For Immediate Release: July 6, 2006
Contact: Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364; (202) 420-1524 [cell]
North Korea Has Developed Long-Range Missiles under President Bush's Watch
On the Fourth of July, North Korea's President Kim Jung-Il tested several missiles, including a long-range missile known as the Taepodong-2. Congressman Steve Rothman's (D-NJ) statement follows:
"In the last three years—under the Bush Administration's watch—North Korea has expanded its nuclear arsenal and missile capability. On July 4th, North Korean President Kim Jung-Il tested a missile that was designed to reach the U.S., putting millions of American lives at risk. The failure of the Bush Administration to negotiate intelligently with North Korea and prevent this terrible threat to our country is inexcusable.
"The Bush Administration's policy toward North Korea has so far failed for one very basic reason: it does not have one. Instead of dealing with the weapons of mass destruction that President Bush knew existed in North Korea, he launched a preemptive war in Iraq—a country that he only thought had these weapons.
"For the last six years, the Administration has resorted to name calling with North Korea and has not devoted the time or muscle necessary to make the six-party talks involving the United States, China, Japan, Russia and both Koreas effective. With more focus from the Administration, those talks could have possibly prevented this missile test. While the Administration's rhetoric may make for good political theater, it does not lead to successful diplomacy.
"The Administration's tough talk is not making us safer. It's making us less safe. Whether it's his policy toward Iraq, Iran, or North Korea, the President's approach to diplomacy is clearly wanting. It is time for the Bush Administration to do more than swagger."
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