25 June 2006
International
Japan warns N. Korea of crippling sanctions
- By Bo-Mi Lim
Seoul, June 25: The anniversary of the Korean War passed amid a worsening security crisis on Sunday, with Japan warning of potentially crippling oil and food sanctions against North Korea if it carries out a long-range missile test.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun told war veterans that the North's apparent moves to launch a missile shows that security on the peninsula is "still volatile," but stressed that Seoul will continue reconciliation efforts. Japanese foreign minister Taro Aso warned that Tokyo would consider the suspension of oil and food sales if the missile is launched, accusing the North of intimidation. "All options are on the table," Mr Aso said on public broadcaster NHK. "I believe public opinion would condone sanctions, even on oil or food."
The 56th anniversary of the still-unresolved war came amid alleged actions that analysts say would enable the North to test-launch a missile capable of reaching Japan and parts of the United States.
Both the US and Japan have made clear that sanctions are an option if North Korea refuses to cooperate, and there has been speculation that the United States could try to intercept the missile with its fledgling missile defence system. South Korea's Prime Minister Han Myung-sook urged the North to return to six-party nuclear talks as soon as possible, calling the nuclear issue "the biggest security threat" to the South. The talks include both Koreas, Japan, the United States, China and Russia and have been deadlocked since November. "North Korea should fully recognise concerns of the international community and should resolve this issue soon," Mr Han said during a war anniversary ceremony.
North Korea, meanwhile, vowed to repel any invasion by the US, which the North claims launched the 1950-53 conflict. "If the US imperialists set another fire of war ... our Army and people will finally settle our battle with the US by mercilessly crushing and sweeping out the aggressors," the North's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said in a commentary, carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Intelligence reports say fuel tanks have been seen around a missile at the North's launch site on its north-eastern coast, but officials say it's difficult to determine from satellite photos if the rocket is being fuelled.
(AP)