North Korean Threat
Lee, Minhwan
Lou Dobbs Tonight (CNN), 7:00 PM
LOU DOBBS: We begin with breaking news on North Korea's increasingly
aggressive threats. The North Korean government today declared it's ready to
"wipe out" the United States. This latest threat comes as North Korea
continues its preparations for new missile tests off its eastern coast.
Meanwhile a U.S. destroyer and spy planes are tracking the North Korean
freighter that's suspected of carrying weapons or even nuclear material to
Burma. One U.S. official today said North Korea appears to be testing the
new Obama administration. Kitty Pilgrim has our report.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) KITTY PILGRIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The rogue North Korean
dictator makes a wild threat to wipe out the United States -- the Pentagon
response:
GEOFF MORRELL, PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY: I don't even know how to -- how to
even respond to such silliness. I don't -- wipe the United States off the
map for what and with what.
PILGRIM: Nevertheless, the situation is dangerous and fluid. In recent days
the U.S. has taken some steps by monitoring missile activity in North Korea.
Secretary Gates has moved the THAAD anti-missile defense system and X-band
radar to Hawaii for fear North Korea may fire a Taepodong-2 missile for the
island in July. And a U.S. destroyer is trailing a North Korean ship
believed to be transporting arms to Myanmar in violation of U.N. sanctions.
Some in Congress say we need to do more.
REP. MICHAEL TURNER (R-OH), ARMED SERVICES CMTE.: I know this administration
is basically taking the view that we'll just continue to talk and make
statements from Washington instead of rallying the international community
to address this important issue.
PILGRIM: Last night President Obama spoke to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of
Australia by phone and the Pentagon is calling on our all allies to help.
MORRELL: The idea is that this is somehow being made a U.S. responsibility.
The world spoke through the United Nations. This is a collective concern.
And there are now collective responsibilities and authorities given us to
and we hope it doesn't just fall on us to exercise.
PILGRIM: The president said earlier this week.
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Let's be clear. This
administration and our military is fully prepared for any contingencies.
PILGRIM: The Obama administration last week pledged "significant serious
enforcement" of sanctions. Today it said no decision had been made to board
the North Korean flag vessel. That decision they said would be made
collectively with allies. (END VIDEOTAPE)
PILGRIM: While some in Congress are agitating for increased funding for
missile defense systems others are saying North Korea should be put back on
the list of countries who are state sponsors of terrorism. Lou.
DOBBS: Any sign that other nations will be sending their ships to interdict
the North Korean freighter?
PILGRIM: The Pentagon today said that there were other navies who were
concerned but that was about as far as they would go.
DOBBS: Thank you very much. Appreciate it -- Kitty Pilgrim.
The United States has more than 28,000 troops in South Korea, most of them
Army and Air Force. The Army contingent includes armored aviation artillery
air defense brigades. Commanders are placing all of those troops on a
heightened watch condition at the end of last month.
supertech
uninvited ship inspection can be deemed a threat.
The problem is that you can not prove to show that they have any missile
parts in their ship. No intelligence to penetrate, you are blind.
In such a case, the interception can be regarded as an act of piracy and
subject to a severe defensive measure. In other words, the UN resolution is
useless because of these technicalities.
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