Amid rumors that North Korea plans to launch more long-range test missiles- this time in the direction of Hawaii- President Barack Obama had harsh words for the country and its leader, Kim Jong Il, who has been working hard to continue North Korea's nuclear development and weaponization process.
Obama held a press conference with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, in which the two expressed dismay at continued North Korean attempts to develop a weaponized nuclear arsenal that might be used against the US or its allies. Already, North Korea has test fired long-range missiles that, if equipped with nuclear payloads- could potentially reach the United States. Kim Jong-Il has announced his intention to conduct further missile tests, including one test-run of the Taepodong-2 missile, which has a range of 4,000 miles. Military analysts have expressed concern that the island state of Hawaii, which is just 4,500 miles from North Korea- could be within their reach.
In the meantime, Japanese intelligence officials have warned that North Korea may test their long-range weapons on July 4, Independence Day, and that they plan to launch in the general direction of Hawaii. The Department of Defense has expanded military presence on the island.
Obama extended his openness to negotiations with North Korea, but remained steadfast in his assertion that the nation poses a threat to the US and its allies. "We are more than willing to engage in negotiations to get North Korea on a path of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, and we want to encourage their prosperity. But belligerent, provocative behavior that threatens neighbors will be met with significant and serious enforcement of sanctions that are in place."
North Korea has said that any attempt to enforce an embargo or trade sanctions against it would be viewed as an act of war, and has promised to act accordingly.
