N. Korea said to have missile launch plans

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Monday, 22 May 2006: 13.08 CET) – Japanese media claim that North Korea may be preparing to launch a long-range ballistic missile. According to broadcaster NHK, the missile may have the capability to reach the US.

But, the Japanese government said that it does not believe a launch is in the near future and there was no threat to that country's national security.

According to unidentified sources in the South Korean government quoted by NHK, satellite pictures of a site in northeastern North Korea show activity that correspond to a possible upcoming launch.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was quoted as saying that he did not believe the situation was serious and said that his country has a security alliance with the US.

"Japan maintains its security through deterrence under the Japan-U.S. security alliance and I believe North Korea knows that," Defense News quoted the prime minister as saying.

US State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack told reporters that if North Korea followed through on the alleged plan, the international community would be concerned.

Six-party talks to convince North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program are at a deadlock. North Korea has said that its nuclear program is a response to "US hostility".