- N. Korea says it started enriching uranium, will weaponize plutonium
SEOUL, June 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Saturday it has started enriching uranium and will weaponize all plutonium it extracts, protesting the U.N. Security Council resolution that has expanded sanctions on it.
The North, which triggered the resolution after its second nuclear test on May 25, also said it will "respond militarily" if the U.S. and other countries attempt what it called a "blockade."
The resolution calls on states to conduct inspections of North Korea ships suspected of carrying materials related to weapons of mass destruction.
North Korea has said such an act would be considered an act of war.
On Associated Press.
- Korea says it will 'weaponize' its plutonium
By KWANG-TAE KIM – 16 minutes ago
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea vowed on Saturday to embark on a uranium enrichment program and "weaponize" all the plutonium in its possession as it rejected the new U.N. sanctions meant to punish the communist nation for its recent nuclear test.
North Korea also said it would not abandon its nuclear programs, saying it was an inevitable decision to defend itself from what it says is a hostile U.S. policy and its nuclear threat against the North.
The North will take "resolute military action" if the United States or its allies try to impose any "blockade" on it, the ministry said in a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency.
The ministry did not elaborate if the blockade refers to an attempt to stop its ships or impose sanctions.
North Korea describes its nuclear program as a deterrent against possible U.S. attacks. Washington says it has no intention of attacking and has expressed fear that North Korea is trying to sell its nuclear technology to other nations.
The statement came hours after the U.N. Security Council approved tough new sanctions on North Korea to punish it for its latest nuclear test on May 25.
The U.N. resolution imposes new sanctions on the reclusive communist nation's weapons exports and financial dealings, and allows inspections of suspect cargo in ports and on the high seas.
The South Korean government said it "welcomes and supports the unanimous adoption of the resolution." A Foreign Ministry statement said it showed the council's unequivocal intention to stop the North's nuclear program and its proliferation.
Hi Moolah,
ReplyDeletethis is where the UN should start thinking about taking unilateral action against the bugger- before he create a huge crater on the map somewhere.
sitting around a table and debating about sanctions obviously did not / will not work. handouts also did not work. Japan is already thinking about taking measures to protect it self against this whacko!