Plutonium Quotes

What is pretty clear is that we will be faced with the specter of another nuclear power which can use their weapons to threaten South Korea, to threaten Japan . . . with every prospect that they will sell some of that plutonium and nuclear bombs to the highest bidder so they might end up in American cities as well. - William J. Perry

We're getting 24-7 coverage on Iran -- which is still likely several years away from being able to produce a single nuclear weapon -- and little coverage on North Korea, which any day could shut down its nuclear reactor and obtain the plutonium for what could be its 10th, 11th or 12th nuclear weapon. - Jon Wolfstahl

We seem to have forgotten our workers. We seem to have forgotten to tell them that they may have been contaminated with plutonium -- that was wrong. - Bill Richardson

We know North Korea has the plutonium that can go into the bomb. - Mohammed ElBaradei

We are working with major suppliers and the IAEA on a back-up supply mechanism for states that forgo investment in indigenous enrichment or (plutonium) reprocessing capability. - Samuel Bodman

We applaud the decision to remove plutonium from Livermore lab even as we realize the devil will be in the details. - Marylia Kelley

This policy represents a major modification of the ambitious Bush axis doctrine. From being implacably opposed two years ago to any form of concession or reward to a recidivist violator of agreements, the US is now prepared to contemplate compensation and diplomatic recognition. North Korea is even free to reprocess further plutonium at its Yongbyon facilities, at least until the next six-party talks in November. - James Cotton

This is not only the administration's view. Thomas Cochran, a scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the New York Times that it's dumbfounding that the IAEA, after saying that Iran for 18 years had a secret effort to enrich uranium and separate plutonium, would turn around and say there was no evidence of a nuclear weapons program. If that's not evidence, I don't know what is. - John Bolton

They have produced more plutonium than electricity. - Christopher Hill