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S. Korea affirms N. Korea unable to miniaturize nukes
By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Dec. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea said Monday North Korea has yet to obtain the technology to miniaturize nuclear bombs, allaying concerns sparked by reports that Pyongyang is developing the ability to tip its missiles with nuclear warheads.
"There have been no substantial information or conclusive tips" to indicate the North has developed the capability to mount nuclear warheads on missiles, said Won Tae-jae, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense.
North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests since 2006, including one in May this year. But South Korean and the U.S. -- which refuse to classify the communist state as a nuclear state -- have dismissed the likelihood of the North being capable of mounting nuclear devices on its missiles.
On Sunday, the Korea Institute of Defense Analyses, a state-run defense think tank, reportedly concluded that the North may soon become capable of successfully producing a small nuclear warhead.
Won said the reports amount to general assumptions and that South Korea keeps close tabs on activities by the North to develop the technology, which would drive up Pyongyang's capability to threaten neighbors and its bargaining power in nuclear negotiations.
"We're tracking and scrutinizing the North" concerning its efforts to enhance its arms delivery capabilities," he told reporters.
In April, North Korea launched a rocket that experts say could easily be converted into a long-range missile capable of hitting the U.S.
The launch, followed by the second nuclear blast, drew U.N. sanctions tougher than those imposed when North Korea conducted its first atomic test in October 2006.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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