Nebraska’s Senator says test threatens region, U.S. Allies

North Korea’s reported test of a nuclear weapon yesterday represents a threat to the region, U.S. allies and is an “irresponsible act,” said Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson.

Nelson traveling in Columbus today issued the following statement in response to North Korea’s actions: 

“North Korea’s nuclear weapons test is an irresponsible act and a dangerous development that threatens the safety and stability of the region, our allies Japan and South Korea and the world. China has an opportunity to step forward and increase pressure on North Korea to cease their nuclear program. Stopping North Korea’s nuclear weapons program must be a priority for the international community.”

In early 2003, Nelson traveled to the Korean Peninsula with then-Secretary of State Colin Powell. Upon his return, Nelson proposed that the United States should engage in discussions with North Korea regarding their nuclear weapons program. Nelson suggested that North Korea agree to freeze their nuclear program and allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors back in to verify their actions and the United States simultaneously agree not to attack North Korea or call for economic sanctions in order for bilateral negotiations to begin. The Administration chose to pursue six-party talks instead which have so far been unsuccessful in stopping North Korea’s nuclear program.

Congress included a provision in the just passed defense authorization bill requiring the President to appoint a senior coordinator of U.S. policy on North Korea, and to submit to Congress a semi-annual report on the nuclear and missile programs of North Korea. During the Clinton Administration, the Congress passed similar legislation and former Defense Secretary Bill Perry was appointed to this position.

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