U.N.: North Korea Shuts Down Nuke Reactor

ElBaradei: U.N. Inspectors Verify North Korean Step Toward Halt In Production

(AP)  U.N. inspectors have verified that North Korea has shut down its sole functioning nuclear reactor, the chief of the watchdog agency said Monday, confirming Pyongyang's first step to halt production of atomic weapons in nearly five years.

"Our inspectors are there. They verified the shutting down of the reactor yesterday," said Mohamed ElBaradei, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"The process has been going quite well and we have had good cooperation from North Korea. It's a good step in the right direction," ElBaradei said, speaking in Bangkok ahead of an event sponsored by Thailand's Ministry of Science.

Earlier Monday, South Korea sent more oil to North Korea to reward its compliance with an international disarmament agreement.

Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said a second shipment of oil departed Monday for the North on a South Korean ship. A first shipment that arrived Saturday — prompting the North to follow through on its pledge to shut the reactor — has been completely offloaded, Lee said at a meeting with U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill.

The two shipments are part of 50,000 tons of oil that the North will receive for the reactor shutdown. Under a February agreement at international arms talks, Pyongyang will receive a total equivalent of 1 million tons of oil for dismantling its nuclear programs.

The North had said that it shut down the reactor, which generates plutonium for atomic bombs, on Saturday — the first on-the-ground achievement toward scaling back Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions since the international standoff began in late 2002.

A 10-member team of IAEA inspectors arrived Saturday in North Korea to confirm the shutdown at Yongbyon.

The North's Foreign Ministry said Sunday that further progress on disarmament would depend "on what practical measures the U.S. and Japan, in particular, will take to roll back their hostile policies toward" North Korea.

The ministry noted North Korea acted to shut down its nuclear reactor even before receiving all 50,000 tons of oil, adding that was "a manifestation of its good faith towards the agreement," according to a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

Still, North Korea emphasized Sunday that it did not view the oil as aid and that the U.N. inspectors' activities were restricted in scope.

"The provision of substitute energy including heavy oil is by no means 'aid' in the form of charity but compensation for the (North's) suspension of its nuclear facilities and the activities of the IAEA in (Yongbyon) are not 'inspection' but limited to verification and monitoring," the ministry said.

North Korea is set to participate in a renewed session of arms talks this week in Beijing, along with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the U.S.

Hill, a U.S. assistant secretary of state, has said the negotiations would focus on a "work plan and a timeframe" for how disarmament would proceed, adding he planned to meet his North Korean counterpart Tuesday ahead of the formal start of talks.

A North Korean diplomat said Pyongyang was willing to discuss listing its nuclear programs as well as disabling them as long as the U.S. removed all sanctions against the communist nation.

Hill said Monday during his meeting with Lee that Washington moving to remove the North's pariah status would depend on Pyongyang continuing to comply with its disarmament promises.

"With complete denuclearization, everything is going to be possible," Hill said.

Hill has said he believes the disablement of the North's nuclear facilities could be completed by the end of the year.

[lars008-2009]

Our Prophet commanded us to fight the kaafirs when we are able and to attack them in their homelands and to give them three choices before we enter their lands: either they become Muslim and be like us, sharing our rights and duties; or they pay the jizyah (poll tax) and feel themselves subdued; or they fight, in which case their wealth, women, children and homes become permissible as booty for the Muslims.
http://islamqa.com/index.php?ref=13759&ln=eng&txt=before%20islam%20arabia%20pagan

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry

[lars008-2009]

In 1786 Jefferson and John Adams went to negotiate with Tripoli's envoy to London, Ambassador Sidi Haji Abdrahaman or (Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja). They asked him by what right he extorted money and took slaves. Jefferson reported to Secretary of State John Jay, and to the Congress:

The ambassador answered us that [the right] was founded on the Laws of the Prophet (Mohammed), that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have answered their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners, and that every Mussulman who should be slain in battle was sure to go to heaven.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Barbary_War
http://www.usvetdsp.com/jan07/jeff_quran.htm

%u2026that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Musselman (Muslim) who should be slain in Battle was sure to go to Paradise.
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?6bdec278-6a71-4436-bc4d-29d1c54b0ad7

[drummer94]

And there it is: BUT, BUT Bill Clinton did.... hahahahahahaha. Bill Clinton- no war. Nation out of debt. Lotsa jobs. He did it all and had time for a hummer. And George's report card. Uh huh. Thought so.

[zootallures2]

Yea, North Korea almost had the US conquered a few times...LOL! They still occupy the southern states, but maybe they'll be pulling out their troops now...lol!

[drummer94]

The only reason I need a foxhole is because the chimp-in-chief has got the world so pizzed at us somebody who already has the capability just might take advantage of our situation. And yep the congress is pretty much useless-for now. The day is coming. So, pack sand guy.

