Report From Congress (Wicker Urges Strong Action Against North Korea)

REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

WICKER URGES STRONG ACTION AGAINST NORTH KOREA

The claim by North Korea that it tested a nuclear device last week has been met with universal condemnation around the world. While this development represents an obvious danger to countries in the region, it also has far-reaching implications for the U.S. and the global war on terrorism.

I have been encouraged by the swift reaction of the world community to criticize North Korea's provocative action. As this column is being written, the United Nations is debating the imposition of a wide range of harsh penalties against Kim Jung Il's regime. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice predicted this renegade nation would be hit with sanctions unlike anything it has faced before.

EXTREME PUNISHMENT WARRANTED

There has been no independent verification of North Korea's claim that its test was nuclear, but it is prudent to assume the worst and step up diplomatic efforts demanding that the nuclear program be halted. While the Chinese initially said tough measures were in order, they later stepped back from that position. Unfortunately, it appears China and Russia will not back extreme economic sanctions and authorization to search ship traffic going in and out of North Korean ports.

I believe all exports and imports connected to North Korea should be inspected to ensure that no potential bomb-making material gets into the country and no nuclear technology or weapons get out. It is in the security interests of the region and the world to prevent the North Koreans from dealing with countries or terrorist groups intent on causing harm to its neighbors, the U. S., and our allies.

The North Koreans have a long history of exporting missile technology, and they have links to terrorist organizations and rogue nations such as Iran and Syria. If they have now joined the nuclear club, the possibility that this nuclear capability could be sold to terrorist groups constitutes a grave threat.

MISSILE DEFENSE NEEDED

In addition to diplomatic activities, the U.S. should step up its missile defense system to protect against a possible North Korean ballistic missile attack. This latest development, coupled with the North Koreans' long-range missile test on July 4, raises the level of concern. Congress added $100 million to the 2007 defense authorization bill for missile defense interceptor procurement in response to the Independence Day provocation. The bill already contained an increase in funding for the missile defense program. Last week House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter called on the Bush Administration to expedite plans for a sea-based defense capability in the Pacific Ocean and to ask Congress for authorization to reprogram funds in pursuit of that objective.

DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS SNUBBED

The U.S. and its allies have been engaged on the diplomatic front in addressing this issue, but North Korea has shown little willingness to meet in good faith. For more than a year it has refused to participate in six-party talks with the U.S., South Korea, China, Russia, and Japan. The North Koreans have demanded one-on-one talks with the U.S. instead. President Clinton engaged them in bilateral talks in 1993, and it was a total failure. While an agreement was reached that sent economic aid and technology to North Korea in return for an end the program, the North Koreans reneged on the deal almost immediately and continued to pursue its nuclear ambitions.

The Bush Administration is correct to continue pushing for the strongest diplomatic response to this crisis. It is also wise to redouble our efforts to deploy a defense shield capable of shooting down a North Korean missile that could be carrying a nuclear warhead.

http://www.house.gov/wicker/NKorea.htm