Posted on 10/06/2006 10:24:04 AM PDT by AmericanInTokyo
TOKYO - Japan is ready for North Korea to carry out its threatened nuclear test as soon as this weekend, officials said yesterday. Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi, on a visit to Washington, said Pyongyang's resolve to test its first atom bomb should not be underestimated.
"We discussed the possibility that the test would occur this weekend," Mr Yachi said after talks with US Deputy National Security Adviser Jack Crouch. North Korea issued a statement on Tuesday saying it would test a nuclear bomb, dramatically raising the stakes in its standoff with the US on its quest for atomic weapons. "They will probably go ahead and do it as they had that tone in their declaration," Mr Yachi said.
"It possibly means they are already very prepared." North Korean leader Kim Jong Il reportedly gathered top military commanders for a rally yesterday, urging them to bolster defences.
Attendees responded with cheers of hurrah and chanted slogans such as, "Let's fight at the cost of our lives for the respected Supreme Commander comrade Kim Jong Il". Tomorrow is the anniversary of Kim Jong Il's appointment as head of the Korean Workers' Party in 1997. In Tokyo, the Government said it was ready for a test by the arch-rival communist state. "We are making preparations keeping any possible scenario in mind," chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki said. Japan would know immediately if there was a test, he said. Japan's new Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he would try to find common ground with his counterparts from China and South Korea when he saw them on his first foreign trip, which starts tomorrow. "We need to send messages together to stop the north before they make such a reckless action," Mr Abe said.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Until they test, there is still the possibility that lil' Kim is bluffing.
Once they test, everyone knows they have a bomb and it works.
radiation
TEST ON SUNDAY?
Three senior U.S. officials with access to intelligence told Reuters that U.S. speculation about a possible test centered on Sunday, the anniversary of when Kim became head of the national defense commission in 1997.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2536437&page=2
BTTT!
This might be more important in east Asia than Foleygate, but in America Foleygate will rule until first week of Nov. Since N Kor has had nukes for a decade, the test is merely an occasion for joining the community of the world by announcing the test. It is nothing but participating in polite society. Sign them up and invite them for brunch next Thursday.
Remarkable for diplomats.
The Western World burns as Foley diddled?.........
You're talking about the Foley IMs, right?..................
Yes. Satellites have been picking this up for the last few days, and DPRK news reports and actions (such as KPA military movement right in the streets of Pyongyang reported by Japanese today based on satellites) show all indications they are ready to do it, and most likely on one of these dates of anniversaries. Kim Jong il's succession to power, or on 10/10 which is the Party anniversary. They will prepare the people for a broadcast about it as their next step. Kim will go into hiding for days if not weeks right before, during and after.
That's an excellent answer. Thank you. Tokyo mentioned the radiation issue, too. No one can assume these clowns are going to actually test it correctly.
So, as I gather, once a publicized test occurs, essentially in the diplomatic universe, all bets are off. I'm sure Iran is going to be taking notes on the response. I expect we are going to make an example of N. Korea for that end.
This could be bad for the GOP...why didn't we invade N.K. instead of Iraq etc, the Dems would cry.
But, it could be very bad for the DEMS.
It would remind voters they need a strong leader that understands fighting terrorism is war.
Now, which side will get the benefit.....that is anybody's guess.
A former Japanese Prime Minister, I forget which one, is quoted:
"If Japan decides on a Monday that we need nuclear weapons, by Friday we will have them."......
Foley? Who's he?
We may take military action in response--certainly there will be immediate convening of of the Security Council.
Additionally, anything that can be brought up that infers this is the result of the Bush Administration, then that angle will be played. For the libs, this will be their response, rather than getting behind the President, Japan and the civilized world.
He's the guy who invented sound effects in the motion picture industry........you've seen his name in the credits as FOLEY ARTIST.........
I never said which way I thought this would play.
Considering Clinton gave NK lightwater reactors,I'm guessing it blows up* on the Dems.
*unfortunate by deliberate choice of words.
Such is their 'patriotism', which I spit on!
Granted if there is military action that will distract the MSM from their girlish gossipfest, but instead of military action a certain Assistant Secy of State may find his new office has been moved to the basement in the back next to the trash compactor.
Are these folks lame or what?
Nakasone is pushing for it (Japan nukes, that is). Things are REALLY going to change in Asia and the world as a result of that little bugger up in Pyongyang.
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