BEIJING: North Korea is ready to conduct one or even two more nuclear tests accompanied by another rocket launch this year in an attempt to force the US into diplomatic talks, the country has told its key all, China.
“It’s all ready. A fourth and fifth nuclear test and a rocket launch could be conducted soon, possibly this year,” the source said, adding that the fourth nuclear test would be much larger than the third, at an equivalent of 10 kilotons of TNT.
On Tuesday, North Korea conducted its third nuclear test that prompted the world to stage a strong protest. US President Barack Obama called the test a threat and a provocation, saying “This is a highly provocative act that … undermines regional stability, violates North Korea’s obligations under numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions, contravenes its commitments under the September 19, 2005, Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks, and increases the risk of proliferation.”
“North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs constitute a threat to US national security and to international peace and security. The United States remains vigilant in the face of North Korean provocations and steadfast in our defense commitments to allies in the region.”
The sources said that the tests will be carried out unless Washington holds talks with North Korea and abandons its policy of what Pyongyang sees as attempts at regime change. The country also reiterated its long-standing desire for the US to sign a final peace agreement with it and establish diplomatic relations, they said.
DND
