Protocol 15

Chapter 4

4

WEAPONS GRADE POSTURING

Outside the United Nations Headquarters building, New York. June 19.

“Okay, Mike,” the cameraman said, “they’re cutting to us live in three, two . . .”

“This is Mike Slayden, WBS News, reporting live from UN headquarters in New York. More info coming in on yesterday’s statements made by supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, Jeong Suk-to. As you know, the country of North Korea has become a thorn in the side of the United States, as well as other nations. Supreme leader Jeong Suk-to’s consistent rhetoric and threats have alarmed world leaders. This morning, United Nations Secretary-General Ashanti Birungi made a statement in front of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Birungi stated, and I quote, ‘The North Korean government has made past claims as having achieved the manufacture of fissile nuclear material. Although these claims are as yet unsubstantiated, the United Nations has issued an edict to Supreme Leader Jeong Suk-to urging him to immediately withdraw his quest to obtain a nuclear weapon. North Korea now also claims to be nearing launch capability. If weapons-grade fissile material is combined with a long-range missile, the threat to human life is great. The time is near and the United Nations must act.’

“Tension between North Korea and Western allies has grown considerably in past months as the North Korean leader continues in a tirade of posturing.

“To further complicate an already escalating situation, in an unrelated issue, the Russian delegation to the UN is pressing the North Korean government as to the whereabouts of one of their delegates, who went missing one month ago on a diplomatic mission to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang. North Korean leaders in Pyongyang are refusing comment, fueling further speculation and distrust between Russia and North Korea. We’ll keep you abreast of developments as they unfold. For now, I’m Mike Slayden. Watch your twenty-four-hour news leader, WBS, for news, weather, and traffic on the fives.”