IRAN
U.N. nuclear agency says Iran talks moved to February 13
Fredrik Dahl, Reuters – Jan 22, 2013
The U.N. nuclear watchdog and Iran will hold talks over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program on February 13, a day later than planned, the Vienna-based U.N. agency said on Tuesday.
Ban has deep concerns about nuclear work
UPI.Com – Jan 21, 2013
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement to a disarmament and non-proliferation conference at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. He said that while the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has shown its effectiveness, his sentiment on overall disarmament programs was “mixed.”
NORTH KOREA
U.S. circulates draft North Korea resolution at U.N.
Louis Charbonneau, Reuters – Jan 22, 2013
The United States has circulated a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that would condemn North Korea for its December rocket launch and calls for tightening existing U.N. sanctions, diplomats said on Monday. The draft was the result of a deal between the United States and China, the envoys said on condition of anonymity.
Most of December rocket was produced within North Korea
Kim Kyu-won, The Hankyoreh – Jan 22, 2013
The second Unha-3 rocket, which was launched by North Korea on Dec. 12, 2012, used six to ten parts that were commonly available from China and four other countries, reports say. However, analysts believe that the majority of the parts were manufactured inside North Korea.
NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION
EU funds for Bulgaria nuclear decommissioning being used inefficiently – MEPs
The Sofia Globe – Jan 22, 2013
European Parliament’s budgetary controls committee has voted a resolution chastising three European Union member states that have been granted EU aid for decommissioning nuclear capacities, Bulgaria included, for not using the funds efficiently enough.
Letters: What Nuclear Weapons Cost the World
The New York Times – Jan 20, 2013
Submitted letters in response to op-ed The Myth of Nuclear Necessity.
MISSILE DEFENSE
Upgraded Iron Dome intercepts medium-range missile
Ilan Ben Zion, The Times of Israel – Jan 21, 2013
The Israeli defense establishment on Monday announced the successful testing of an upgraded version of the Iron Dome missile defense system. The tests, according to the Defense Ministry, aimed to broaden and improve Iron Dome’s “capability and performance” to contend with threats.
German Patriot missile troops arrive in Turkey
Deutsche Welle – Jan 21, 2013
Germany has sent 240 soldiers to southern Turkey as part of a NATO mission using Patriot missiles to deter cross-border airstrikes from war-torn Syria. Units are also being provided by the Netherlands and the US.
