Last week, North Korea demanded an apology from the United Nations Security Council for tightening sanctions against them. They said refusal would lead to measures that “will include nuclear tests and test-firings of intercontinental ballistic missiles.” It seems this may now come to pass.
South Korean officials say they have detected “brisk” activity at a North Korean nuclear test site in Kilju. At least one South Korean official speculated that their long-time rivals may be preparing to conduct another nuclear weapons test some time soon.
The Obama Administration does not seem particularly concerned by the prospect. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged other negotiation partners to “show some patience” in the goal of getting North Korea to return to the table for disarmament talks.
Yet last month North Korea vowed to never again participate in the talks, and ousted the International Atomic Energy Agency from the Yongbyon nuclear facility. The reaction came after the Obama Administration convinced the UN to condemn them for a long-range missile test.