Bob Dole: “the North Koreans had it their way once again. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, known as IAEA…”

“the North Koreans had it their way once again. Inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency, known as IAEA, returned from a long-awaited inspection not having been allowed to conduct a full inspection of the seven declared sites. We are not even talking about the suspected sites which are also covered under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, and are the subject of great concern-- but the seven declared sites. Reportedly IAEA inspectors were not allowed to take samples at a North Korean facility suspected of being used to extract plutonium. In addition, the North Koreans broke a seal installed last year on the entrance to an area where plutonium could be produced. Yesterday, the IAEA announced that it was, and I quote, ``Not in a position to verify that there had been no diversion of nuclear material at the facility,'' and would call an IAEA Board of Governors meeting for Monday, March 21. In response, the administration has called off the bilateral meeting that was set for March 21. This is the right thing to do, but the administration should not stop there. It is high time for the administration to reassess its policy. For about a year now, the North Koreans have engaged us in a game of cat and mouse, and what have we gained?--a partial inspection of some sites. The whole point of the IAEA inspection regime is to try to determine compliance with the obligations of the Nonproliferation Treaty.”