Clinton Deal Gave N. Korea 100 Nuke-Per-Year Capacity

NewsMax ^ | 10/19/02 | Limbacher

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Lightwater nuclear reactors provided to North Korea under a 1994 deal negotiated by the Clinton administration have the capacity to generate enough nuclear fuel to produce almost 100 nuclear bombs per year, a 1999 congressional study warned.

The study was undertaken by the House North Korea Advisory Group, chaired by Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman, R-NY. Members of the panel included Rep. Doug Bereuter, R-Neb, then Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Rep. Porter J. Goss, R-Fla., Chairman of Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Christopher Cox, R-Calif., then Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee.

In its November 1999 report to the Speaker of the House, the Advisory Group sounded the alarm about North Korea's nuclear weapons program, cautioning that the "Agreed Framework" that President Clinton had promised would derail Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program had backfired.

In one of its "Key Findings" the Advisory group warned ominously:

"Through the provision of two light water reactors (LWRs) under the 1994 Agreed Framework, the United States, through KEDO, will provide North Korea with the capacity to produce annually enough fissile material for nearly 100 nuclear bombs, should the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) decide to violate the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)."

The report continues:

"Spent Fuel from the Two Light Water Reactors: If the 1994 Agreed Framework is implemented and two LWRs are eventually built and operated in North Korea, the reactors could produce close to 500 kilograms of plutonium in spent reactor fuel each year; enough for nearly 100 bombs annually if North Korea decides to break its obligations and reprocess the material."

Officials in Pyonyang acknowledged this week that North Korea had indeed broken its obligations under the Clinton accord and are now proceeding full speed ahead with a full-blown nuclear weapons program.

The Advisory Group further cautioned:

"Although the 1994 Agreed Framework was essentially aimed at eliminating North Korea's ability to make nuclear weapons, there is significant evidence that nuclear weapons development is continuing, including its efforts to acquire uranium enrichment technologies and its nuclear-related high explosive tests."

In one of the Advisory Group's most chilling observations, the report warned that since the implementation of the Clinton accord, North Korea had made significant progress in developing an intercontinental ballistic missile fleet capable of targeting the U.S. with weapons of mass destruction:

"In the last five years, North Korea's missile capabilities have improved dramatically. North Korea has produced, deployed and exported missiles to Iran and Pakistan, launched a three-stage missile (Taepo Dong 1), and continues to develop a larger and more powerful missile (Taepo Dong 2). Unlike five years ago, North Korea can now strike the United States with a missile that could deliver high explosive, chemical, biological, or possibly nuclear weapons. Currently, the United States is unable to defend against this threat."

The report also features a bar graph that shows a direct correlation between increases in Clinton administration aid and North Korea's enhanced ICBM capacity.

The Advisory group also contended that the "Agreed Framework" had made North Korea "the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid in the Asia-Pacific region."

"In an astonishing reversal of nine previous U.S. administrations, the Clinton-Gore administration, in 1994, committed not only to provide foreign aid for North Korea, but to earmark that aid primarily for the construction of nuclear reactors worth up to $6 billion," the Advisory Group noted.

[Paul Atreides]

Anyone who voted for that man, and still brags about it, should hang their heads in shame.

[slimer]

"In an astonishing reversal of nine previous U.S. administrations, the Clinton-Gore administration, in 1994, committed not only to provide foreign aid for North Korea, but to earmark that aid primarily for the construction of nuclear reactors worth up to $6 billion,"

Hey Babs, how about singing "The Way We Were".

[Free_at_last_-2001]

Anyone who voted for that man, and still brags about it, should hang their heads in shame. Anyone who voted for that should hang their heads in shame.

[tomahawk]

Klintoon is the worst President this nation ever had.

[Paul Atreides]

Anyone who voted for that should hang their heads in shame.

Excuse me?

[Paul Atreides]

Which is really saying something, when you take into account Jimmy Carter.

[weikel]

This is what the Republican party should have tried to impeach Clinton for rather than that sex scandal BS. Kim Jong Jr's elevator doesn't go all the way to the top... I hate to say this but we should 1st strike their a** now

[Fair Paul]

Guess who the next Nobel Peace Prize winner is? He's probably already rehired the PR firm he used last time.

