Seoul says North's missile test to violate UN resolutions

AFP
Thursday, Feb 5, 2009

South Korea warned North Korea Thursday to scrap any plans to launch its longest-range missile, saying it would violate United Nations resolutions passed after the last test in 2006.

Officials in Seoul and Washington say there are signs the communist state is preparing to test the Taepodong-2, which has a range of 6,700 kilometres (4,100 miles) and could theoretically reach Alaska.

The reports, based on satellite photos, come amid stalled six-nation nuclear disarmament talks and rising inter-Korean tensions. The North has scrapped a non-aggression pact with the South and warned of possible conflict.

Pyongyang, in what some analysts see as a message to the new US administration, has also staked out a tough negotiating position in the disarmament talks involving the US and four regional powers.

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Seoul's foreign ministry spokesman noted that the UN Security Council in 2006 adopted resolutions "expressing serious concerns over the North's missile programme and delivering a firm message."

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