The United States and North Korea continued tough talk Sunday over the issue of nuclear inspections, as the threat of economic sanctions intensified.
Defense Secretary William Perry downplayed talk of war, but cautioned Pyongyang:
"Any war that would be started (by North Korea) would have devastating consequences on North Korea," he told NBC's Meet the Press.
North Korea has refused to let U.N. inspectors probe a reactor for signs of plutonium fuel for nuclear arms. Inspections are required by treaty.
But North Korea says its nuclear program is peaceful and it does "not have the intention to meet an unjustifiable demand" for inspections.
The U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency meets in Vienna today. Without a last-minute reversal, it will likely certify that North Korean safeguards are inadequate.
That move will throw the question of sanctions to the U.N. Security Council, where U.S. officials will seek gradually tougher measures.
"We are going to proceed firmly on this," President Clinton told NBC. "We can't turn away from this."
Perry also said allied-imposed sanctions were possible. Though the U.S. doesn't trade with North Korea, Japan is considering cutting off up to $ 1 billion in cash a year sent home by Korean workers.
North Korea considers trade sanctions an act of war.
"This whole talk of war is quite premature and creating a sort of hysteria which is not appropriate," Perry said.
Still, he added, "we are capable of defending South Korea."
Perry said "a pre-emptive strike is an option which is open," but said he wouldn't "recommend" one.
Senate Republican Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., said on CBS' Face the Nation he would back planning a pre-emptive strike and military buildup.
