N. Korea's provocations need proper response

The Daily Yomiuri, Asia News Network, Tokyo

North Korea has reactivated a 5,000-kilowatt graphite- moderated nuclear reactor in blatant disregard of repeated warnings from the international community, including a resolution adopted the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Pyongyang insists that its latest action represents "peaceful use (of the nuclear facility) for the purpose of generating electricity at this stage." However, as it has refused to accept IAEA inspections, North Korea's action must be perceived as an attempt to arm itself with nuclear weapons.

The threat posed by North Korea is growing even greater. Its nuclear weapons program must be condemned as a threat to Japan's peace and security.

North Korea's action undermines global efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. As a result, the international community must take concerted action to stop Pyongyang from developing nuclear arms.

The reactivation of the Yongbyon reactor also represents an attempt to produce nuclear weapons in violation of the U.S.-North Korea Agreed Framework of 1994. An increasing number of experts are inclined to believe that the reactivation is an attempt to build nuclear weapons and not an act of diplomatic brinksmanship practiced, as in the past, with the aim of obtaining assistance from the U.S. and other nations in return for concessions.

This observation is borne out by North Korea's announcement that it planned to restart its reprocessing facilities. Such facilities play no part in the generation of electricity.

There are also concerns that North Korea could resume building two graphite-moderated nuclear reactors. In that event, the country would, sooner or later, be able to build more than 50 nuclear weapons annually. North Korea is also accelerating efforts to upgrade ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

It is already known that its Rodong ballistic missile could reach Japan. North Korea could also strike the U.S. with a long- range missile.

In early February, U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet told the Senate that North Korea's Taepodong 2 missile was capable of reaching the U.S. West Coast.

If North Korea continues to take provocative actions, sanctions against Pyongyang will inevitably be considered. Japan, the U.S. and South Korea, as well as China, Russia and other neighboring countries, must discuss what kind of coordinated policy they should take before such a scenario transpires.

It is disturbing to note that a gap exists between Japan and South Korea in the perception of the threat posed by Pyongyang.

Meanwhile, the U.S. is determined to consider all possible options, including sanctions. This would run counter to the South Korean "sunshine policy" of engagement. The administration of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun should take to heart the grave concerns harbored by Japan and the U.S.

North Korea's provocative acts could lead to international sanctions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-il must be strongly cautioned in this regard.