U.S. intelligence officials negative about S. Korea's nuclear armament, but say it's up to Seoul: lawmakers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (Yonhap) -- U.S. intelligence officials reacted negatively to calls in South Korea for the country's own nuclear armament, but said it is ultimately up to the country whether to pursue the option or not, according to South Korean lawmakers Tuesday. Reps. Won Yoo-chul of the ruling Saenuri Party and Lee In-young of the Minjoo Party made the remark, saying they met with officials of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). "They said it's basically an issue that South Korea should make a decision on, but questioned whether it would be effective," Lee told South Korean reporters. The North's fifth nuclear test in September has given rise to greater calls in South Korea for the country's own nuclear armament, with not only lawmakers of the conservative ruling Saenuri Party, but also members of liberal opposition parties making the pro-nuclear weapons case. The government of President Park Geun-hye has rejected such an idea as running against the principle of a Korean Peninsula free of nuclear weapons. Officials also say it would have negative effects on efforts to end the North's nuclear programs. U.S. officials have also expressed staunch opposition to the idea. Earlier this year, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump also came under strong fire after he suggested that South Korea and Japan arm themselves with nuclear weapons so as to reduce U.S. burdens in helping defend the Asian allies. U.S. intelligence officials also talked about the possibility of North Korean undertaking provocations, such as missile launches and skirmishes along the Demilitarized Zone, around the U.S. presidential election or the presidential inauguration, according to the lawmakers. The officials also expressed serious concern about the North's nuclear and missile capabilities, warning that the North's intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities, though not reliable now, could be perfected through trial and error, they said. jschang@yna.co.kr (END)