nuclear-news

North Korea preparing for 3rd nuclear test

NK nuclear test seen ‘imminent’  The Korea Times, By Kang Hyun-kyung, 1 May 12 North Korea appears to be preparing for a third nuclear test amid high tensions on the Korean Peninsula after the reclusive nation’s failed launch of a satellite when it fell into the West Sea on April 13.

On Tuesday, Radio Free Asia reported the Comprehensive
Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization’s (CTBTO) monitoring of North
Korea is underway as the communist country is reportedly set for a
nuclear test soon.

Citing sources, news outlets here also reported the North is likely to
conduct the nuclear test in the near future.

It will be the first nuclear test since Kim Jong-un took power after
his father died of heart failure in December.

The North conducted underground nuclear tests twice in 2006 and 2009.
It claims the tests were successful.

New satellite imagery released by the U.S.-Korea Institute at the
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies shows
preparations for the third nuclear test are underway at the Pungye-ri
site.

The institute provided The Associated Press with its analysis of
several photos on the site on Friday, which it obtained from a private
satellite operator, taken between March 8 and April 18.

The AP reported 8,000 cubic meters of rubble has been excavated at the site.

The reports came with the deadline for the U.N. Security Council’s
(UNSC) sanctions list for North Korean firms and individuals
approaching. By adopting the UNSC statement condemning the North for
the rocket launch, it gave 15 days to its North Korea committee to
finalize the fresh list to propose new sanctions listings. The
deadline was midnight Tuesday.

The deadline might be extended for a few days, Reuters reported citing
a source.

The international community has urged Pyongyang to stop provocative
acts, following its attempted satellite launch on the back of a
long-range rocket despite warnings not to do so.

The North has turned a deaf ear to the calls.  ….
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/05/116_110089.html

May 2, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | North Korea, weapons and war