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Source: DPRK may be preparing for new nuclear test

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-12 17:47

WASHINGTON – The Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) may be preparing for its third nuclear test, a show of defiance as the United Nations considers new sanctions on the nation for conducting an underground nuclear explosion in May, according to a US government official.

DPRK conducted an underground explosion on May 25, its first since a 2006 atomic test. The official, who spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the unreleased information, would not provide details regarding the assessment.

A draft UN resolution proposed Wednesday would impose tough sanctions on DPRK's weapons exports and financial dealings and allow inspections of suspect cargo in ports and on the high seas. DPRK has threatened to retaliate if new sanctions are adopted.

Related readings:  Yonhap: S.Korea makes plans to counter DPRK missile  DPRK says S.Korea intrudes into its water  S Korea to meet with DPRK at joint park next week  South Korea gears up military drills  DPRK not to consider dialogue with S Korea

The White House National Security Council would not comment on the assessment of a possible third nuclear test in the works.

"We have come to expect North Korea (DPRK) to act recklessly and dangerously," NSC spokesman Mike Hammer said in a statement. "But while the world unites to pass a strong new Security Council resolution, it is clear that North Korea's behavior is succeeding only in further isolating itself."

President Barack Obama's special envoy on DPRK, Stephen Bosworth, said Thursday that the United States is determined to make sure DPRK faces serious consequences for its growing missile and nuclear threat.

Bosworth told lawmakers at a hearing that the Obama administration is considering freezing DPRK's accounts at banks outside the country. Similar action by the George W. Bush administration infuriated the country and effectively severed it from the international financial system and led to a breakdown in nuclear talks.

But Bosworth also said Obama wants to talk to Pyongyang, either through the six-nation mechanism or directly.

DPRK has so far spurned the administration's attempts at engagement, Bosworth said. The North will come back to disarmament talks eventually, he said, but not soon.

For now, Bosworth said, DPRK will "suffer consequences if it does not reverse course."