-
North Korea Watch: Taepodong-2 Missile Launched by North Korea on July 4 Broke Up shortly After Launch
Reuters: N.Korean missile broke up soon after launch-reports
The Taepodong-2 long-range missile test-fired by North Korea on July 5 broke up and fell back to earth just after its launch, making its flight much shorter than previously believed, media reports said on Sunday.
The Japanese government had previously said the Taepodong-2 fell into the Sea of Japan about 640 km (400 miles) from the launch site.
Sources quoted by Kyodo news agency said the missile exploded in mid-air within 1.5 km of the launch site, either in a northeastern region of North Korea or in its territorial waters on the edge of the Sea of Japan.
It is apparent that North Korea has not yet developed the technology to guarantee ICBM capability. Nor is it clear that they can deliver a nuclear warhead tipped missile.
Good news for the United States but let’s not give North Korea the time nor the ability,including resources to obtain that capability and export it.
Experts have said the missile is potentially capable of hitting parts of U.S. territory.
The problem was most likely due to difficulties with the missile’s boosters, sources quoted by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said.
A Japanese government official quoted by the Yomiuri said the new analysis, which will be included in a report to be issued by the government early next month, indicated that North Korea’s missile technology was still immature.
“It will likely take a long time for North Korea to launch a Taepodong-2 again,” he added.
Perhaps.
Expect the unexpected in warfare……
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Votes for Limited Sanctions on North Korea
North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: Iran Military Representatives Attended North Korea’s July 4 Taepodong-2 Missile Launch – Confirmed
A U.S. soldier (L) and South Korean soldiers conduct a joint landing operation at Mallipo beach in Taean, about 106 miles southwest of Seoul, March 30, 2006. U.S. Forces Korea announced its next military drills with South Korean troops on Friday, a move likely to heighten tensions on the peninsula after North Korea’s defiant missile tests on July 5.
Reuters: US says Iranians witnessed N.Korea missile test
One or more Iranians witnessed North Korea’s recent missile tests, deepening U.S. concerns about growing ties between two countries with troubling nuclear capabilities, a top U.S. official said on Thursday.
Asked at a U.S. Senate hearing about reports that Iranians witnessed the July 4 tests, Assistant Secretary of State Chris Hill, the chief U.S. negotiator with Pyongyang, replied: “Yes, that is my understanding” and it is “absolutely correct” that the relationship is worrisome.
Hill’s comments are believed to be the first public U.S. confirmation that Iranian representatives observed the seven tests, which involved one launch of a long-range ballistic missile, which failed soon after being fired, and six tests of short and medium-range missiles. Hill said the six succeeded in hitting their target range.
This was previously reported and does Iranian presence surprise anyone?
NOPE…..
Iran has the petro dollars for a cash starved North Korea and what does North Korea have that Iran COVETS?
ENRICHED URANIUM and the technical knowledge and expertise to manufacture nuclear weapons.
Is there any doubt in light of the Israel-Hezbollah War that Iran who has supplied thousands of rockets to Hezbollah would be hesitant to give them sophisticated missile technology and a nuclear warhead?
A few days ago Elite Iranian troops reportedly attacked an Israeli warship with a “guided missile” and sunk an Egyptican luxury liner.
But U.S. officials have long said that Iran and North Korea have been collaborating and have expressed serious concerns that cash-strapped Pyongyang was keen to sell missiles and possibly also nuclear material. “Our understanding is that North Korea has had a number of commercial relations in the Middle East with respect to missiles,” Hill said.
North Korea-Iran ties are of even more concern now as the militant Islamic group Hizbollah, which is backed by Iran, is trading rocket fire with Israel, Hill and Republican Sen. George Allen of Virginia said during the hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Stay tuned as the United States conducts military manuvers in and around the Korean Peninsula and as the United Nations tightens the lesh around Kin Jong-Il’s neck.
Taepodong-2
Previous:North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Votes for Limited Sanctions on North Korea
North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Votes for Limited Sanctions on North Korea
U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton votes on a unanimously approved Security Council resolution to impose weapons-related sanctions on North Korea, in response to its flurry of missile tests earlier this month, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, July 15, 2006.
