US Says DPRK's Nuclear Decision a Mistake

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, December 24, 2002

US Says DPRK's Nuclear Decision a Mistake

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said Monday that it would be a mistake for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to pursue its nuclear weapons program if it felt emboldened by Washington's focus on Iraq.

Asked at a Pentagon news conference if DPRK might be seeking toexploit US focus on Iraq to restart its nuclear weapons program, Rumsfeld said, "If they do, it would be a mistake."

"We are capable of winning decisively in one and swiftly defeating in the case of the other. Let there be no doubt about it," Rumsfeld said, noting that the United Sates can deal with two major regional conflicts simultaneously.

Pyongyang confirmed Sunday that it had cut most of the seals that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors placed on a deactivated nuclear reactor and has blocked monitoringequipment at the reactor.

DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency said that Pyongyang was "compelled" to start removing the seals and monitoring camerasfrom the facility so it could be used to produce electricity.

Questions?Comments? Click here

DPRK Starts Removing Monitoring Devices from Nuclear Facilities

US Calls on DPRK to Replace Monitoring Gears at Nuclear Reactor

Zhu, Schroeder to be on Maiden Trip of China's First Maglev Train ( 2 Messages)

Chinese-made Electric Locomotive Hits Record Speed ( 2 Messages)

Analysis: The Rise of China -- a Threat or an Opportunity? ( 7 Messages)

US-Japan Missile Defense Cooperation Worries China ( 28 Messages)

Japan Wants Rearmament ( 6 Messages)