Japan yet to confirm if N. Korea reprocessing fuel rods

Japan Policy & Politics, July 22, 2003

TOKYO, July 14 Kyodo

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda on indicated Monday that Japan has not yet confirmed whether North Korea has started reprocessing spent nuclear fuel rods with a view to producing a number of nuclear weapons.

''I am aware of the reports, but there has not been an official announcement by the U.S. government,'' Fukuda told a regular news conference.

Fukuda was referring to reports that U.S. officials have confirmed that the North has begun the reprocessing at its Yongbyon facilities, claiming krypton 85, a reprocessing byproduct, has been detected in air samples.

''It is undesirable for North Korea to make any move which will escalate the (security) situation. North Korea should know that it will be isolated in the international community by such a move,'' Fukuda said.

Vice Foreign Minister Yukio Takeuchi also said he does not believe the U.S. government has officially confirmed North Korea's reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel rods.

''We are carefully collecting and analyzing information on North Korea's nuclear weapons development, and are closely exchanging information with the United States,'' Takeuchi said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe called on North Korea to stop escalating tensions.

''North Korea should know that it will gain nothing even if it heightens its brinkmanship,'' Abe said in a speech in Yokohama, adding that the international community would put more pressure on the North if it increases its threats.

A senior Foreign Ministry official said the Japanese government will continue to call for the launch of five-nation talks on the North Korean nuclear issue to achieve a peaceful solution.

He, however, said that Japan, the U.S. and South Korea will have to consider specific tough measures to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions if they officially confirm the North is reprocessing spent nuclear fuel rods.