Reuters: UN sanctions vote prompts North Korea rejection
The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously on Saturday for a resolution requiring nations to prevent North Korea from getting dangerous weapons and demanding Pyongyang halt its ballistic missile program.
North Korea immediately “totally rejected” the resolution. Its U.N. Ambassador Pak Gil Yon told the council that Pyongyang’s missile development served “to keep the balance of force and preserving peace and stability in Northeast Asia.”
In response, U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said Pak “set a world record in rejecting it within 45 minutes after its adoption,” adding: “I could exercise the right of reply on behalf of the United States — but on the other hand, why bother?”
Ok, Flap was wrong and a resolution made it out of the United Nations Security Council today. However, China won its position and the resolution does not have the force or impact of a chapter 7 resolution, despite new stronger language by Great Britain.
Naturally, North Korea promptly rejected the “toothless” UNSC resolution.
So, now what?
North Korea’s Ambassador to the United Nations Pak Gil Yon speaks at the United Nations Security Council after a vote on the North Korea missile crisis Saturday July 15, 2006 at the United Nations in New York.
The resolution bans all U.N. member states from selling material or technology for missiles or weapons of mass destruction to North Korea, and from receiving missiles, banned weapons or technology from Pyongyang.
It condemns North Korea’s multiple missile launches on July 5 and demands that North Korea “suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program” and re-establish a moratorium on missile launches. It strongly urges North Korea to return to six-party talks on its nuclear program, which have been stalled since last September.
The resolution adopted Saturday by a 15-0 vote states that the Security Council was “acting under its special responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
The United States, Britain, France and Japan insist that even without Chapter 7, the resolution is mandatory and all countries are required to comply — including North Korea.
Japan, which views itself as a potential target of North Korean missiles, sponsored the initial resolution, which in the end was put to a vote as a presidential text, with the support of all council members.
Will North Korea test more missiles?
Probably……
The United Nations’ ten day exercise in diplomacy has been worthless. The resolution today means nothing and if North Korea decides to test more missiles Russia and China will develop new excuses to enforcing sanctions on North Korea.
Stay tuned……
North Korea’s Ambassador to the United Nations Pak Gil Yon, right, leaves the United Nations Security Council after speaking in reference to a vote on the North Korea missile crisis Saturday July 15, 2006 at the United Nations in New York.
Previous:
North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso(L) shakes hands with US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill on 10 July 2006. The UN Security Council edged closer to a crucial vote on the North Korea missile tests amid signs of compromise, with all eyes on China, which has threatened to veto any mandatory punitive action against its Pyongyang ally.
Reuters: US pushes for North Korea vote
The United States and Japan pressed for a U.N. Security Council vote on Friday on North Korea’s missile tests after some progress had been made in negotiations to bridge differences with China and Russia.
But other Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said China would veto the measure unless at least one key issue was resolved and that it preferred to wait until Saturday.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said not all Security Council members had instructions yet, “but I think the direction we are moving in is quite possibly to a vote today.”
“It is of course 10 days since the missile launches,” Bolton said, referring to seven launches on July 5.
Do you really think that China and Russia want an adjudication of this matter while their Presidents are in the G-8 summit? Look for diplomatic stalling – even past Saturday.
France’s U.N. Ambassador, Jean-Marc de la Sabliere, who is a co-sponsor of the Japanese-drafted resolution as well as this month’s council president, said he hoped for an agreement on Friday on the basis of a modified Japanese text.
But asked if Saturday was a possibility, he said, “This kind of thing may happen.”
Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the secrecy of the talks, said a main stumbling point remained a provision whether the resolution would be under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it mandatory.
This provision can lead to military action — providing a second resolution approving force is adopted. China, backed by Russia, fears Chapter 7 could be cited as a justification for force even in the absence of a second resolution and says it is not necessary to make a resolution mandatory.
But Bolton said, “It is important to send a strong signal from the Security Council. We believe it should be a Chapter 7 resolution and that remains our view and the view of Japan.”
