'Nuke Strike on Yongbyon Creates 550,000 Victims'

Korea Times | May 2 2005

SEOUL (Yonhap) - A British expert claimed Monday that a U.S. nuclear strike on North Korea's nuclear facilities in Yongbyon could cause up to 550,000 casualties, including South Koreans and Japanese, citing the results of a simulation test by a U.S. non-governmental organization.

John Large, an independent nuclear consultant who has advised governments around the world, said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency in Seoul that the U.S. has adopted a "first strike" policy in its dealings with North Korea, claiming the policy also endangers the lives of South Koreans and Japanese.

"The fallout would be considerable and spread _ depending on weather conditions _ over South Korea and parts of Japan," Larger said.

The estimated number of casualties would range from 430,000 to 550,000, he said.

He cited a nuclear simulation test by the Natural Resources Defense Council, a U.S. environmental organization that opposes the proliferation of nuclear weapons and waste. In its "After the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review," published early this year, the organization estimated the possible impact of a U.S. nuclear strike on North Korea, using recently declassified government documents, the British expert said.