Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Bosonic

(3,746 posts)
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 02:36 AM Apr 2013

SKorean official says he misspoke about nuke test

Source: AP

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A top South Korean official said Monday he misspoke earlier in the day when he told lawmakers there is an "indication" that North Korea is preparing for a nuclear test. But that doesn't change what Seoul has been saying for months: that Pyongyang has already prepared a tunnel for a nuclear blast and can use it whenever it wants.

When a lawmaker asked whether there was an indication of increased personnel and vehicles at the North's nuclear test site, Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae said "there is such an indication." He said he couldn't say more because it involved confidential intelligence.

The comments in a parliamentary session were recorded on video, but Ryoo later told lawmakers he couldn't remember making them and didn't mean to say them. He said he was "startled" by reports carrying his earlier comments.

A Unification Ministry official said that Ryoo had intended to say that North Korea has long been ready to conduct a nuclear test. She spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn't authorized to speak publicly about the matter.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/skorea-indication-nkorea-prepping-nuke-test



PREVIOUSLY...

SKorea: 'Indication' NKorea prepping for nuke test

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's point man on North Korea says there is an "indication" that Pyongyang is preparing for a fourth nuclear test.

Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae told a parliamentary committee Monday that "there is such an indication," according to two ministry officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

Ryoo was answering a lawmaker's question about increased personnel and vehicle activities at the North's nuclear test site.

Ministry officials cite Ryoo as telling the lawmakers he wouldn't provide further details because they involve confidential intelligence affairs.

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/skoreas-top-military-officer-puts-us-trip-0

BBC: North Korea preparing nuclear test, South Korea says

North Korea may be preparing for a fourth nuclear test, South Korean officials say.

South Korean Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae told lawmakers there are "signs" of increased activity in the North's main nuclear test site.

A newspaper also quoted a South Korean official confirming activity similar to the North's third test on 12 February.

This comes amid North Korea's stepped up rhetoric in recent weeks against the US and South Korea.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22061377
3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
SKorean official says he misspoke about nuke test (Original Post) Bosonic Apr 2013 OP
Will this take precedence over the coming missile launch? Franker65 Apr 2013 #1
And what does his weight have to do with his actions, please tell? nt Mnemosyne Apr 2013 #3
Hmmm, now another minister is walking back the statement. Bosonic Apr 2013 #2

Franker65

(299 posts)
1. Will this take precedence over the coming missile launch?
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 03:25 AM
Apr 2013

Not sure which one is worse. Either way, it looks like things are deteriorating sharply. Hopefully the fat kid will regain control of his senses...

Bosonic

(3,746 posts)
2. Hmmm, now another minister is walking back the statement.
Mon Apr 8, 2013, 04:14 AM
Apr 2013
North Korean nuclear test not seen imminent: South Korea

(Reuters) - North Korea does not appear to be preparing for a fourth nuclear test in the near future, South Korea's Defense Ministry said on Monday based on its reading of activity around the test site.

"We found there had been no unusual movements that indicated it wanted to carry out a nuclear test," a spokesman at the ministry said.

Earlier another South Korean ministry said it had seen signs indicating the North was readying a nuclear test.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/08/us-korea-north-nuclear-idUSBRE93701220130408
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»SKorean official says he ...