Theory on N. Korean tunnel: 3rd nuke test

Recent satellite images show North Korea is digging a new underground tunnel in what appears to be preparation for a third nuclear test, according to South Korean intelligence officials.

The excavation at North Korea’s northeast Punggye-ri site, where nuclear tests were conducted in 2006 and 2009, is in its final stages, according to a report by intelligence officials that was shared Monday with the Associated Press.

Its release comes as North Korea prepares to launch a long-range rocket that Washington and others say is a cover for testing missile technology that could be used to fire on the United States.

The Obama administration said Monday it would consider both a rocket launch and an underground nuclear test as highly provocative.

“North Korea is covertly preparing for a third nuclear test,” said the intelligence report, which cited U.S. commercial satellite photos that were taken April 1.

North Korea announced plans last month to launch an observation satellite using a three-stage rocket between Thursday and Monday, during celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung.

Trial plans for Gadhafi’s son are knocked

Moammar Gadhafi’s son and former heir apparent, Seif al-islam, will be put on trial inside Libya, and there will be a verdict before mid-june, a Libyan official said.

The decision comes despite appeals by rights groups to hand him over to the International Criminal Court in The Hague because of fears he may not get a fair trial in Libya.

Seif al-islam had been held until now by his captors, ex-rebels from the town of Zintan. Spokesman of the ruling National Transitional Council Mohammed al-hareizi said that Seif alIslam will be transferred to Tripoli within 10 days.

“He will be tried for rape, murder, corruption . . . and a verdict rendered before the upcoming elections in mid-june,” al-hareizi said in Tripoli.

Israel urges U.S. to free ailing spy

Israeli President Shimon Peres sent a letter to President Obama on Monday asking him to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard.

The former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst received a life sentence in 1987 for leaking classified documents to Israel.

In his letter, Peres pleaded with Obama to release Pollard, 57, for humanitarian reasons. Pollard was hospitalized last week. The White House said its position has not changed and that the president has no intention to release Pollard.