Posted on 09/19/2005 7:58:15 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
NORTH Korea says it will not dismantle its nuclear weapons program until the US provides it with a light-water reactor for generating electricity.
Its announcement comes one day after it agreed to disarm in return for pledges of aid and security. "The US should not even dream of the issue of the DPRK's dismantlement of its nuclear deterrent before providing LWRs (light-water reactors), a physical guarantee for confidence-building," a foreign ministry spokesman said.
"This is our just and consistent stand as solid as a deeply rooted rock."
The statement, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency, followed the biggest breakthrough in two years of six-party negotiations over nuclear capability on the Korean peninsula.
In talks in Beijing, North Korea agreed yesterday to abandon its nuclear arms program in return for aid and security pledges.
A joint statement issued by the six nations - North and South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia - said the other five countries would respect Pyongyang's demand for a light-water reactor and discuss it at a later date.
But the foreign ministry spokesman said today that North Korea, a self-avowed nuclear power, would disarm and return to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) only when the US provided it with a light-water reactor.
"As clarified in the joint statement, we will return to the NPT and sign the Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA and comply with it immediately upon the US provision of LWRs, a basis of confidence-building, to us," he said.
"As already clarified more than once, we will feel no need to keep even a single nuclear weapon if the DPRK (North Korea)-US relations are normalised, bilateral confidence is built and we are not exposed to the US nuclear threat any longer.
"What is most essential is, therefore, for the US to provide LWRs to the DPRK as early as possible as evidence proving the former's substantial recognition of the latter's nuclear activity for a peaceful purpose."
NO WAY.........
Send them a hand crank generater and call it a deal.
North Korea changes it's position on nukes faster than most people change their socks.
I believe the light water reactors would involve enough material to build many bombs. This whole concept is the result of what Clinton promised them. They violated the agreement while the reactors were being built.
I think the US should MOVE some NUCLEAR weapons to the ground at a high rate of speed on a few choice locations.
Because every time they created a new crisis, they got a new concession from us. Positive reinforcement: works for dogs, works for Marxists.
I keep expecting the North Koreans to start talking backwards or something. While their grasp of reality leaves a lot to be desired, their mastery of weirdness is astounding.
Step 1. Have several highly placed people stating publicly that they are worried about the safety protocols being used by NK.
Step 2. After a few months of beating this drum, have a few dark ops people sneak in and set off their own warheads in their bunkers.
Result: No more problems from NK.
Step 3. Start expressing concern that Iran is not following safe “Nukular” protocols…
We should send them two, they'll disarm twice as fast.
Their "Dear Leader" is the Weirdmeister.
I sold cars for ten years, have you ever negotiated with Koreans? I am surprised they didn't get a reactor and the state of Iowa.
Since when do we play Blackmail?
A little history here. China had spies in positions so high in the Truman White House that they knew with certainty they would not be nuked if they invaded. Too bad we didn't have a president who said in private," I hope they invade! I'd nuke'em till they glow then shot'em in the dark!"
Extortion anyone?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.