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North Korea Issues New Warning

By VOA News
09 June 2009

North Korea says it will use its nuclear weapons both to defend itself and as an offense against those who seek to attack the country.

An editorial published Tuesday in North Korea's state-run Minju Joson newspaper says its nuclear arsenal will be a strong deterrent against any enemies, and will also be used to carry out a "merciless offensive" against those who violate its dignity and sovereignty.

Late Monday, a top U.S. intelligence official said North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile launches, and its political situation are "a potentially dangerous mixture." Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair said that while the overall pattern is a familiar one for North Korea, the level of risk is higher because Pyongyang is doing provocative things at a time there are questions about a succession of power.

Last week, media reports said North Korean leader Kim Jong Il had named his youngest son, 26-year-old Kim Jong Un as his successor. Kim Jong Il has ruled the country since taking over from his father, Kim Il Sung, in 1994.

The latest salvo from the reclusive communist nation comes as the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia - plus Japan and South Korea, negotiate on a new resolution to impose tougher sanctions against Pyongyang for last month's underground nuclear test.

The latest draft includes new restrictions on North Korea's trade and financial dealings with the outside world, as well as an expanded arms embargo and tighter inspections of its ship-based cargo.

The Obama administration is also considering putting North Korea back on a list of state sponsors of terrorism in response to the nuclear test and a series of long- and short-range missile launches.

U.S. officials have also indicated it it may impose unilateral financial sanctions against North Korea, in addition to whatever sanctions are imposed by the U.N. Security Council.