[drummer94]

guyfrompa45- Didn't read the whole article yesterday, did you? They produced a dozen and the program is just "suspended". They can fire it up anytime. Bush is such an idiot he's easy to bash. Crawl back under the rock.

[lars008-2009]

Clinton strikes a deal and Bush comes in and quashes it in favor of sabre-rattling for four years, gets nowhere with that, and then re-instates the Clinton deal plus more on top for having pissed off the North Koreans with all his playground name-calling, and we get the plant shut down.

We'd all been a lot better off if Bush had gone ahead 5 years ago when North Korea only had one or two nukes as opposed to his four year name-calling exercise which accomplished nothing but raise the cost of the deal and allow North Korea to obtain a dozen nukes.

Real brilliant......

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 08:33 AM : Jul 16, 2007

hahahahahaha

what deal??? you don't have a deal when the other party is cheating on it.... good one...

hahahahahaha

[beanerman4]

"...confirming Pyongyang's first step to halt production of atomic weapons in nearly five years."

Halt production, like formrusmcsgt points out, a dozen or so? Probably produced already more than they need to do us or a neighbor in.

[drummer94]

Bush caved in to blackmail. A MILLION tons of heavy fuel oil. Loony-toon and his oil buddies got a pretty sweet deal. And the repugs are blindly cheering him on. What morons.

[mbcsmith]

The president has now tamed the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and Libya. The LIBS just can't stand success. Watch, as the LIB posters try to spin this as BAD FOR AMERICA!
Hillary and O'bama both called the successful strategy as misguided. LOL!

[formrusmcsgt]

McCain Criticizes Clinton on N. Korea
"I would remind Senator (Hillary) Clinton and other Democrats critical of the Bush administration's policies that the framework agreement her husband's administration negotiated was a failure.."
Posted by lars008 at 04:46 AM : Jul 16, 2007

Yeah, wasn't THAT hilarious?

Clinton strikes a deal and Bush comes in and quashes it in favor of sabre-rattling for four years, gets nowhere with that, and then re-instates the Clinton deal plus more on top for having pissed off the North Koreans with all his playground name-calling, and we get the plant shut down.

We'd all been a lot better off if Bush had gone ahead 5 years ago when North Korea only had one or two nukes as opposed to his four year name-calling exercise which accomplished nothing but raise the cost of the deal and allow North Korea to obtain a dozen nukes.

Real brilliant......

[lars008-2009]

McCain Criticizes Clinton on N. Korea
"I would remind Senator (Hillary) Clinton and other Democrats critical of the Bush administration's policies that the framework agreement her husband's administration negotiated was a failure," McCain said at a news conference after a campaign appearance for Republican Senate candidate Mike Bouchard.

"The Koreans received millions and millions in energy assistance. They've diverted millions of dollars of food assistance to their military," he said.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061010/D8KM1OR80.html
U.S. Aid Helps N. Korea Build Nukes, Congress Told
http://www.cnsnews.com/Pentagon/Archive/1998-2000/DEF20000417a.html

N. KOREA SAYS IT%u2019S WAR!!!
N. Korea: Sanctions Are War Declaration
"The resolution cannot be construed otherwise than a declaration of a war" against the North, the statement said. North Korea is known officially as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/10/17/D8KQDMT80.html
North Korean General: 'War Is Inevitable'
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2585531
China cited as N. Korea supplier
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20061031-120304-2744r.htm

Carter legacy on N Korea.....
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/5/12/164726.shtml

Clinton legacy on N Korea....
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/1/7/164846.shtml

Clinton legacy........on 9-11....
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/8/9/120750.shtml

[lars008-2009]

thank you GOP... demonic-rats never could get it done...

Always knew demonic-rats were against free speech%u2026%u2026.lol

YouTube blocked video mocking Clinton administration
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52405

A drudge video link
Limits imposed on access to clip critical of Albright-run North Korea policy
http://drudgereport.com/flashma.htm

YOU HAVE BEEN ZUCKERED LIBSCUM...LOL

EXCLUSIVE: 'SCARY MOVIE' DIRECTOR MAKES CAMPAIGN AD; MOCKS DEMOCRATS...
http://www.drudgereport.com/flashma.htm
The David Zucker Albright Ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h3GPc_yMCE
Hahahahahahahahaha the worst secretary of state ever..
Albright says next president must `restore goodness of American power'
http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=88008

NK NewsDatabase of North Korean Propaganda
http://www.nk-news.net/index.php
http://www.nk-news.net/extras/insult_generator.php
http://www.topofthenews.com/
Join the battle for North Korea... watch the video:
http://mdcyguy.blogspot.com/2006/10/join-battle-for-north-korea.html
http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/dprkchron.asp#1994
http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/12/15/nkorea.us/index.html

[lars008-2009]

