G8 denounces North Korea’s missile tests

Ministers urge nation to abandon missile and nuclear programs, negotiate

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31570264/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

You think they'll listen?

"Tensions have risen between North Korea and the international community as the nuclear-armed nation continues its saber-rattling and provocative rhetoric. This week, North Korea said it would "wipe out the aggressors on the globe once and for all" if the US began a war.

"Meanwhile, the US Navy is tailing a North Korean cargo ship, the Kang Nam, suspected of carrying weaponry or materials forbidden under a UN Security Council Resolution passed earlier this month. The resolution does not authorize the US or another navy to forcibly board the ship – an act the North has said it would consider an act of war.

One of the North's few military strengths lies in its inventory of ballistic missiles. But the North does possess a reasonably effective special-forces component, says Victor Cha, a former member of the National Security Council under President Bush and now a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington. "

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0626/p02s04-usfp.html

No but it will help if we have a coalition when we stomp this piss ants ass.

He's a sick old dude.  I was hoping nature would take its course sooner rather than later.  Now THAT would be a true blessing....I think.

Tick tock

Report: Photo of N. Korea's Kim may be old

A recycled image would be sign that leader's health is worsening

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31618934/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

North Korean ship changes course

U.S. sanctions Iranian firm with ties to Pyongyang's missile proliferation

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31667184/ns/world_news-asiapacific/

 It looks like Obama's administration is playing in this chess game.

"....The announcement of the ship's change of course came Tuesday, the same day the United States imposed financial sanctions on a company in Iran that is accused of involvement in North Korea's missile proliferation network.

"The Treasury Department moved against Hong Kong Electronics, a company located in Kish Island, Iran. The action means that any bank accounts or other financial assets found in the United States belonging to the company must be frozen. Americans also are prohibited from doing business with the firm.

"It's the latest move by the United States to keep pressure on Pyongyang, whose nuclear ambitions have ratcheted up global tensions.

".. . Specifically, Treasury alleged that Hong Kong Electronics "has transferred millions of dollars of proliferation-related funds" to North Korea's Tanchon Commercial Bank and Korea Mining Development Trading Corp. The United States has previously moved to financially isolate those two companies, alleging that they have supported the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

"Hong Kong Electronics "has also facilitated the movement of money from Iran to North Korea" on behalf of Korea Mining, an arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons, Treasury said. Tanchon, a commercial bank based in Pyongyang, is the financial arm of Korea Mining, the department said.

".....Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said ordered the deployment of a ground-based, mobile missile intercept system and radar system to Hawaii amid concerns the North may fire a long-range missile toward the islands, about 4,500 miles away. North Korea launched a second nuclear test on May 25 that heightened global tensions. "

.

Report: N. Korea to fire July 4 missile barrage

Pyongyang expected to test-fire weapons around U.S. holiday, paper says

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31701834/ns/world_news-asiapacific/