LOC22:59
19:59 GMT
WASHINGTON, Nov 22 (KUNA) -- The Obama administration said Monday that
six-party talks can still play "important role" in nuclear disarmament talks
with North Korea, in light of Pyongyangs revelation of a new modern nuclear
enrichment facility.
In a press briefing, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said, "The
six-party process can plan an important role, if and when the North Koreans
take that six-party process to move toward denuclearization seriously. We do
not wish to talk simply for the sake of talking."
He noted that North Koreas latest nuclear enrichment capability claims
"contradict the pledges and commitments that theyve made repeatedly to the
international community." He said the US has already dispatched
representatives to the region to brief partners and allies in coordinating a
policy response to their actions.
"The North Koreans have to be serious about living up to their obligations.
And not having done so has put a sanctions regime in place that is the
strongest that the country has ever faced and has greatly increased the price
of their noncompliance," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan on Monday would not
confirm whether the US would redeploy nuclear weapons to South Korea following
the recent reports of North Koreas growing nuclear capabilities.
"The US and our international partners are consulting on what steps to take
in light of this new information. So Id say its premature to talk about
specific steps," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Dave Lapan told reporters.
However, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Tae-Young affirmed the
possibility that Seoul may ask the US to redeploy them after the weapons were
removed in 1991. He indicated the issue will likely be raised at a joint
US-South Korean military committee meeting next month to discuss North Korea's
nuclear programs.
In an interview with the New York Times, American nuclear scientist,
Siegfried Hecker, said he toured a newly-built enrichment plant in North
Koreas Yongbyon atomic complex which North Korean officials said boasts up to
2,000 working centrifuges and an "ultra-modern control room."
The report triggered renewed international concerns over North Koreas
intentions behind its nuclear program. (end)
hy.bs
KUNA 222259 Nov 10NNNN