hankyoreh

By Kim Kyu-won, staff writer
North Korea may conduct a nuclear test if Washington pursues sanctions for its long-range rocket launch scheduled some time between Apr. 12 and 16, Choson Sinbo reported, March 4.
In an article published Wednesday, the official newspaper of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), which represents the North Korean position in the country, said, "In making an issue of the Kwangmyongsong-3 launch, the US appears to be directing the situation so that the hand of the clock points to 'after April.'" "In May 2009, Choson [North Korea] carried out its second nuclear test as a self-defense measure in response to UN Security Council 'sanctions,'" the article said.
Analysts read the piece as a warning that Pyongyang could carry out a third nuclear test if Washington breaks its Feb. 29 agreement with North Korea and sanctions it over the rocket launch. US officials have stated that North Korea’s expected rocket launch would nullify the Feb. 29 agreement.
Previously, North Korea expelled UN nuclear monitors, refused to participate in the six-party talks on the nuclear issue, and conducted its second nuclear test in May 2009 after the UNSC voted for sanctions against it following its April launch of the long-range Kwangmyongsong-2 rocket.
The newspaper also emphasized that Pyongyang might cancel its pledges in the Feb. 29 agreement to halt nuclear testing, long-range missile launches, and uranium enrichment if Washington cancels its promised food aid.
Referring to the US's statement in the agreement that it would no longer adopt a hostile stance on North Korea and was prepared to improve bilateral relations in a spirit of equality and respect for autonomy, the newspaper said Washington should "abandon its double standard in which other countries' satellite launches are lawful while only Choson's are illegal."
A South Korean government official said the article was "not worth commenting on," noting that the Choson Sinbo is the Chongryon newspaper and not an
At the same time, the official said, "It comes across as an attempt to sound out Washington's position as it pressures Pyongyang in connection with the rocket launch."

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