keep their mouth shut. The way to fight bad ideas is with better ideas -- aka, true ideas. A battle of ideas is very very tough; you're wasting your time whining about your desire that your opponents keep quiet -- it isn't going to happen. Read, educate yourself, ask what is true and why, think things out. Little Jessica Rekos at Sandy Hook CT understood this; so can you. Truth about reality saves!
NK has said it will target the US with its next nuclear weaponized missile test. That is not a threat. That is a declarative statement. So the missile defense agency had better get their a$$e$ in gear and be prepared to test their system real world and eliminate that "test" missile when it launches. They know where it will launch from and they should be able to give a fairly good guesstimate as to when it will launch and then be prepared to take it out. Real world. Won't be an war attack..... just a response to their declarative statement. Of course, if I were the missile defense agency I wouldn't say anything until After they are successful..... they don't have a really great track record on that. Of course, NK doesn't have really great track record for success either.
Bring it you third world douschebags. As bad as the Arabs..always talking smack. Little Kim is as stupid as his Grandpa and dad.
They said the same stupid comments abbout the Japanese in WW2 until they fought them. If you think these people are going to lay down thier weapons to CNN you are seriously as stupid as anyone can be.
They have the 3rd largest army in the world and are NOT going to surrender and tens of thousands will die, especially those who don't respect their determination to fight. They have been raised to think that the US is the enemy from birth and will feel jusified to die for thier country.
Will you?
I am not standing up for these people as I think they are as crazy and brainwashed as the Japanese were in WW2. I just know that a war with them will be more costly then all the last wars since WW2.
If we plan to go to war be prepared, and we aill need everyones support.
And don't complain when you end up paying igh taxes to pay for it.
Kelcy, I have an honest question for you. How old are you. Your post makes me think of a young teenager.
#1 They have been successful. The same rocket that they used to launch the satallite is used for warhead.
#2 They could already have the missle ready for the launch.
#3 It could be anywhere in that country in a silo, either above or below ground to launch from. Not just that platform.
#4 When stated it is a weaponised nuclear missile targeting a nation, that is a threat. No different than saying I'm going to point a gun at you and shoot you.
Just in case you missed this piece of terrorism:
its funny to make such threats since every rocket test North Korea has done so far have been one failure after another.
When they can succesfully launch a rocket then it will be time take action.
I can only laugh at the people here stating that Obama isn't doing anything, or that we need to do something before they have nukes. But tell me just what you have in mind?
Going to war with Korea won't be like Iraq. IF we attack first (with nukes) we will get no support and the world will turn on us. If we go to war (conventional) we will lose more people in the first month then we lost in Iraq in the last 11 years.
So many of you forget WW2 (and to a point Vietnam) and what a real war is really like. Tens of thousands of American will die, we will have to have a draft and the idea that woman want to go into battle will suddenly change. I have never heard many WW2 vets saying that it was a good experince as I hear from todays war heros.
A war with North Korea will make Iraq look like a skirmish and Vietnam look not so bad regarding deaths. The North Korean soldier won't be surrendering to CNN, but will shot them in the head with glee.
So before you people start banging your war drums from your couch at home, think about your sons or the sons of your neighbors coming home in a box.
I always find it sad that those who will be staying behind safe at home are the ones so willing to send young men to fight and die.
If North Korea invades the South, I will be the first to offer my help anyway I can. I served for 14 years, and though a bit older would be happy to fight a necessary war.
I thank you for your service, but your words a somewhat hasty.
Were you drafted? I wish no death on anybodies children, I have sons too. As a military man you know full well that our borders are currently weak, getting weaker, and now a country threatens us with a nuclear attack.
We are not advocating war, but we are currently a superpower on it's way out and even those little Korean bitches know it. No disrespect to you intended.
Still another Obama administration victory! How's that sitting down and talking to terrorists plan working out there Barry?
Bring it bitches.
Obama's legacy- do we feel respected yet?
China is already planning a takeover of the US by replacing Petro Dollars with gold backed Yuan.
They ain't gonna let North Korea muck that up.
Here's a Thought...If the USA and UN would stop trying to tell (force) other countries what they can or can not do. They would not have so many countries Pissed off at them.
North Korea couldn't shoot a bottle rocket with any decent accuracy. They are just pissed off with further sanctions and are bluffing. If they were a real threat, they already would have been dealt with. NK is the same government that confirmed the existence of a unicorn lair.
Nuke them already; then what will the press talk about? what's the next conspiracy?
Just what we all need...North Korea to try and make things worse by trying to target missles at the US. It's asking for trouble.....I don't think it be in China or Russia's best interest to let North Korea do what it wants unless they really want to start a world war 3. Which I hope to god, doesn't happen.