Nuclear test a 'fabrication'
2005-05-27 12:16
Seoul - North Korea has denied reports that it might be preparing to test a nuclear weapon, calling them a United States (US) "fabrication".
US officials said earlier this month spy satellites had spotted tunnels being dug and the construction of a reviewing stand in northeastern North Korea, possible preparations for a nuclear test that would sharpen the dispute over the North's manufacture of atomic bombs.
"The US leadership has recently come out with a fabrication that there are some kind of missile tests and signs of an underground nuclear test," the Korean Central Television Station (KCTS), the North's only nationwide network, said late on Thursday.
KCTS said the US continued to use "very bellicose, abusive language" toward North Korea.
"Our army and people do not want a war or relations (with the United States) to worsen, but we also would not beg for dialogue and peace under any circumstances," KCTS said.
Remaining tight-lipped about rumours
A South Korean official earlier shrugged off the US report on test preparation as having little foundation. On May 10, North Korea criticised the US for warning that the reclusive communist nation might be getting ready to test a nuclear bomb, but did not deny such preparations were under way.
The North has in recent days stepped up its anti-US rhetoric, repeating claims that Washington is preparing an attack to unseat North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his government, and refusing to rule out a pre-emptive attack by Pyongyang instead.
It's not unusual for the North to raise tensions before entering into negotiations in hopes of extracting aid and other concessions from the West. The World Food Program (WFP) on Friday appealed for more food for North Korea, warning of a worsening food crisis.
Accused of international isolation
There has been a recent flurry of activity aimed at convincing Pyongyang to return to six-party talks, stalled since the third round ended last June, over its nuclear weapons programme.
US state department officials went to North Korea's office at the United Nations on May 13, reportedly to reiterate assurances that Washington recognises North Korea's sovereignty and has no plans to attack, and to urge resumption of the talks that involve the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.
North Korea claimed in February to have nuclear weapons, and international experts believe it has enough plutonium to build about six bombs. It said two weeks ago it had removed 8 000 fuel rods from a reactor, a move that could allow it to harvest more weapons-grade plutonium.
Assistant secretary of state Christopher Hill predictecd on Thursday North Korea's decision to remain isolated internationally will eventually lead to the collapse of its government.
- AP