Arvid
02-10-03, 11:28
http://i.cnn.net/cnn/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/10/01/nkorea.nukes/vstost.nkorea.ap.jpg
Choe
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- North Korea has admitted reprocessing 8,000 fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor to boost its nuclear capabilities in response to threats from the United States.
In a rare interview, Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon told CNN of the move, saying North Korea's nuclear deterrence was not intended to attack other countries, but as a means to safeguard the country's territory.
"We have already processed that fuel rods and also changed the purpose of those fuel rods," Choe said, when asked about the 8,000 fuel rods.
When asked what that purpose was, Choe replied: "As we have clearly pointed out - since the United States is now threatening the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) ... we have been left with no alternative."
Choe claimed Wednesday the war with Iraq convinced the North Korean government to further strengthen its military defense -- implying it may have nuclear arms in its arsenal.
"As we have clearly pointed out, since the United States is now threatening the DPRK with nuclear weapons to launch a preemptive nuclear attack against the DPRK, we have been left with no alternative but to be in possession of the nuclear deterrence," the minister said.
"That's why we have taken up all measures to maintain and strengthen that nuclear deterrence."
Choe
UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- North Korea has admitted reprocessing 8,000 fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor to boost its nuclear capabilities in response to threats from the United States.
In a rare interview, Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon told CNN of the move, saying North Korea's nuclear deterrence was not intended to attack other countries, but as a means to safeguard the country's territory.
"We have already processed that fuel rods and also changed the purpose of those fuel rods," Choe said, when asked about the 8,000 fuel rods.
When asked what that purpose was, Choe replied: "As we have clearly pointed out - since the United States is now threatening the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) ... we have been left with no alternative."
Choe claimed Wednesday the war with Iraq convinced the North Korean government to further strengthen its military defense -- implying it may have nuclear arms in its arsenal.
"As we have clearly pointed out, since the United States is now threatening the DPRK with nuclear weapons to launch a preemptive nuclear attack against the DPRK, we have been left with no alternative but to be in possession of the nuclear deterrence," the minister said.
"That's why we have taken up all measures to maintain and strengthen that nuclear deterrence."