Phil Gingrey: “I rise today to emphatically encourage the United Nations to take a strong stand against North Korea. Last Tuesday…”

“I rise today to emphatically encourage the United Nations to take a strong stand against North Korea. Last Tuesday, North Korea shocked the world by test-firing missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2, that could one day be capable of reaching the western United States. Japanese and United States satellite photography have shown movement at North Korean bases that indicate preparations for even further missile launches. Mr. Speaker, the carrot approach of previous administrations has done nothing to deter Kim Jong-il's erratic and irresponsible behavior. In 1994, North Korea agreed to freeze and ultimately dismantle its existing plutonium-based nuclear program. However, in December 2002, we learned the North Korean regime was pursuing a nuclear weapons program based on enriched uranium in violation of that agreement. Mr. Speaker, we must learn from our previous efforts. We cannot stake our national security on meaningless agreements with an unpredictable and maniacal dictator. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in imploring the United Nations to condemn North Korea's actions as a threat to stability around the globe. ____________________”