N. Korea: Pyongyang's Missile Launch 'Was Sales Pitch'(to Iran and Venezuela?)

Chosun Ilbo ^ | 07/06/06

[TigerLikesRooster]

Pyongyang's Missile Launch 'Was Sales Pitch'

North Korea’s test-launch of several types of missile Wednesday was an export blitz, some experts say. Missile exports are one of Pyongyang’s few sources of hard currency since the heavily militarized nation has precious few other export industries. North Korea has been exporting Scud missiles to the Middle East and Africa for up to US$4 million a pop.

There is speculation that Iranian officials, who have been in the North since early this month according to press reports, were observing the launches on the spot to see whether they want to buy. According to an unconfirmed report, a special train headed for the northeastern province where the launch pad of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile was located, which could have been carrying the Iranians as well as North Korean brass.

The launch also comes ahead of a visit from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. No friend of the U.S., Chavez is to visit North Korea in the second half of the year. He will find himself on the same page as North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in his loathing of Uncle Sam and may strike a barter deal of missiles for oil, some experts say. Venezuelan Information Minister Willian Lara on Wednesday offered veiled support for the Stalinist country, saying all mankind is entitled to the right to develop technology, and there can be no exception to that rule.

[TigerLikesRooster]

I am sure sales pitch is one of the reasons for missile launch. However, considering the political downside, it just shows that N. Korean regime is in serious economic and political troubles, if they thought the missile launch is their best course of action at this time.

How nice of Iran and Venezuela to tie their fate with N. Korea. It will only speed up their demise in the end even though it seems to complicate the situation right now.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Ping!

[Arizona Carolyn]

I heard this evening that Hugo has made plans to travel to NK and visit with the madman... he is supposed to be missile shopping for real, so this may not be far out at all.

[Dallas59]

I fear this may be true..I fear Iran more than Ronery Kim and Big Giant Head Chavez combined.

[MarshallDillon]

NK just had a dud, so I would not be buying from them. IF I were his target customers.... I would go directly to Rosoboronexport. http://www.rusarm.ru

[End_Clintonism_Now]

[Yaelle]

Is this like the traveling vacuum salesman who walked in and dumped a filthy ashtray over the lady of the house's carpet, only to have his wonder vacuum fizzle and short out?

Would YOU buy?

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #7

That is why chances are high that there will be another launch soon to prove that their product works.

[justa-hairyape]

To date the N. K. missiles have not traveled a distance equivalent to the distance between Venezuela and the U.S. (except for possible the Keys). Therefore, Hugo must be buying some very expensive presents for an old friend and perhaps the future winners of the Mexican Civil War.

Perhaps this eastern beast is about to sprout a third head ?

[RedCell]

Is this like the traveling vacuum salesman who walked in and dumped a filthy ashtray over the lady of the house's carpet, only to have his wonder vacuum fizzle and short out?

Reminds me of the time the Kirby guy came over (thanks to my bro-in-law!) and proceeded to dump out the contents of our Rainbow vac all over the carpet. Here's a hint to how well that went -- the Rainbow uses a water reservoir, not a bag, to trap the dirt. Wasn't too long after that before he found the front door.

Anyway, about this missile test being a sales pitch -- how about the next time we counter with our own sales pitch... right on top of their heads. Always be closing, right?

[Dallas59]

Looks like they can get Ronerry Kim to the dirty work with some cash and oil....Who's gonna stop them? Us?

[DaBadGuy]

Buy your dong missiles here...... 2 for 1 special!!
as is, no warranty!! Guaranteed to get you a seat at the table with a bonafide SuperPower!!!
(don't try to relight the duds)

[BigSkyFreeper]

Chavez was supposed to be in North Korea to do some "oil for missiles" sales pitch with North Korea.

[BigSkyFreeper]

Chavez Plans to Meet With North Korea's Kim Jong-il

[BigSkyFreeper]

I had a vacuum salesman stop by one time, he vacuumed the living room, and I still wasn't convinced, he moved to the bedroom, and I acted like I was taking an interest, he moved to the dining room, and I said I really wasn't interested and kicked him out of the house.

[tman73]

Well...when you have as much oil as Iran and HugoLand have...MPG is not an issue...and from what I hear, the Taepodong gets pretty crappy gas mileage...maximum of 200 miles per 10,000 gallons....what a deal!...;>

...come to think of it, what a great sales pitch for spitballs!

[SledgeCS]

The US should respond with this "North Korea's missile's all seem to have failed. We were watching and observing. While we cannot confirm any action on our side, just remember this. "All of there test launched missile's failed to reach the target. For more information please contact D.R.@1600washington"

[monkeyshine]

Time to reprint and redistribute the Monroe Doctrine, and Roosevelt's corollary, to the far eastern nations.

And tear up the Carter Corollary and Clinton Doctrines!

[C210N]

Missile exports are one of Pyongyang’s few sources of hard currency...

Kim isn't forced to sell missiles to make a few extra bucks. He could always run his US Dollar printers a bit more into the wee hours, or convert just a little more of his crop lands to marajuana or poppies.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #19

He is diversifying. The threat value of missile and the respect(fear) it commands from other countries are also something Kim Jong-il cannot pass up.