He noted that Chapter 7 had been used in countless resolutions when there is a threat to international peace and security, the main mission of the 15-member Security Council.
Japan has been pressing throughout the week for a vote before the Group of Eight industrial nations meet in St. Petersburg, Russia. Their conference begins on Saturday.
When Bush leaves Germany then look for a statement from China saying NO or VETO to any North Korea Chapter 7 resolution.
Update: UN envoys move closer to text on N. Korean missilesÂ
Still under negotiation is a provision putting the resolution under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which would make it mandatory.
Japan and the United States should push for an early vote tomorrow with a Chapter 7 resolution. Anything less is unacceptable. Make China VETO the resolution. Flap’s guess is that China will stall rather than VETO.
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
A South Korean protester holds anti-North Korean banners during an anti-North Korea rally in front of Foreign Ministry in Seoul, Thursday, July 13, 2006. North Korea blamed South Korea for the collapse Thursday of high-level talks held in the wake of the communist nation’s internationally condemned missile launches, claiming Seoul will pay for the meeting’s failure. The Korean read ‘ Punish the North Korea’s missiles.’
AP: Japan seeks vote on N.Korea resolutionThe U.S. nuclear envoy said Thursday that Washington was likely to give Chinese diplomatic efforts over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs only a few more days before pushing for a tough U.N. resolution.
“My sense is we’re down to a number of days,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill told reporters in Beijing.
His comments came as Japan pressed for a vote on its resolution threatening sanctions for the North’s missiles tests last week, while China and Russia introduced a rival proposal, intensifying jockeying over a unified response.
And does anyone (except the New York Times) expect China to be an “Honest Broker”?
Backers of the Japanese-sponsored resolution had agreed to postpone a vote to give Beijing time to lobby Pyongyang to return to six-party nuclear disarmament talks and declare a moratorium on missile tests. But North Korea appears to have rejected diplomatic overtures by a Chinese delegation, including nuclear negotiator Wu Dawei, that is visiting Pyongyang.
“So far they don’t seem to be interested in listening, much less doing anything to address the situation,” Hill said at a separate briefing.
China’s U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, said the delegation, which will return Friday, delivered a message from China’s leaders expressing concern over the tests “and also what we considered the North Koreans should do to make diplomacy succeed.”
But Wang said they had not received any feedback.
China has until Friday PM to announce some “break through”. Otherwise, Japan’s Chapter 7 resolution should be scheduled for a vote on Monday morning. Yesterday’s substitute resolution by China and Russia is too weak.
Japan demanded a prompt U.N. vote on its proposal for sanctions and possible military action.
“There is no change to our view that the resolution incorporating sanctions should be voted on promptly,” Chief Cabinet Shinzo Abe said in Tokyo, without giving a deadline. “We cannot be pushed around by intentions to diminish or delay” action against North Korea.
Japan will NOT accept delay and obfuscation like the P-5-Plus-1 Iran nucelar talks.
If China wishes to VETO the resolution then so be it. If they can work out a “last minute” face saving deal with Kim Jong-Il that is acceptable to the United States and Japan then fine but no more delays.
Tick Tick Tick
China and North Korea have until Friday.
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened” North Korea Resolution
Wang Guangya, China’s ambassador to the United Nations, talks to reporters outside Security Council chambers during consultations on the North Korea crisis at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday, July 10, 2006.
AP: China-Russia plan drops military threat
China and Russia introduced a resolution Wednesday deploring North Korea’s missile tests but dropping language from a rival proposal that could have led to military action against Pyongyang.
The draft, obtained by The Associated Press, “strongly deplores” North Korea’s missile tests last week and urges Pyongyang to re-establish a moratorium on such launches.
It calls on — but does not demand — that all U.N. member states “exercise vigilance in preventing supply of items, materials, goods and technologies that could contribute” to North Korea’s missile program.
The resolution also calls on all members “not to procure missiles or missile-related items” or technology from the North.
This resolution is a “WEAK” response to North Korea and should be defeated. The Russians and Chinese just love Kim Jong-Il sticking a finger in America’s eye along with their buddy, Iran.
