|
North Korea could conduct a nuclear test at any time if leader Kim Jong-il makes the decision, National Intelligence Service director Kim Seung-kyu said Monday. ¡°Nuclear test facilities are always on standby in North Korea, but we don¡¯t have any direct information indicating that the North is preparing for such a test,¡± the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee Chairman Shin Ki-nam quoted Kim as saying. Another member of the committee said the NIS rated the chances of Pyongyang carrying out a nuclear test at 50:50.
The remarks add substance to claims from unnamed U.S. officials warning of an imminent nuclear test and contrast with the government¡¯s attitude so far of not taking the threat too seriously.
 |
|
A satellite picture of North Korea¡¯s 5 MW nuclear reactor in Yongbyon taken on September 29 released by the U.S military news source GlobalSecurity. /courtesy of the online edition of GlobalSecurity.
|
 |
|
Objects that appear to be cables were spotted in Gilju, North Hamgyeong Province recently, Kim said. ¡°It is unclear if the objects are directly related to preparations for a nuclear test, but we are working to identify their exact purpose.¡± The spymaster said the NIS is closely cooperating with intelligence agencies abroad to identify what they are for, keeping all possible scenarios in mind. ¡°Except for the cables, there were no signs of an imminent nuclear test such as the setting up of measuring equipment and observation posts, control on nearby roads and tunnel refilling observed,¡± he added. The cables can be used to supply electricity inside tunnels or link an underground nuclear test site with outside measuring equipment.
Meanwhile, Kim said North Korea removed all the equipment related to its Taepodong-2 missiles from the missile launch site in mid-July after a test of one of the long-range rockets failed on July 5. ¡°It seems unlikely that it will be able to launch another Taepodong-2 missile anytime soon,¡± he added.
The NIS chief also dismissed rumors that Kim Jong-il has health problems. ¡°This is the 17th time that he hasn¡¯t shown up in public for more than a month,¡± Kim said. ¡°It¡¯s true that he is getting certain medical treatment, but he is not in bad enough shape to suggest any serious medical condition.¡± Regarding another rumor that the leader is about to visit to China, Kim said, ¡°It¡¯s possible but there are no signs yet.¡± The committee was briefed that North Korea¡¯s relationship with China is strained after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to impose punitive measures on North Korea for its missile tests in July and Pyongyang is seeking help from other countries, a member reported.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
