Russia spurns weapons hunt plan

The Australian ^ | October 14 2003 | John Kerin

[knighthawk]

RUSSIA has hurt efforts to stop North Korea's trade in weapons of mass destruction and missile technology by rejecting a global plan to intercept suspect cargoes.

But 50 other countries have added their support to the 11-nation US-led Proliferation Security Initiative following a flurry of diplomatic activity by Australia and other member countries in the past month.

The PSI was founded by US President George W.Bush in May to stop weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists.

Its first maritime interception exercise was held off the Queensland coast in September, drawing claims from North Korea that it was "provocative" and an "act of war".

Russia's ambassador to Australia and former North Korean trade negotiator Leonid Moiseev said Russia could not involve itself in the PSI.

"I can say very frankly that it would be a very difficult for us to join the initiative," he said. "The basic difference (between us and the member countries) is both China and Russia have a common border with North Korea ... We are immediate neighbours and Russia and China have big Korean communities within our borders.

"Both Russia and China have a lot to lose."

Six-way Beijing-sponsored diplomatic talks were the only way to resolve the nuclear stand-off, he said.

The crisis follows North Korea admitting in October last year that it had a nuclear program.

A source close to the PSI said last night the 50 new nations would not join the PSI but could be co-opted if a rogue ship or aircraft entered their waters or airspace.

[knighthawk]

Ping

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[11B3]

"I can say very frankly that it would be a very difficult for us to join the initiative," he said. "The basic difference (between us and the member countries) is both China and Russia have a common border with interest in the success of North Korea defeating the West... We are immediate neighbours and Russia and China have big Korean [intelligence and weapons research and development] communities within our borders.

"Both Russia and China have a lot to lose [if our weapons that we have North Korea market for us are found]."

[11B3]

Just thought I'd translate the diplomatic BS into English.

[facedown]

"Both Russia and China have a lot to lose."

In a word, sales.

[ex-Texan]

What the Russkies say and what they do are two different things entirely. I do not believe them for a minute. If N. Korea gives a small nuke to the Chechens freaking HELL will break out. Ergo - I think the Russkies will help us under the radar.

[RussianConservative]

Story was leaked, posted here, that Russian diplomatic team setting up radiation detectors in N.Korea.

[Just mythoughts]

This should be no surprise to anyone.

[pctech]

It's not