China’s U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said he had been instructed to veto a much- stronger Japanese resolution, which is supported by the U.S., Britain, France and four other countries.
John Bolton MUST allow China to VETO the Japanese Chapter 7 resolution. But, if China does, during the G-8 summit this weekend, their President better have an explanation to the other G-6 nations.
Wang previously said Beijing objected to three key elements in the Japanese draft: the determination that the missile tests threatened international peace and security; authorizing action under Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter which can be enforced militarily; and mandatory sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
The Chinese-Russian draft resolution drops those three elements, which Japan and the United States consider crucial.
Japan’s U.N. Ambassador Kenzo Oshima and U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said they were still prepared to put their resolution to a vote — even with the prospect of a Chinese veto.
Let China VETO away……
Stay tuned…….
Previous:
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: Iran Military Representatives Attended North Korea’s July 4 Taepodong-2 Missile Launch
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (L) walks with his Israeli counterpart Ehud Olmert in Jerusalem. Koizumi has won Israeli support for its accusation of North Korea’s military threat, while calling on Israel to take “rational action” to the escalating Middle East crisis.
World Tribune: Iran military engineers on hand for N. Korea missile launch
Iranian military representatives attended North Korea’s Taepodong-2 missile launch, according to Japanese news reports.
At least 10 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attended the Taepodong-2 intermediate missile launch. Japan’s Sankei Shimbun and South Korea’s official Yonhap news agency reported the IRGC personnel were senior engineers who sought to learn from Pyongyang’s missile program.
And this should be a surprise? And what other “nuclear weapon components” has North Korea sold Iran? Could this be the reason why Iran is stalling a response on the P-5-Plus-1 proposal? Or will say NO?
Probably because Iran does NOT want IAEA inspections of their nuclear facilities.
Is Iran closer to enriching sufficient uranium for a ncuelar weapon than the West has thought? Or have they purchased weapons grade uranium from North Korea?
Possible and a scary thought…….
Yonhap reported on July 1 that the IRGC engineers participated in the preparation for the Taepodong launch. The news agency said the IRGC has been examining Chinese-origin missile technology for Iranian procurement.
South Korean sources said Iran and North Korea could be planning a project for the joint development of new liquid missile propellant. Yonhap quoted the sources as saying that the propellant could be used for both Iranian and North Korean missiles.
Teheran and Pyongyang were said to be major partners in missile and nuclear weapons development. Western intelligence sources said Iran has been financing North Korea’s intermediate-range ballistic missile program.
In December 2005, a North Korean ship docked in Bandar Abbas and was said to have unloaded about a dozen intermediate-range missiles. The missiles were identified as a variant of the Russian-origin SS-N-4, which could be fitted with a nuclear warhead.
Axis of Evil?
You betcha.
But time is running out for both……
Stay tuned…….
Previous:
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill speaks to the press at his hotel in Beijing, China Wednesday July 12, 2006. Hill said Washington was counting on Beijing to take the lead in lobbying North Korea to stop missile tests and return to nuclear talks. ‘China clearly has a close relationship with the DPRK and the most influence, and we certainly would like to see what kind of leverage China has,’ Hill said, referring to the North by the initials of its formal name.
AP: U.S. envoy: N. Korea failing to cooperate
The U.S. nuclear envoy accused North Korea on Wednesday of failing to cooperate in efforts to end the uproar over its missile tests and nuclear programs, saying Pyongyang hasn’t responded “in a positive way” to diplomatic efforts by ally China.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, who met Wednesday with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, said Beijing was working hard to persuade the North to stop missile tests and return to six-party nuclear disarmament talks.
“China’s trying. We’re trying. Everyone is trying, except the DPRK,” Hill told reporters, referring to the North by the initials of its formal name. “It is, frankly speaking, a little discouraging to see that the DPRK has not yet responded in a positive way.”
Supporters of a U.N. resolution that would impose sanctions on the North over its missile tests have postponed a vote to give China time to use its influence as the North’s main ally and aid donor to push for renewed negotiations.
Diplomacy may work but deterrence WILL work. Christopher Hill should make this perfectly clear to China and the DPRK.
