N. Korea Readies Missile for Launch

UN sanctions will derail disarmament talks: Pyongyang
By Ambreen Ali,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 25, 2009 4:16 PM CDT
N. Korea Readies Missile for Launch
This undated black-and-white handout image provided by DigitalGlobe shows a aerial view of a North Korean rocket launch site.   (DigitalGlobe)

As the date of a promised “satellite launch” nears, North Korea has placed a long-range ballistic missile on the launch pad used for earlier test firings, Reuters reports. South Korea, Japan, and the US plan to seek UN sanctions if the nuclear power goes forward with what analysts believe will really be the test of a three-stage rocket that could reach as far as Alaska.

In an attempt to skirt sanctions, Pyongyang has announced the launch’s timing—scheduled between April 4 and 8—and rocket’s path—over Japan, with booster stages dropping to the island nation’s east and west. The rogue government also threatened to derail international disarmament talks if the UN takes punitive action. The US hasn’t said whether it would consider a military response. (More North Korea stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X