On Monday, October 9, 2006 at 01:35:27 (UTC) [Sunday, October 08, 2006 at 09:35:27 PM (EDT)] a 4.2 earthquake was registered at 41.294°N, 129.134°E in North Korea. The location is 70 km (40 miles) N of Kimchaek, 385 km (240 miles) NE of Pyongyang.
North Korea announced Monday it had successfully conducted its first ever underground nuclear test. Pyongyang pulled out of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2003. North Korea earlier defied international calls when it test-launched seven ballistic missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 believed to be capable of reaching parts of the United States, in the direction of the Sea of Japan on July 5. North Korea declared in February 2005 that it possessed nuclear weapons, and experts believe it has enough plutonium for as many as 11 nuclear bombs.
Russia said it was “100% certain” a nuclear test had occurred.
The US said the reported test was a “provocative act”. US White House spokesman Tony Snow said, “We expect the UN Security Council to take immediate actions to respond to this unprovoked act.”
China denounced it as “brazen”. In an unusually strong statement against its ally, China (a neighbor and traditional Communist ally of North Korea) expressed its “resolute opposition” to the claimed test and said it “defied the universal opposition of international society”.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the claimed test “unpardonable” and said the region was “entering a new, dangerous nuclear age”.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, urged the UN to take “undaunted” action. President Roh said the claimed test had created a “severe situation” that threatened stability in the region. South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports that the test took place in Gilju in Hamgyong province.
Although it is not known if there were any “visitors” at the supposed event, what do you want to bet that someone representing either Iran or some other militant Islamist group was present for the test? Someone with really deep pockets willing to either fund or buy North Korea’s new toy? Remember that, other than their military, North Korea can even afford to feed its people. Just think what they would do to get their hands on, say, $20 billion in middle eastern oil money from someone that really wants their very own nuke. Oh yes, this is far larger than just little Kim Jong-il’s little attempt at making the world look at his ugly head.
North Korea, nuclear, Pyongyang, Kim Jong-il
