N Korea 'won't launch attack'

2006-10-11 09:11

Seoul - North Korea won't launch a nuclear attack anytime soon, even after its claim to have conducted its first-ever nuclear test, the highest-ranking defector from Pyongyang predicted on Wednesday.

The communist North "can't immediately use" nuclear weapons, because they are only "intended as a threat", Hwang Jang Yop said in an interview with Freedom North Korea Broadcast, which transmits radio programmes aimed at North Koreans.

He didn't elaborate further.

The 83-year-old Hwang became North Korea's highest-ranking defector in 1997 when he fled to Seoul, where he lives under tight security. He was a former chief of the North's parliament who once mentored North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

China's attitude

Hwang also expressed scepticism that China would take tough measures against its ally for Monday's purported test.

"There won't be any change to China's attitude after the nuclear test," Hwang said, claiming there may have been "a tacit agreement" between the communist neighbours over the test.

China has hosted international talks over the North's nuclear weapons ambitions, which have been stalled for a year. The six-nation talks also involve Japan, Russia, South Korea and the US.

"China will try to keep in check Kim Jong Il's reckless acts to maintain its role as a mediator," Hwang said. "But, even as the Chinese say they oppose (the North's nuclear programmes) ... they will try to resolve the issue through dialogue."

Nuclear talks

The nuclear talks last convened in November, when negotiators failed to make any progress toward implementing a September 2005 agreement, in which the North pledged to give up its nuclear programmes in exchange for aid and security guarantees.

Pyongyang has boycotted the talks in anger over US financial restrictions imposed for the communist nation's alleged illegal activity such as money laundering and counterfeiting.

"What have the six-party talks solved?" asked Hwang.

"They should be talks that isolate Kim Jong Il, not a bargaining table where he can get concessions."

- AP