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Norkies assembling longest-range missile
SEOUL (AFP) North Korea has apparently started assembling its longest-range missile and it could be ready for launch late this month, a South Korean newspaper said Friday.Chosun Ilbo, quoting an unidentified Seoul government official, said the first and second stages of the Taepodong-2 missile had been transported by train to the launch site at Musudan-ri on the northeast coast. "It seems that the first- and second-stage rockets are now being assembled," the official was quoted as saying. The missile is then expected to be moved to the launch pad, put in an upright position and fuelled for test-firing, the official said, adding that the earliest it could be launched is February 25. The date is the first anniversary of the inauguration of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak. The North views Lee as a bitter enemy because he has taken a firmer stance on cross-border relations than his predecessors. Chosun said increased activities by vehicles and people had been spotted at Musudan-ri but the missile is inside a plant, out of sight of satellites. It was not possible to confirm the report. South Korean authorities refuse to comment on intelligence matters. Analysts say a missile launch would be intended to put pressure on Lee to drop his harder line, and to persuade US President Barack Obama to make the North one of his policy priorities. The new US administration is reviewing its policy on the nuclear-armed communist state. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Japan, South Korea and China next week and a State Department official said the North would be an important topic. The Taepondong-2 could theoretically reach Alaska but blew up after 40 seconds when it was first test-fired, from Musudan-ri in July 2006. South Korea has said any launch would bring the North increased isolation and added sanctions, while the United States said it would be provocative. Posted by: tu3031 2009-02-13 |
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