[Asia/Pacific on Today's Paper] fom [The Washington Post]
North Korean Nuclear Blast Draws Global Condemnation
China, Russia Decry Ally; Device Seen as Small Advance
By Blaine Harden
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
CONTINUED FROM news.notes20090526e
'No Easy Situation'
The government of Kim Jong Il has been fuming over Security Council condemnation of its long-range missile launch in April 5. It had said repeatedly that it might test another nuclear device. In its statement Monday, North Korea said the test was intended to "bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way."
Analysts said the test may also be related to succession issues.
Last summer Kim reportedly suffered a stroke, and recent photos show that he is much thinner and more frail. His youngest son, Kim Jong Un, is widely speculated to be the most likely successor. "North Korea's leader is ailing, and he may be impatient," said Koh Yu-whan, a professor of North Korean studies at Seoul's Dongguk University. "Realizing that there is change in store for him, Kim seems to have opted for a strong message that the United States cannot ignore."
North Korea has focused on establishing full diplomatic relations with the United States and receiving recognition as a nuclear state, according to several official statements and many analysts.
Obama's special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, has signaled he is willing to begin bilateral talks with Pyongyang, as well as continue negotiations in a six-nation disarmament forum. But North Korea is rejecting all talks, accusing Obama of continuing the Bush administration's "hostile policy."
"North Korea's message is that they are heading towards status as a nuclear nation and that they will, therefore, deal only with the United States," said Cha Du-hyeogn, director of North Korean research at the Seoul-based Korean Institute of Defense Analysis, a government-affiliated think tank. "This is no easy situation for the United States and a worse one for South Korea."
North Korean Nuclear Blast Draws Global Condemnation
China, Russia Decry Ally; Device Seen as Small Advance
By Blaine Harden
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
CONTINUED FROM news.notes20090526e
'No Easy Situation'
The government of Kim Jong Il has been fuming over Security Council condemnation of its long-range missile launch in April 5. It had said repeatedly that it might test another nuclear device. In its statement Monday, North Korea said the test was intended to "bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defense in every way."
Analysts said the test may also be related to succession issues.
Last summer Kim reportedly suffered a stroke, and recent photos show that he is much thinner and more frail. His youngest son, Kim Jong Un, is widely speculated to be the most likely successor. "North Korea's leader is ailing, and he may be impatient," said Koh Yu-whan, a professor of North Korean studies at Seoul's Dongguk University. "Realizing that there is change in store for him, Kim seems to have opted for a strong message that the United States cannot ignore."
North Korea has focused on establishing full diplomatic relations with the United States and receiving recognition as a nuclear state, according to several official statements and many analysts.
Obama's special envoy to North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, has signaled he is willing to begin bilateral talks with Pyongyang, as well as continue negotiations in a six-nation disarmament forum. But North Korea is rejecting all talks, accusing Obama of continuing the Bush administration's "hostile policy."
"North Korea's message is that they are heading towards status as a nuclear nation and that they will, therefore, deal only with the United States," said Cha Du-hyeogn, director of North Korean research at the Seoul-based Korean Institute of Defense Analysis, a government-affiliated think tank. "This is no easy situation for the United States and a worse one for South Korea."
※コメント投稿者のブログIDはブログ作成者のみに通知されます