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Clinton names nonproliferation adviser

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-02 14:23

WASHINGTON -- Facing nuclear standoffs with Pyongyang, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday named Robert J. Einhorn as State Department's special advisor for nonproliferation and arms control.

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Einhorn and his staff will "provide advice and support" to Clinton and other officials on nonproliferation and arms controls issues, and will "help develop and implement administration policies and diplomatic strategies" in those areas, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement.

Einhorn previously served in the State Department for 29 years,including as assistant secretary of state for nonproliferation during the administration of President William J. Clinton, said the spokesman.

The United States is working with the UN Security Council to pass a strong resolution against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its nuclear test and ensuing missile tests.

Early on May 25, the DPRK announced it had "successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test," which demonstrated "self-defensive nuclear deterrent."

The DPRK has claimed that it will take "further defense measures" if the UN Security Council sanctions it for its recent nuclear test.

Reports here said that the DPRK has moved its most advanced missile, which is believed to be a version of the Taepodong-2, to the Dongchang-ni launch base, adding that the missile could be fired as early as June 16.

The United States has warned Pyongyang not to test the missile ranged 6,500 kilometers, saying it would clearly violate the UN Security Council 1718 Resolution, which forbids the DPRK from conducting any future nuclear tests or missile launches.

"The North, frankly, just needs to end this provocative type of behavior. It's only inflaming tensions in the region," Wood said, adding that the United States wants to see "the North live up to its international obligations."