IRAN
Iran FM to attend 2013 Munich Security Conference in Germany
Press TV – Feb 1, 2013
Iran’s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says he will leave Tehran for Germany on Saturday to take part in the 49th Munich Security Conference.
Clinton: window for Iran talks can’t stay open “too much longer”
Arshad Mohammed, Reuters – Jan 31, 2013
The window for negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program cannot stay open for “too much longer,” outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Thursday but she declined to provide a deadline.
NORTH KOREA
North Disguising Test Site Activities
Mok Yong Jae, Daily NK – Feb 1, 2013
North Korea has installed a screen over the entrance to one of the test tunnels at its nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamkyung Province, inhibiting intelligence gathering activities and raising fears of an impending nuclear detonation.
US, Japan, S. Korea Warn N Korea of Consequences Against “further Provocations”
RTT News – Feb 1, 2013
The United States, Japan and South Korea have warned that if North Korea carries out “any further provocations, including a nuclear test, that country will bear responsibility for the consequences it will face for disregarding the overwhelming views of the international community.” The warning was given in a joint statement issued by the three countries after their officials met in Tokyo for the two-day annual Defense Trilateral Talks.
Russia can’t confirm N. Korea’s readiness for nuke test
Voice of Russia – Feb 1, 2013
Moscow hasn’t confirmed that North Korea has already planted the nuclear bomb as part of its anticipated nuke test, a Russian diplomat said.
U.S. nuclear-powered submarine arrives in S. Korea for joint drill
Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency – Feb 1, 2013
A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine arrived in the southeastern port city of Jinhae for joint naval drills with South Korea, military officials said Friday, in a move seen as a warning to North Korea ahead of what may be an imminent nuclear test.
UNITED STATES
Hagel Faces Bruising Hearing Over Iran, Israel Ties, Nukes
John T. Bennett, Federal Times – Feb 1, 2013
Hagel, President Obama’s pick for defense secretary, endured a day-long Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing. During the epic session, Republican panel members hit Hagel hard on his past comments and votes on Iran’s nuclear program and the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Biden Joins Diplomats, Defense Officials in Munich
David Rising, ABC News – Feb 1, 2013
Conflicts in Syria and Mali, as well as Iran’s nuclear program, are expected to take center stage as top global diplomats and defense officials gather Friday in Munich for an annual security conference. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden joins a dozen heads of state and government and 70 foreign and defense ministers for the Munich Security Conference opening Friday.
