North Korea set to test-fire missile capable of hitting US
From Leo Lewis of The Times in Tokyo
The blurry satellite images leave little room for doubt, say
military officials: the Stalinist regime of North Korea —
already a self-declared nuclear power — has fuelled and readied
for test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of
hitting the United States.
Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand have spent the past few
days seeking frantically to forestall a launch that could take
place as early as tomorrow, threatening the despotic regime of
Kim Jong Il with economic sanctions, immediate referral to the
United Nations Security Council and other severe penalties.
Junichiro Koizumi, the Japanese Prime Minister, told reporters
today: "I am still hoping that no missile will be launched ...
but if one is fired, Japan will consult with the US and others
and will have to take stern actions in response."
US State Department officials have reportedly resorted to the
unusual step of telephoning North Korean diplomats at the UN to
warn them directly of the consequences of proceeding.
A successful test-firing of the Taepodong-2 missile would have
enormous implications for the security of the US, whose Western
fringes could come within its range.
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