NK nuclear Response-One from a Dem and one from a Repug. they

[rodeodance]

Could not be clearer DifferenceS!!

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October 9, 2006
North Korea’s Nuclear Test Is a Wake-Up Call
October 9th, 2006

The International community must react swiftly and unequivocally to North Korea’s nuclear test. The country’s possession of nuclear weapons and its willingness to demonstrate them is not only a threat to US national security but also to global stability.

We have to find out which countries helped North Korea develop this weapon and which have received assistance from North Korea to boost their own nuclear programs. Steps must be taken to end such activities.

The nuclear test should serve as a wake-up call to all about the potential consequences of allowing rogue nations to manipulate negotiations to buy time to achieve their desired objectives.
Posted by Fla. GOP Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Ros-Lehtinen's Website(s)

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Nuclear Test Marks a Colossal Failure of U.S. Diplomacy

October 9th, 2006

North Korea deserves condemnation for detonating a nuclear test, but the development also represents a colossal failure of U.S. diplomacy and calls for stepped up international pressure on China, North Korea’s powerful neighbor and closest ally.

What happened in North Korea is not surprising. North Koreans have been marching toward this day steadily for five or six years. We’ve had ineffective policies, so this day was certain to come.

There is no question that North Korea is now the most dangerous and unstable nuclear state.

It is dangerous because they’re going to keep the first 12 nuclear weapons to defend themselves against Rumsfield, but the 13th is going to go up on E-Bay - and there are some well-financed terrorist organizations lining up to bid.

Despite years of warning signs, the United States failed to exert meaningful diplomatic and economic pressure on China to rein in its impoverished neighbor.

The Bush administration has hardly even tried to convince China that continued improvement in economic relations with the United States depends on Beijing putting real pressure on Pyongyang to curb its nuclear program. And unless you put trade issues on the table with China, you are not going to change the Chinese policy.

At the same time, the United States should be more forthcoming in discussing incentives for the North Koreans to dismantle their nuclear weapons program. Our approach to North Korea has been to refuse to provide the type of security guarantees - including a non-aggression pact - sought by Pyongyang.

Because some in our government dream of a military invasion of North Korea, we have failed to seriously discuss a very important carrot.

Kim Jong-il has 23 million hostages - the innocent people of North Korea - and in imposing sanctions we have to keep that in mind. However, we can turn off the luxury goods for his upper crust, and it may be necessary to turn off their supply of oil.

Congressman Brad Sherman is a senior member of the House International Relations Committee and the Ranking Member of the Terrorism and Nonproliferation Subcommittee.

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Posted by Calif. Dem. Rep. Brad Sherman
Posted by Calif. Dem. Rep. Brad Sherman | Sherman's Website(s)......