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A Pentagon official connected with security on the Korean Peninsula on Saturday backed reports based on other unnamed officials' comments that North Korea could be advancing preparations for a nuclear test in June. He said there were several tunnels deep enough and with suitable terrain for a test throughout the reclusive country, but only one place with a lot of activity.
The official called "very accurate" a New York Times report of suspicions among U.S. officials that North Korea was building a reviewing stand in Kilju, North Hamgyeong Province and shipping concrete and grouting to the site, possibly to plug the tunnel.
The official avoided detailed comment on what he called "intelligence matters" but said, "The things now happening in North Korea in connection with preparations for a nuclear test are being watched not just by the United States, but also by China, Japan and South Korea." He added Washington was sharing "almost" all of its intelligence on North Korea including satellite photos.
A U.S. expert on North Korea said Washington had been watching the Kilju area with spy satellites for the last three years. During that period, it estimated the depth of the tunnel based on the amount of soil removed. "U.S. intelligence agencies believe the tunnel is not a mine but to be used in a nuclear test, and that all the necessary preparations for a test are taking place," he said.
The Pentagon official said if North Korea tested a nuclear device, it would choose an important symbolic date, for example, June 25 (the start of the Korean War) or July 8 (the death of Kim Il-sung). He said it could not be ruled out that the preparations were for show, but added: "We are assuming a worst-case situation, and all the signs... point much more to the worst.ˇ±
About the response of South Korea, the U.S., Japan, China and Russia should North Korea go through with a test, he said, ˇ°Many responses depend on what South Korea does... If the South Korean government is half-hearted even about a nuclear test and moves toward an understanding of the North Korean position, the global response would fall into confusion.ˇ±
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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