N. Korea in final stages of nuclear test preparations: Seoul's defense chief
2014/05/08 16:15
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin said Thursday that North Korea has made all necessary preparations for its fourth nuclear test and is waiting for the right timing to put its plan into practice.
Kim made the remarks amid concerns over a looming nuclear test by North Korea, with recent satellite imagery showing increased activities at its main test site in Punggye-ri.
"North Korea can conduct an atomic test whenever it makes a decision," Kim said in a meeting with senior reporters and editors in Seoul.
Although Pyongyang has entered the final stages of preparations, he said it could take time before making a decision for political gain.
"North Korea is very good at psychological manipulation," Kim said. "Thus, we cannot rule out the possibility that the North could intentionally delay (the nuclear test) or employ a deceptive tactic simultaneously."
Seoul officials had raised speculation that the reclusive regime could carry out an underground test ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Seoul in late April. It had warned of a "new form" of nuclear testing to bolster its nuclear deterrence. Tension remains high as the North said it will go ahead with testing a new atomic device following Obama's visit.
Kim said South Korean and U.S. forces have maintained high vigilance against a potential test, while the Seoul government has been making diplomatic efforts to deter the unpredictable communist regime from the provocative act.
"China, which can control North Korea, may be well aware of what it means for the North to conduct its fourth nuclear test," Kim said. "The international community also firmly opposes North Korea's atomic test."
Kim said he believes the impoverished communist nation has made considerable progress in its atomic program and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will not give up the country's nuclear weapons.
North Korea is believed to have used plutonium in its first two tests in 2006 and 2009. After the North's last underground test in February 2013, analysts failed to determine whether the device used highly-enriched uranium or plutonium.
Experts said Pyongyang has gradually made progress in making a powerful, smaller warhead, but has yet to master the technology to make a warhead that fits a long-range missile.
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