|
|
|
N. Korea may conduct second nuclear test after missile launch: U.S. expert
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 26 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is likely to push for its second nuclear test if it does not get a satisfactory response from the U.S. on its upcoming rocket launch, a visiting U.S. expert said Thursday, following reports that the reclusive nation has already mounted a rocket on a launch pad in its northeast coastal base.
Art Brown, head of the Washington-based consulting firm Midsight, also said the North's rocket launch due in early April will provide South Korea with a chance to take the driver's seat in dealing with the communist neighbor.
"If they don't like the response, they may do a second nuclear test just to shake up the United States," the former CIA official said in an interview. He served as chief of the CIA's local branch from 1996-1999.
"The only two things they can do right now is a missile test and a nuclear test," he said. North Korea conducted its first-ever nuclear test in 2006, triggering a strong U.N. Security Council resolution against it.
He said that unless South Korea takes the initiative in dealing with the North's upcoming missile launch, the U.S. will pursue direct negotiations with the North.
"Up until now, North Korean missiles could not touch the United States. If the Taepodong-2 is successful, it means that theoretically North Koreans have the ability to touch the United States. That will make the U.S. want to do bilateral negotiations," he said.
Brown advised South Korea to be more aggressive in handling the aftermath of the launch, saying South Korea knows the North better than any other country, and it can have the most serious impact both economically and politically.
"I think it is an opportunity now for South Korea to take a more commanding role, a more responsible role, a lead role in the negotiations with North Korea," he said.
He pointed out that the U.S. administration of President Barack Obama is preoccupied with the financial crisis and the troubled campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said that as North Korea is seeking to use the missile launch to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak could tell Obama to "let us drive this negotiation."
Brown downplayed the possibility that the U.S. or Japan will shoot down the North's rocket, citing technical setbacks.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
|
| |
|
|
Home
