This morning's key headlines from GenerationalDynamics.com

• North Korea threatens U.S. with nuclear missile attack
• North Korea ready to conduct nuclear test within several days
• China calls for restraint by all parties
• Britain, Germany, Netherlands say: 'Leave Benghazi immediately'

North Korea threatens U.S. with nuclear missile attack

Kim Jong-un, the young North Korean dictator

An English-language statement issued by the National Defense Commission, broadcast by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) of North Korea or DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea):

"We will carry out further tests involving a variety of satellites and long-range rockets as well as a high-level nuclear test. And we make it clear that all these tests will target the U.S., the sworn enemy of the people.

We do not hide that a variety of satellites and long-range rockets which will be launched by the DPRK one after another and a nuclear test of higher level which will be carried out by it in the upcoming all-out action, a new phase of the anti-U.S. struggle that has lasted century after century, will target against the U.S., the sworn enemy of the Korean people.

The new U.N. Security Council resolution is proof that hostile U.S. policies toward North Korea have entered a more dangerous stage. The only way to draw a conclusion with the U.S. is not through dialogue but through weapons."

The DPRK was reacting to the unanimous censure, by the United Nations Security Council earlier this week, to North Korea's December 12 long-range missile test. At the time, they insisted that the test was for peaceful purposes only, to put satellites into orbit. The new statement is an admission that they were lying, which is no surprise to anyone. Dong-a Ilbo (Seoul) and Yonhap Ilbo (Seoul)

North Korea ready to conduct nuclear test within several days

According to a North Korean source accessed by South Korea, North Korea has already finished preparations for a new nuclear test:

"North Korea has dug tunnels for its third nuclear test at its test site in Punggye-ri, North Hamkyong Province, and completed sealing the tunnels with concrete after installing test equipment and connecting cables for observation."

The South Korean military says that the North is ready to conduct the test within several days. Dong-a Ilbo (Seoul)

China calls for restraint by all parties

China voted in favor of the U.N. Security Council resolution censuring North Korea for the long-range missile test, indicating that China is increasingly willing to criticize its client. China's Foreign Ministry called for calm and restraint from all concerned parties:

"It is in the common interests of all parties concerned to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and achieve the denuclearization of the peninsula.

(We) hope all concerned parties will keep calm and act in a cautious and prudent way, as well as refrain from taking any action that could lead to the progressive escalation of tensions."

North Korea's new young generation dictator, Kim Jong-un, has now had a year to decide what he wants to do, and it appears that he's decided that everything that any Western leaders or any Chinese leaders tell him is completely full of crap. VOA and China Daily (Beijing)

Britain, Germany, Netherlands say: 'Leave Benghazi immediately'

Britain, Germany and the Netherlands have been told to leave Benghazi, Libya, immediately because of an unnamed "specific, imminent threat" to Westerners. According to Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):

"We are aware of a specific, imminent threat to Westerners in Benghazi. We advise against all travel to Benghazi and urge any British nationals who are there against our advice to leave immediately.

We advise against all but essential travel to Tripoli .... We advise against all travel to all other areas of Libya, including Benghazi.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. ... There is a threat of kidnapping in Libya.

Following French military intervention in Mali, there is a possibility of retaliatory attacks targeting Western interests in the region. We advise vigilance. ... You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people. If you become aware of any nearby violence you should leave the area immediately.

Violent clashes between armed groups are possible across the country, particularly at night, and even in those places that have previously avoided conflict. These often include the use of heavy weapons."

Libya's government is saying that they were "very surprised" by the announcement, and complained that they weren't even notified about it in advance. BBC and Foreign and Commonwealth Office

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