[ALS]

"I hope this stage lead a great opportunity to bring peace in the future to every Koreans," no sooner U.S. President brother Roger Clinton had mentioned these words than all performers of a north-south joint concert appeared on the stage, hand in hand with each other, and started chorusing "Our Wish Is For Reunification."
The performers were not under the same social system, nor do they have same zeal for music. But a harmonious unity was realized by them, who gathered in Pyongyang from a far with having the same wish for peace in the Korean Peninsula.
Entitled "The Year 2000 Peace and Friendship Concert," the joint concert was held on Dec. 5 at the Ponghwa Art Theatre in Pyongyang.
The concert started with a performance by Roger Clinton, who presented six solo pieces and an original song of his member. <- teehee

"I promise to convey all of my feelings all of my lessons and all the information I have got from the brave people to our people and to my brother."

[piasa]

I've heard some newsies say Jimmy Carter's the one who helped push that deal in 94 ... so much for Presidents just sort of fading away...

JULY 1999 : (NORTH KOREA SMUGGLES SPECIALTY STEEL TO EGYPT) North Korea sent specialty steel with missile applications through a Chinese company in Hong Kong to Egypt, which is secretly cooperating with Pyongyang in building Scud missiles. - The Washington Times 10/28/99 Bill Gertz

OCTOBER 1999 : (INTEL ON INDIA INTERCEPTION OF N KOREAN MISSILE COMPONENT SHIPMENT TO PAKISTAN, MISSILE STEEL TO EGYPT, IRAN & LIBYA , EVEN CONGO, POSSIBLY INVOLVED FOR URANIUM) "….. Other recent activities by the North Koreans outlined in classified intelligence reports include: North Korea last summer tried to ship missile components to Pakistan but the ship was intercepted during a stop in India. In July, North Korea sent specialty steel with missile applications through a Chinese company in Hong Kong to Egypt, which is secretly cooperating with Pyongyang in building Scud missiles. Iranian officials recently traveled to North Korea to discuss missile cooperation. Iran is building two types of medium-range missiles, mostly with Russian and Chinese assistance. There are some signs that North Korea is assisting Libya with its efforts to develop missiles. North Koreans are helping train the Congo military and may be paid for the training with uranium ore from the African nation's Shinkolobwe mine -- where fuel for the first U.S. nuclear weapons originated….." - The Washington Times 10/28/99 Bill Gertz (* My Note: Wonder if this has anything to do with the attempt to get Uranium from Africa by both al Qaeda and Iraq revealed in Bush's speech in late 2002?)

[piasa]

DECEMBER 1999 : CLINTON'S BROTHER HOLDS TALKS WITH NORTH KOREA- ON THEIR INVITATION) "….The singer brother of US President Bill Clinton held talks with North Korean officials on the eve of his rare concert Sunday with pop singers from the two Koreas, Pyongyang's media said. The meeting between Roger Clinton and North Korean officials led by Kim Yong-Sun, chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, took place Saturday, according to North Korean state radio monitored in Seoul. Details of the talks were not given. The president's brother had been invited by the committee, one of North Korea's key international trade bodies……" - DRUDGE 12/5/99

[piasa]

SEPTEMBER 1999 : (NORTH KOREA ORDERS CHINESE WEAPONS)

NOVEMBER 26, 1999 : (REPORTS SURFACE THAT N KOREA ORDERED LARGE NUMBERS OF CHINESE WEAPONS 2 MONTHS AGO) "….North Korea continues to increase imports of Chinese weapons, as Pyongyang and Beijing reinforce ties to a level not seen in almost a decade, analysts said yesterday. Two months ago Pyongyang wrapped up a US$10.6 million (HK$82 million) purchase of TNT detonators, tank engines and open-air field blankets, a military order four times as large as last year's. The deal dismayed humanitarian groups that send millions of tonnes of food aid to the population, 25 per cent of which suffers from severe malnutrition. But political analysts and North Korea watchers say Pyongyang's investment lies chiefly not in the equipment, but in the diplomatic arena….." - South China Morning News 11/27/99 Roger Dean DuMars

[piasa]

JANUARY 25, 2000 : (N KOREA WANTS TO REVIVE TALKS, CONVENIENTLY FINDS US PERSONNEL REMAINS TO PRESENT TO EXTORT FUNDS FOR CLOTHING FACTORIES) "….North Korea claims to have recovered more remains of U.S. troops killed in the Korean War in what appears to be an effort to revive talks stalled over the North's demand for clothing factories to serve 5 million North Korean children. In a letter to U.S. veterans organizations dated Jan. 25, a copy of which was provided to USA TODAY, the North Korean mission to the United Nations said the remains had been unearthed by bulldozers in North Pyongan province, scene of heavy fighting during the war from 1950 to 1953. The letter warned that unless ''prompt measures'' were taken by the United States, it would be difficult to identify the remains or others found while land was being prepared for planting. U.S. officials and veterans representatives say they are skeptical of the claim and are awaiting replies about the number of remains and their exact location……" - USA Today 1/28/2000 Barbara Slavin

[piasa]

NOVEMBER 1999 : (NORTH KOREA SOLD IRAN MISSILE ENGINES) North Korea recently sold Iran a dozen medium-range ballistic missile engines, indicating the Pyongyang government has not curbed its transfers of missile know-how and equipment. According to a Pentagon intelligence report, North Korea supplied the 12 engines to an Iranian government agency involved in missile production in November. - THE WASHINGTON TIMES 2/9/00 Bill Gertz

NOVEMBER 21, 1999 : (NORTH KOREAN MISSILE ENGINES ARRIVE IN IRAN) According to a Pentagon intelligence report, North Korea supplied the 12 engines to an Iranian government agency involved in missile production in November. The engines arrived in Iran on Nov. 21 after they were spotted being loaded aboard an Iran Air Boeing 747 cargo jet that left Sunan International Airfield, about 12 miles north of the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, said U.S. officials familiar with the classified report later. U.S. intelligence officials said the missile engines are the same as those used in Nodong medium-range missiles, which have a range of about 620 miles

DECEMBER 1999 : (NORTH KOREAN MISSILE EXPERTS ESCAPE NORTH KOREA, DEFECT, TELL OF EXECUTIONS) Scientist Lim Ki Sung, 59, flees North Korea in December along with his son Lim Hak-jin, 31, also a missile expert, and a nephew Kim Song-su, 32, who had been a North Korean Army officer. The three tell a bizarre story of having decided to flee after Mr. Lim's wife died and a number of their relatives were executed, according to the paper Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's largest newspaper…." - International Herald Tribune 2/19-20/00 Don Kirk

FEBRUARY 2000 : (NORTH KOREA SOLD IRAN MISSILE ENGINES IN NOVEMBER 1999, EASING OF SANCTIONS ON IRAN BY CLINTON ADMINISTRATION?) "…..North Korea recently sold Iran a dozen medium-range ballistic missile engines, indicating the Pyongyang government has not curbed its transfers of missile know-how and equipment. According to a Pentagon intelligence report, North Korea supplied the 12 engines to an Iranian government agency involved in missile production in November. The engines arrived in Iran on Nov. 21 after they were spotted being loaded aboard an Iran Air Boeing 747 cargo jet that left Sunan International Airfield, about 12 miles north of the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, said U.S. officials familiar with the classified report. U.S. intelligence officials said the missile engines are the same as those used in Nodong medium-range missiles, which have a range of about 620 miles……. The missile engine transfer comes amid continuing diplomacy by the Clinton administration aimed at trying to halt North Korea's missile proliferation. Two rounds of U.S.-North Korean talks in Berlin made little progress on the issue, officials said. The intelligence on the missile engine transfer also coincides with other recent Pentagon reports showing that China is continuing to sell missile technology to North Korea despite promises from Chinese leaders to halt the exchanges……. The missile transfer has raised new questions about a recent decision by the Clinton administration to waive U.S. economic embargo provisions against Iran and allow Boeing Co. to sell engine parts to Iran for its fleet of 747 passenger jets……. Henry Sokolski, a Pentagon arms proliferation specialist during the Bush administration, said the North Korean engine sale also raises questions of Chinese government complicity in the engine deal……. The engine sale is new evidence that North Korea also has become a major supplier for Tehran's missile effort. The CIA's annual report to Congress on the spread of missiles and nuclear, chemical and biological arms stated that during the first half of 1999 "entities in Russia and China continued to supply a considerable amount and a wide variety of ballistic missile-related goods and technology to Iran." Officials said the report did not include the intelligence from November on the engine transfer from North Korea……" - THE WASHINGTON TIMES 2/9/00 Bill Gertz

