Interdiction possible for North Korea: Clinton
Interdiction possible for North Korea: Clinton
Washington: The Obama administration wants help from US allies and possibly China to cut off North Korean shipments that may be carrying nuclear technology or other weapons.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in an interview that failing to take aggressive and effective action against North Korea could spark an arms race in northeast Asia.
“We will do everything we can to both interdict it and prevent it and shut off their flow of money," Clinton said of possible attempts by North Korea to ship nuclear material.
She said that one of the positive developments to come from North Korea’s very provocative and belligerent behavior is that it has brought the countries trying to deal with North Korea much closer together. Those nations include China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
“We are working very hard," Clinton said adding: “I’ve personally talked with all the foreign ministers."
She also said that US is considering adding North Korea back to a list of state sponsors of terrorism, after US President Barack Obama pledged a very hard look at tougher measures because of the North’s nuclear stance.
The communist country has conducted recent nuclear and missile tests, and there are concerns about the North’s shipping nuclear material to other nations.
Obama’s strong language on North Korea appeared to point towards non-military penalties such as financial punishments, either within the UN or by Washington alone. Obama made the comments Saturday during his visit to France.
The Bush administration agreed to remove North Korea from the US list of terrorist states after the North said that it would dismantle its nuclear weapons facilities. It later refused to go forward with the dismantlement.
Clinton was asked about a letter that some senators wrote to Obama about returning North Korea to that list.
“We’re going to look at it. There’s a process for it," Clinton said adding: “Obviously we would want to see recent evidence of their support for international terrorism."
She further said: “We’re just beginning to look at it. I don’t have an answer for you right now."
She said that North Korea was taken off of the list for a purpose and that purpose is being thwarted by their actions.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!