If there has been no movement in talks by the weekend and the start of the G-8 summit, then Japan’s Chapter 7 United Nations Security Council resolution, imposing harsh sanctions against North Korea should be voted upon Monday.
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
Senior U.S. diplomat Christopher Hill, Washington’s top man on North Korea, is welcomed by Chinese doormen upon his arrival at a hotel in Beijing July 11, 2006.
Reuters: North Korea sets conditions for return to talks
North Korea, vilified in the West for its missile tests, said on Tuesday it was willing to return to six-party talks on its nuclear program if the United States dropped financial sanctions.
The comment from Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Hyong Jun came as China condemned a Japan-sponsored U.N. resolution to slap sanctions on North Korea, calling it an over-reaction that would split the Security Council.
“As soon as the United States lifts financial sanctions, we will readily participate in the next round of the six party talks,” Kim told reporters in South African capital, Pretoria, where he is on an official visit.
How do you spell NUCLEAR BLACKMAIL?
Japan and the United States should press the UNSC for the tough Chapter 7 resolution imposing tough sanctions on North Korea. China MUST be forced to veto the resolution prior to the G-8 Summit.
In the meantime……..
Satellite photos detect activity at NKorea missile bases
AFP: Satellite photos detect activity at NKorea missile bases: report
North Korea could be preparing for new launches of mid-range missiles following last week’s tests, with activity detected at its bases, a report has said citing Japanese government sources.
US and Japanese satellite photos show that mid-range Rodong missiles had been set up on launch pads at a base in southeastern North Korea, but were later removed, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported.
Fuel tanks could be seen near the launch pads, the report said.
The report said the satellite photos were taken after last week’s tests of seven missiles, but did not give a specific date.
“We think North Korea can launch missiles whenever it wishes,” the top-selling daily quoted a government source as saying.
Ok, diplomacy is fine but it is time to practice some good old fashioned “Cold War” deterrence. Kim Jong_il and the Chinese should be told that there WILL be military costs to any further missile launches. The clock is ticking for the Chinese to work out a deal but the United States will not be extorted by Kim Jong-Il NOT NOW or EVER.
Stay tuned……Previous:
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
-
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
John Bolton, US ambassador to the United Nations answers questions outside the Security Council’s chambers at the U.N., in New York after the five permanent members of the council met with the ambassador to Japan to discuss North Korea, Monday, July 10, 2006.AP: U.N. vote on N. Korea resolution delayed
The U.N. Security Council’s five permanent members and Japan agreed Monday to postpone a vote on possible sanctions against North Korea for its missile test that rattled the region last week.
France’s U.N. Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sabliere, the current council president, said there would be no vote Monday. China’s U.N. ambassador said that council members have agreed to continue discussions on the Tokyo-sponsored resolution.
Ambassador Wang Guangya told reporters after a meeting with envoys from Russia, the United States, Britain, France and Japan that the resolution would have to be altered for the council to approve it.
“If they wish to have a resolution, they should have a modified one, not this one,” he said.
China’s consideration of any resolution was considered significant, since Wang had been pressing for a weaker Security Council statement, which would not be legally binding.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said Washington would look at any Chinese suggestions for changes, and the council would reevaluate “on a daily basis” whether to proceed with a vote.
The United States and Japan should force China to veto the tough, binding Chapter 7 resolution, including economic sanctions. Russia will abstain.
The Kyodo News agency, citing unidentified Japanese officials, reported that Japan and the United States were seeking a renewed moratorium by North Korea on missile testing, and its unconditional return to six-party talks on its nuclear program, in exchange for no sanctions.
Force the issue and vote.
North Korea has a few days to “save face”and accept Japan’s terms.
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations ResolutionNorth Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Cox & Forkum: North Korea and the United Nations
North Korea Watch: United States Supports Bilateral Talks with North Korea
North Korea Watch: North Korea Threatens “Stronger Physical Actionsâ€
North Korea Watch: Japan Proposes United Nations Sanctions on North Korea
North Korea Watch: North Korea Launches Taepodong-2 at Area off Hawaii
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency