2003.10.2 CNN 국제 연합 통신원 Richard Roth로부터

북한 외무성 대변인은 2일 담화를 발표 “8,000 폐 연료의 재처리를 완료했다”고 발표했다.

최수헌 북한 외무성 부상은 북한의 ‘핵 개발-핵억제력’은 다른 나라들을 공격하기 위한 것이 아니라, 북한의 영토를 보호하기 위한 것이라고 CNN에 말했다.

미국 관리들은 8000여개의 폐연료봉을 재처리 하게 되면 플루토늄 6개 그리고 12개의 핵탄두를 만들수 있는 양이라고 추정했다.
 
콜린 미 국무 장관은 2일 목요일 회견에서  "북한은 이제껏 재 처리봉한 폐연료봉들은 가지고 있다고 세 번씩이나 말했으나 우리는 그 사실을 입증할만한 어떤 증거를 가지고 있지 않다 . "고 표명하며, “북한이 국제 사회에 협력하는 것이 이 문제의 해결 책”이라고 얘기했다.

그러나  최수헌은, ‘핵 억제력은’ 이라크와 같은 전쟁에 대비하기 위한 방편이며, 북한과 불가침조약을 맺지 않고 있는 미국과의 관계는 어느 때보다도 좋지 않은 상태라고 CNN에 밝혔다.
그는 "불가침 조약을 맺는다면 우리는 핵문제에 관해 국제사회에 협조할 것"이라고 말했다.
"우리의 제안은 결코 도를 넘지 않는 단순한 것이다. 우리는 단지 양쪽의 불가침조약을 맺고 동시에 총구를 거두고 평화롭게 공존하기를 바랄 뿐이다."라고 말했다.

대화 참여 언급은 없어…

현재 미국을 방문중인 최부상은 핵무기 실험 실시 여부와 시기에 대해서는 언급을 거절했으며, 영향력을 가는 이웃 중국과는 좋은 관계를 유지하고 있다고 밝혔다.

최수헌은 또한 조지 W.부시 미국대통령이 북한이 ‘악의 축’이라고 진술한 것에 대해 공격하였으며, 향후 6자 회담에 참가 여부에 대해서는 “우리는 향후 일정에 대해서는 어떤 약속을 해줄 수 없다.”고 말했다..




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U.S. doubts North Korean claims

From CNN Senior United Nations Correspondent Richard Roth
Thursday, October 2, 2003 Posted: 9:20 PM EDT (0120 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. officials have expressed skepticism but deep concern over North Korea's claim that it has reprocessed 8,000 fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor -- fuel that could be used in nuclear weapons -- in response to U.S. threats.

In a rare interview Wednesday, Vice Foreign Minister Choe Su Hon told CNN of the move, saying North Korea's nuclear deterrence is not intended to attack other countries, but as a means to safeguard the country's territory.

"We have already processed that fuel rods and also changed the purpose of those fuel rods," Choe said.

U.S. officials have estimated that plutonium obtained from the rods could be used to build between six and 12 nuclear warheads.

"This is the third time they have told us they finished reprocessing the rods," U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday, but he added, "we have no evidence to confirm that."

"I believe that this is a matter of the most serious concern for the international community, and I think North Korea's neighbors should also be delivering a message to Kim Jong Il that the solution to the problem is for them to stop moving in this direction -- continue to participate in the diplomacy that is under way," Powell said.

Another U.S. official also told CNN that the claim should be treated with "a great deal of skepticism."

The official said the claim is regarded by the United States as a "negotiation tactic," and added, "we don't have any evidence to suggest it's true."

Asked what the new purpose of the rods is, Choe said, "As we have clearly pointed out, since the United States is now threatening the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) with nuclear weapons to launch a pre-emptive nuclear attack against the DPRK, we have been left with no alternative but to be in possession of the nuclear deterrence.

"That's why we have taken up all measures to maintain and strengthen that nuclear deterrence."

Choe claimed the war with Iraq convinced the North Korean government to further strengthen its military defense.

Choe also told CNN that Pyongyang's relations with the United States are at their worst level ever, repeatedly attacking Washington for not signing a non-aggression treaty with North Korea.

The minister said the treaty would enable Pyongyang to cooperate with the international community on nuclear issues.

"Our proposal is modest and simple, we just want both the DPRK and the United States to put down guns at the same time and coexist peacefully."

No word on talks
The minister refused to say if and when North Korea will test a nuclear weapon as the government has previously indicated it would.

The traveling minister said relations were very good with influential neighbor China. Beijing is concerned about a nuclear North Korea and the flood of refugees should conflict erupt.

Choe also attacked the United States for U.S. President George W. Bush's statement that North Korea was part of the "axis of evil."

There was no indication when North Korea would agree to another round of multi-nations talks on its nuclear program. The last round was in Beijing in August.

"We have never made any promises with regards to the next round of six party talks," the vice foreign minister said.