This is not like you Randy, I have to agree with the other poster. I kind of look to you as the level headed one, I guess we all get silly sometimes. NK is a legit threat, run by a certifiable, which can not be disputed.
Posted by DJmo1 at 02:09 AM : Jul 16, 2007

I am not disputing it, he is a mad man, but I am saying Bush is just as much of a certifiable as Kim Jong-il is. I am not saying Jong-il is not terrible, but I do believe that is his own way Bus is every bit as bad. Bush is certainly no more trustworthy as Jong-il and quite probably just as nuts.
Posted by RandalDS at 02:14 AM : Jul 16, 2007

hahahahahahaha

*** when did communism become monarchies?

n korea passing power from father to son, to son,

cuba passing power to his brother. *** comrade,

i thought you were all suppose to be equal??? right comrade???

[randalds]

This is not like you Randy, I have to agree with the other poster. I kind of look to you as the level headed one, I guess we all get silly sometimes. NK is a legit threat, run by a certifiable, which can not be disputed.
Posted by DJmo1 at 02:09 AM : Jul 16, 2007

I am not disputing it, he is a mad man, but I am saying Bush is just as much of a certifiable as Kim Jong-il is. I am not saying Jong-il is not terrible, but I do believe that is his own way Bus is every bit as bad. Bush is certainly no more trustworthy as Jong-il and quite probably just as nuts.

[djmo1-2009]

RandalDS,

RE: My advice to the North Koreans, do NOT trust Bush! Verify everything this filthy liar tells you and even then never turn your back on him. He and his friends in his inner circle will scr*ew you over in a heartbeat and for no apparent (or good) reason. Watch your back around him all of the time and never, ever, trust him. EVER!

This is not like you Randy, I have to agree with the other poster. I kind of look to you as the level headed one, I guess we all get silly sometimes. NK is a legit threat, run by a certifiable, which can not be disputed.

[harp1963]

We're just getting back to the place we were before George Bush publically label North Korea as part of the "axis of evil." Because of the great diplomacy of this administration, North Korea continued producing uranium out of defiance towards the Texas bar bullies. Now, because big brother China is connected to Korea's borders, Bush finally gives into some diplomacy instead of threats. We would have never of used force with North Korea. Do you remember what the Bush Administration did when China forced our spy plane down, kept it and the crew for two weeks, and studied it? They said pretty please with sugar on it, can we have our spy plane and crew back, that's what. Korea may have been starving, but we're not going to do anything to create a military issue with China.

[randalds]

the Bush admin will deserve the credit for that over time if it all works out as the current plan envisions.
Posted by fredgrad2000 at 09:17 PM : Jul 15, 2007

If there is anything I do trust about Bush, it's that he'll figure out a way to fu*ck up any agreement with them. He's the most worthless "leader" this country has ever had. I won't give him credit for figuring out how to breath.

[randalds]

Oh come ON man!! You can NOT tell me you'd be warning Kim Jong Il and his crew off about our President...seriously, that's wacky left lunacy there man, not the sort I usually see from you...you may not like Bush, but this is far out looney left Bush hatred to imply yet again that he's just a liar and that perhaps the worst dictator in the world needs to be careful of HIM!! Personally, I don't care if we lie to Kim Jong Il, or Mugabe or Bashir or Khamanei, or just put a sniper bullet in their heads, but to imply the North Koreans and Kim Jong Il are more trustworth than President Bush is just ridiculous...
Posted by fredgrad2000 at 09:22 PM : Jul 15, 2007

I gladly warn anyone and everyone, friend or foe, away from ever trusting Bush, Cheney or their regime. They most certainly are consummate liars and I would recommend that no one trust them or anything they say. Ever. I did not say that some foreign dictators are more trustworthy then Bush, but I have no problem saying that he is certainly equally down in the filth with the worst of them when it comes to credibility on ANYTHING. My advice to everyone, American or not, is to never ever trust Bush. He is a filthy liar and always will be.

[fredgrad2000]

"My advice to the North Koreans, do NOT trust Bush! Verify everything this filthy liar tells you and even then never turn your back on him. He and his friends in his inner circle will scr*ew you over in a heartbeat and for no apparent (or good) reason. Watch your back around him all of the time and never, ever, trust him. EVER!"
Posted by RandalDS

Oh come ON man!! You can NOT tell me you'd be warning Kim Jong Il and his crew off about our President...seriously, that's wacky left lunacy there man, not the sort I usually see from you...you may not like Bush, but this is far out looney left Bush hatred to imply yet again that he's just a liar and that perhaps the worst dictator in the world needs to be careful of HIM!! Personally, I don't care if we lie to Kim Jong Il, or Mugabe or Bashir or Khamanei, or just put a sniper bullet in their heads, but to imply the North Koreans and Kim Jong Il are more trustworth than President Bush is just ridiculous...