International NEWS
North Korea Likely to Launch Another Missile
May 30, 2009 Visionmp.com news service
Going by the indications of satellites, North Korea is possibly in the process of transporting another long-range missile to a test launch site, informed South Korean Officials. In the meantime, US defence secretary issued his hardest warning to Pyongyang for the nuclear test.
“We will not stand idly by as North Korea builds the capability to wreak destruction on any target in Asia — or on us,” said Secretary of Defense Robert Gates during a defence meeting in Singapore.
He described the North Korea’s nuclear programme as “harbinger of a dark future” but maintained that it isn’t yet a direct threat.
Since its nuclear test carried out last Monday, North Korea attempted a strength show launching six short-range missiles. Besides, it announced that it would not abide by a 1953 truce that ended fighting in the Korean War.
According to a South Korean Defence Ministry official, the reclusive communist state is possibly in the process of moving a long-range missile by train from a weapons factory near Pyongyang to its northeastern Musudan-ni launch pad.
On condition of not to be named, official said that the images of the movements were captured by US satellites.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the preparation of launch would take North Korea about two weeks. The missile might be tested around June 16 when the U.S. and South Korean presidents are to meet in Washington, Yonhap quoted an unidentified intelligence official as saying.
Officials in Washington said Friday they noticed indications of increased activity at the missile test site, but did not provide many details. They spoke on condition of anonymity because methods of gathering information about North Korea are sensitive.
Yonhap said the size of the missile was similar to a long-range rocket the North tested in April.
Experts have said the three-stage rocket has a potential range of more than 4,100 miles (6,700 kilometers), putting Alaska within its striking distance.
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