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U.S. intelligence chief visit Seoul to discuss N.K.’s possible nuke test

U.S. intelligence chief visit Seoul to discuss N.K.’s possible nuke test

Posted May. 05, 2016 07:41,   

Updated May. 05, 2016 07:45

한국어
The U.S. intelligence chief made a secret visit to South Korea on Wednesday to discuss North Korea’s moves for a nuclear test and Pyongyang’s internal situation with Seoul’s foreign affairs and security officials, a South Korean government source said.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who oversees 16 U.S. intelligence agencies, made his first visit to Seoul since May 2014, a move that apparently reflects the tense situation on the Korean Peninsula as the North shows signs of its fifth nuclear test around May 6 when the ruling Workers' Party’s high-profile congress will be held.

According to a South Korean government source, Clapper met with South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo at the Ministry of National Defense headquarters in central Seoul, as soon as he arrived at the U.S. Forces Korea’s (USFK) Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

The source said that Clapper briefed Han on signs of North Korea’s fifth nuclear test and latest moves at the North’s Yongbyon nuclear facilities for about one hour. In particular, the U.S. official focused on the possibility of the North’s weapons-grade plutonium production indicated by signs of the resumption of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor, according to the source.

Han also shared with Clapper the South Korean military’s intelligence on the North’s possible nuclear test and discussed ways to jointly respond in the event that Pyongyang carries out one.

After meeting with Han, the U.S. intelligence chief met with new USFK Commander Vincent Brooks and senior officials at the South Korean presidential office Cheong Wa Dae and the National Intelligence Service to discuss North Korea issues, according to the source.

Asked whether Clapper met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, a key South Korean government source declined to confirm. When Clapper visited Seoul two years ago, he paid a visit to President Park to discuss North Korea and security issues.