NIS Says North Can Test Nukes At Will

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) yesterday told the parliamentary intelligence committee, “Although there is no direct evidence showing the North’s preparedness for a nuclear test, it can conduct a nuclear test any time its leader Kim Jong Il decides to since the North is capable of doing so.”

A chairman of the intelligence committee Shin Ki-nam said, “The NIS reported that the U.S. obtained evidence that huge amount of dollar notes counterfeited by the North were smuggled into the U.S. and indicted a Chinese national suspected of being involved in distribution.”

Withdrawal of Taepodong missile equipment-

NIS director Kim Seung-gyu stated, “Recently, an object presumed to be a cable was found in an underground tunnel in Gilju-gu, Hamgyeongbuk-do but, it is too early to link the object to North Korea’s preparation for a nuclear test. We are still working to find out what it is intended for.”

On August 18, U.S.’s ABC broadcast network reported North Korea was preparing for nuclear test, saying, “A cable used to link an underground nuclear test area to observatory devices was seen being carried and loaded in Punggye-ri.”

Regarding the recent artificial seismic wave detected in Goksan-gun, Hwanghaebuk-do, director Kim noted, “It is unlikely a nuclear test would take place in Goksan-gun because it is near to Pyongyang and the wave also measured mere 2.2,” and reported that it was confirmed that the wave occurred due to a blast for construction purposes.”

Kim further stated, “Given that all the equipment for the launch of the Taepodong-2 missile were withdrawn from the Taepodong missile test site in Hwadae-gun, Hamgyeongbuk-do in the middle of July, we think the North’s missile test activity finished and it can’t afford to test-fire additional missiles in a short period of time.”

$7 million in counterfeited bills smuggled into the U.S.-

The NIS reported that the U.S. secured evidence showing that the North counterfeited dollars and circulated them by cracking down on the fake notes and cigarettes and drugs of Asian crime groups from November of 1999 to last August.

The NIS said that those responsible for distributing fake notes, or supernotes, were charged with illegally bringing in supernotes worth more than $7 million hidden in toy boxes and textiles in containers into the U.S. after contacting with U.S. secret agent disguised as a buyer.

In particular, the NIS remarked that a Chinese-American confessed to smuggling $100 supernotes (high quality counterfeit notes) produced in North Korea in a trial.

Kim Jong Il has no big problems with his health-

With regard to the rumors about North Korean leader Kim Jong Il’s health problems, the NIS added, “Kim is undergoing a number of medical treatments for his health, but it is not that serious right now.” The NIS also noted that there were no special signs concerning Kim’s visit to China, either.

As for Kim’s going into hiding for 40 days after the missile tests, the NIS didn’t read much into it, saying, “As he had after the 1998 missile launches, Kim has hid himself for up to 90 days in the past.”

taylor55@donga.com