Money Matters, Simplified.
Tension mounts as Korea, U.S. lock horns
by Jamie Anderson - June 22, 2009 - comments
President Barack Obama claimed that there was strong international consensus against Pyongyang, after it detonated its second nuclear device on May 25.
Washington, June 22: A North Korean ship, the 2,000-ton freighter Kang Nam, probably heading towards Myanmar is being tracked by an American Navy destroyer, the USS John S. McCain, on suspicion of carrying illegitimate weaponry.
The whole episode has opened the proverbial Pandora’s box. North Korea has depicted itself as a "proud nuclear power" and has avowed to hit back if attacked by the United States.
Rodong Sinmun, newspaper of the ruling communist party, reiterated that North Korea will not surrender any nuclear weapons. "As long as the DPRK (North Korea) has become a proud nuclear power, the US should take a correct look at who it is dealing with.”
The newspaper warned, “It is a great mistake for the US to think it will not be hurt if it ignores this and ignites the fuse of war on the Korean peninsula."
Obama assures nation
On the other end, President Barack Obama has claimed that the U.S. military is “fully prepared” in case North Korea launches a missile toward Hawaii. As on date, it is a mere speculation that North Korea could fire a missile on or around July 4, the Independence Day.
Obama said in an interview to be broadcast by CBS News on the ‘Early Show,’ “I do want to give assurances to the American people that the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted in terms of what might happen. This administration -- and our military -- is fully prepared for any contingencies."
Security beefed up
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that the U.S. military has warned the defense forces in Hawaii of a potential missile launch at the island by Pyongyang. The security has accordingly been beefed up, the secretary added.
The UN Security Council resolution allows the stoppage and searching of North Korean cargo vessels. Pyongyang, however, has threatened war against any country that intercepts its ships.
The US president has pointed out that North Korea has the option of a path that will again align them with the international community. "And we hope they take that path," he said.