More North Korean Atomic Tests Can Be Expected, U.S. General Says

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — The top American general in South Korea said yesterday that more nuclear tests could be expected by North Korea as it develops its atomic weapons program, and stressed that American and South Korean forces could deter any aggression.

U.S. Army General B. B. Bell didn't cite specific intelligence that another test was imminent but said that could be expected in the future as part of North Korea's weapons program.

"I can only surmise that since they tested one, we would see at some time in the future yet another test of a nuclear device," General Bell told a news conference, adding that missiles and other weapons also could be tested.

A South Korean newspaper reported that the North fired five short-range missiles during military training last week.

North Korea fired the ground-to-air and air-to-air missiles, with ranges between 6 miles and 30 miles, as part of an annual training session, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, citing an unidentified South Korean government official.

The North fired a series of longer-range missiles in July, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that many believe could potentially hit America.

General Bell said American and South Korean allied forces could deter aggression from the North and defeat any possible attack. He argued that the North's confirmed nuclear capability since its October 9 nuclear test didn't change the balance of force in the region because intelligence agencies had believed for several years that Pyongyang had atomic weapons.

He called for a diplomatic solution to the standoff.

"I wish that North Korea would not only stop testing these devices but stop making them and come back to the bargaining table," he said.

General Bell added that the American "nuclear umbrella" continues to protect the South as part of the two countries' security cooperation.

In a commentary in its main Rodong Sinmun newspaper, North Korea said America's nuclear weapons wouldn't be able to protect the South but "will be a source of disaster and trouble bringing the holocaust of nuclear war."

America and South Korea have been negotiating to transfer wartime command of forces on the peninsula as part of Seoul's efforts to assume more responsibility for its own defense.

South Korea transferred control of its forces to an American-led U.N.command during the 1950–1953 Korean War. Peacetime control of the Korean military was given to the South Koreans in 1994, but America retained control should war break out again.

At negotiations earlier this month in Washington, both sides agreed the South would assume wartime command of its own forces sometime between 2009 and 2012.

General Bell said details will be decided in the first half of next year, adding that the change could take place within three years, in the earlier part of the agreed time span.

Critics of the transfer deal have said the South lacks intelligence and aerial support capabilities it needs to assume the new role.

General Bell said that as the transition occurs, America would provide "bridging" capabilities to help the South in areas where it is still developing its defenses — stressing that fighting capability would in no way be diminished.

He said America would remain in South Korea as long as it was "welcome and wanted."

Recent comments by the South's presidential security adviser that have been perceived as anti-American have reportedly drawn criticism from American officials. But General Bell said the "vast majority" of South Koreans supported the country's alliance with America.

About 29,500 American troops remain in the South, a remnant of the Korean War, which ended in a cease-fire that persists to this day. Their numbers are set to decline by several thousand in coming years.