Quote:Military sources have told a South Korean media outlet that satellite images suggest the communist North could be preparing two nuclear tests, rather than a single detonation.

The report in the Chosun Ilbo newspaper in Seoul suggests the two nuclear tests could be conducted either simultaneously or in quick succession.

That assessment is based on satellite images showing brisk activity at two tunnels at the nuclear test site in the closed communist state.

But the source admits one of the tunnels could be a decoy.

Intelligence agencies believe Pyongyang is ready to go ahead with a test.

South Korea, Japan and the United States fear the test could help Pyongyang develop a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a long-range missile.

The United Nations Security Council says it will take "very firm and strong" action against any nuclear test by North Korea.

Kim Sook, South Korea's UN envoy, said the test appeared "imminent" and any blast would be "a dangerous attempt to undermine the authority and credibility of the Security Council".

The 15-member council is "unified and they are very firm and resolute. I would expect very firm and strong measures to be taken," Mr Kim told reporters at the UN headquarters as his country assumed the council's presidency for February.

"We cannot sit idly by and do nothing vis-a-vis some devastating provocative action done by North Korea," the envoy added.

Experts predict the test will come before the Lunar New Year on February 10 or be timed to coincide with the February 16 birthday of leader Kim Jong-un's late father, Kim Jong-Il.

Yesterday, North Korea hinted that a test was imminent, saying Kim Jong-un had made an important speech to the country's military commanders about "defending the security and sovereignty of the country".

State media confirmed Mr Kim chaired a meeting of North Korea's Central Military Commission in which he spoke about "bringing about a great turn in bolstering military capability".

The Security Council widened sanctions against the unpredictable North in January after it staged a rocket test, which is banned under UN Security Council resolutions.

South Korea took up a two-year place on the Security Council in January.

North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests in the past, in 2006 and 2009.

(03-14-2013, 06:02 AM)Ultimatum Wrote: 1. Fail nuclear launches
2. Everybody hates them
3. China no longer supports them
4. They have a shit economy
5. United Nations have cut off trade to NK, however minimal it was, it no longer exists
6. People will starve, cannot pay their taxes
7. Downfall of their military, cannot pay their soldiers or continue building fail nukes
8. Has nothing to brag about.

(03-14-2013, 06:05 AM)w00t Wrote:

(03-14-2013, 06:02 AM)Ultimatum Wrote: 1. Fail nuclear launches
2. Everybody hates them
3. China no longer supports them
4. They have a shit economy
5. United Nations have cut off trade to NK, however minimal it was, it no longer exists
6. People will starve, cannot pay their taxes
7. Downfall of their military, cannot pay their soldiers or continue building fail nukes
8. Has nothing to brag about.

Point 5 is the only relevant one, the others have either always been true, don't effect the government at all, or don't matter(7)

(03-14-2013, 06:02 AM)Ultimatum Wrote: Anar, noo. The US won't do shit. Why? Cause they don't give a fuck. NK has no threat to them whatsoever.

1. Fail nuclear launches
2. Everybody hates them
3. China no longer supports them
4. They have a shit economy
5. United Nations have cut off trade to NK, however minimal it was, it no longer exists
6. People will starve, cannot pay their taxes
7. Downfall of their military, cannot pay their soldiers or continue building fail nukes
8. Has nothing to brag about.

The US is just waiting for the above process to happen. Why carry out nuke testings, destroy islands and cost in billions, when they just need to wait?