NORTH KOREA
N Korea has restarted plutonium reactor at nuclear facility Nyongbyon, South Korea spy agency says
Associated Press – October 8, 2013
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has reported that North Korea restarted its reactor at Nyongbyon in August. This information comes after threats made by North Korea to restart the plant earlier this year. When fully operational, the plant will be capable of producing plutonium for one to two fissile devices per year. This move also coincides with several missile engine tests and repositioning of artillery along the border.
North Korea puts army on alert, warns U.S. of ‘horrible disaster’
Jack Kim, Reuters – October 7, 2013
In response to the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier, North Korea has once again put its military on high alert. Pyongyang has warned that there will be “disastrous consequences” from U.S. ship movements in the area. This renewed hostile posture comes only days after North Korea demanded relief from sanctions so as to develop its economy.
IRAN
Rouhani Has Revealed His True Nuclear Intentions
Jeffery Goldberg, Bloomberg – October 7, 2013
Earlier this year, Iranian President Hassan Rhouhani rejected claims that he was responsible for the suspension of uranium enrichment at the Isfahan facility. In this opinion piece, Goldberg suggests otherwise and provides evidence that suggests Rouhani was responsible for the development of the heavy hydrogen facility in Arak as well as getting uranium centrifuges online in 2004.
SHUTDOWN IMPACT
Y-12 starts shutdown as Congress fails to approve federal spending
John Huotari, Oak Ridge Today – October 7, 2013
The Y-12 National Security Complex has begun an “orderly shutdown” as a result of the government shutdown and Congress’ failure to pass a spending bill to keep the facility open. A spokesman said that the decision to shut the facility down was made to ensure the safety and security of the complex for the duration of the government shutdown. When it is operating, Y-12 is responsible for acquiring and storing nuclear material as well as developing fuel used in naval reactors.
Administration Cites Lapse in Chemical-Security Effort as Reason to End Shutdown
Douglas Guarino, Global Security Newswire – October 7, 2013
The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in the closure of the Chemical Facilities Anti-terrorism Standards program. This program is responsible for signing off on security plans for new high risk chemical facilities as well as inspecting security standards at various plants around the country. A Department of Homeland Security spokesman stated that chemical facilities should still maintain safety and security standards despite the shutdown of the program.
SYRIA
Syria chemical weapons: UN chief warns of fraught operation
Guardian – October 7, 2013
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wrote a letter to the UN Security Council in which he laid out a list of possible challenges facing the chemical weapons disarmament effort in Syria. The Secretary General commented that the weapons are “dangerous to handle, dangerous to transport and dangerous to destroy.” Ban also reminded Security Council members that the security challenges of the program would be exceedingly complex because the program is being carried out in the middle of an active civil war.
Chemical weapons watchdog sending 2nd team to Syria for poison gas disarmament mission
Associated Press – October 8, 2013
Ahmet Uzumcu, director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, briefed delegates from the organization’s member states on the progress of Syrian chemical weapon disarmament. He called Syria’s cooperation “a constructive beginning,” but recognized that the process will be challenging. An agreement will be signed shortly between the organization and the United Nations to provide logistical support and security to inspectors; Uzumcu also announced that a second inspection team will also enter Syria which will bring the total number of personnel to around 100.