FEBRUARY 2000 : (NORTH KOREAN DEFECTOR CONFIRMS THAT NORTH KOREA HAS MISSILE CAPABLE OF REACHING CALIFORNIA) "….A senior North Korean scientist who reportedly defected to the United States has told South Korean authorities that the North has developed a missile capable of reaching California, a leading newspaper here reported Friday. The defector, Lim Ki Sung, said the missile had a range of 6,000 kilometers, 3,725 miles, far longer than defense experts had previously estimated, Chosun Ilbo, South Korea's largest newspaper, reported.''That distance would be a really big development,'' said Cho Chung Pyo, assistant foreign affairs secretary on the staff of President Kim Dae Jung. ''That kind of capability was never previously indicated.''The newspaper said that Mr. Lim, who is 59, had fled North Korea in December along with his son, 31, also a missile expert, and a nephew, 32, who had been a North Korean Army officer. The three told a bizarre story of having decided to flee after Mr. Lim's wife died and a number of their relatives were executed, according to the paper…." - International Herald Tribune 2/19-20/00 Don Kirk "A North Korean defector claims Pyongyang has finished building a missile that can hit the United States, reports said yesterday. Missile expert Lim Ki-song, 59, defected to the United States last month with his son, Lim Hak-jin, 31, and nephew-in-law, Kim Song-su, 32. According to South Korean media reports, they took with them a treasure trove of intelligence on the North's missile development, including samples of rocket fuel. South Korean officials voiced surprise that such a missile had actually been built. However, they have previously said the North was developing a missile with 6,000km range, capable of striking the western United States. Pyongyang's missile capability was previously believed to have been limited to the Daepodong-I, with a 3,000km range……."- South China Morning Post 2/19/00 Roger Dean Du Mars

FEBRUARY 2000 : (NORTH KOREAN MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CONTINUES) "….North Korea is still developing its long-range ballistic missile program despite a promise not to test the missiles while talks with the United States are under way, a top U.S. intelligence official suggests. Even as the United States and North Korea prepare to resume talks next month, ``our judgment is they are continuing the program,'' Robert Walpole, the CIA official in charge of strategic and nuclear issues, told a Senate hearing Wednesday. Furthermore, North Korea's continued willingness to sell its missiles and technology to other nations poses a major threat to U.S. troops and to allies, both in the Middle East and Asia, Walpole said. Even if North Korea is sticking by its promise not to test missiles in the atmosphere, ground testing of various components is believed to still be taking place, Walpole said. ``The program is still alive.'' Walpole gave an unclassified update on new intelligence estimates of the ballistic-missile threat. That report, completed in September, found that over the next 15 years, North Korea and Iran are likely to develop missiles potentially capable of killing millions of Americans. The CIA also said Iraq posed an additional - though somewhat more distant – threat……" - Associated Press 2/10/00

FEBRUARY 2000 : (KAZAKHSTAN, MIG FIGHTER SALES, HEAD OF ARMED FORCES FOUND 'NOT GUILTY,' PETENKO 'GUILTY' BUT GIVEN AMNESTY) "…..The head of Kazakhstan's armed forces was found not guilty on Friday of charges of illegally selling 40 MiG fighter jets to North Korea, a lawyer for another defendant said on Friday. While Bakhytzhan Yertayev was declared innocent in the closed trial before a military court, businessman Alexander Petrenko, who was the middleman in the deal, was found guilty but immediately given amnesty by the court, his lawyer, Vladimir Abiyev, told AFP. "They did not find (Yertayev's) actions to be criminal," Abiyev said, adding that Petrenko was given amnesty under a law signed last year by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. …." - Russia Today 2/4/00 AFP

FEBRUARY 2000 : (NORTH KOREAN GROUND TESTS, ICBM THREATS LOOMING) "….North Korea appears to be continuing its ballistic missile programme, despite a well-publicised moratorium on testing, as well as selling the technology to other nations, a top US intelligence official told Congress overnight (HK time). While adhering so far to a promise not to test missiles in the atmosphere, ground testing of various components is believed to still be taking place, said Robert Walpole, the CIA official in charge of strategic and nuclear issues. ''Our judgment is that they are continuing the programme,'' Mr Walpole told a Senate Governmental Affairs subcommittee. ''The programme is still alive.'' Mr Walpole summarised the unclassified portions of an intelligence-community intelligence estimate of the ballistic-missile threat completed last September. ……. ''We project that during the next 15 years the United States most likely will face Intercontinental Ballistic Missile threats from Russia, China and North Korea, probably from Iran and possibly from Iraq,'' he said. …." - 2/10/00 AP

[RightWhale]

close to 500 kilograms of plutonium in spent reactor fuel each year

N Kor has large uranium mineral deposits. They are entirely self-sufficient in this area and need only hardware to process what they already have in abundance. N Kor was the industrialized part of Korea, was the site of the Japanese atom bomb program during WW II.

Not saying that the Clinton Administration did a darned bit of good in any area, nor that plutonium isn't great for nuclear devices.

[backhoe]

Cross-link:

-The Atomic Genie- what we have about North Korea's Nuclear program--

[piasa]

see above ...n korean timelines

[Alamo-Girl]

Buuuump!

[Southack]

bump