North Korea

March 2005 | Risk Summary

North Korea is further testing the patience of regional powers with threats to resume long-range missile testing and demands for security assurances, direct talks with the United States and massive economic assistance. Though this appears unpropitious to six-party efforts to resume nuclear disarmament talks, previously such behaviour was intended by North Korea to bolster domestic support and keep international exposure high in a bid to strengthen its position prior to negotiations. Indeed, reports suggest Pyongyang may join discussions in June, but closer ties with Iran - another US foe developing a nuclear programme - suggest that North Korea is moving

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