[USFK Forums] U.S. Confirms Test of Missiles Was Conducted by North Korea [NYT]

[C. Y. Lee]

Uploaded by C. Y. Lee on Friday, March 10, 2006

U.S. Confirms Test of Missiles Was Conducted by North Korea

The New York Times, Thursday, March 9, 2006

By NORIMITSU ONISHI

TOKYO, March 8 — North Korea was reported to have test-fired two short-range missiles within its borders on Wednesday, even as six-nation talks over its nuclear program remain deadlocked.

The missiles were launched in the direction of China, the Japanese news media first reported, citing unidentified defense officials. American officials in Washington confirmed the reports.

"Indications are that North Korea launched two short-range missiles," Scott McClellan, a White House spokesman, said in a statement. "We have consistently pointed out that North Korea's missile program is a concern that poses a threat to the region and the larger international community."

American officials said that North Korea had test-fired similar short-range missiles in recent years but had refrained from testing medium- or long-range missiles since firing one that passed over Japan in 1998.

The commander of the American forces in South Korea, Gen. Burwell B. Bell, said Tuesday that North Korea in recent years had been focusing its missile program on developing short-range missiles that could be used in a conflict on the Korean peninsula.

General Bell told a Senate Armed Forces committee hearing that North Korea had put on the back burner efforts to develop the kind of long-range intercontinental missiles that could reach the United States.

"In the years since the late 90's, the last six years, seven years, we have seen very little activity by the North Koreans to actively continue to develop and test long-range missile systems," General Bell said.

"There is no doubt in my mind that they have the capability to begin more technological investigation and to begin a regimen to lead to testing and potentially to lead to fielding. But there's no evidence of it right now."

Six-nation talks over North Korea's nuclear program have been stalled since November. North Korean officials have said they will not return to the talks unless the United States lifts its financial crackdown on companies that Washington contends are tied to illegal activities by North Korea.



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