Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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June 17, 2009

Reports: North Korea Seen Preparing Long Range Missile Sites
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=24D1A3F:A6F02AD83191E1609DB5C5E579A1934A5C6F54A6CF9DC2CA&
 
South Korean newspaper quotes unidentified government official as saying
special train used to carry a long-range missile has been spotted on the
move 
Video released by North Korean Television shows three-stage rocket
leaving launch site 5 Apr 2009 from undisclosed location in North Korea
Japanese and South Korean news reports say North Korea appears to be
preparing two sites from where a long-range missile could be launched.
South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper quotes an unidentified government
official as saying that a special train used to carry a long-range
missile has been spotted on the move. The report says the train has been
seen moving from a missile launch sites on North Korea's northwestern
coast to its northeastern coast. A similar report was carried by Japan's
Sankei newspaper. South Korean intelligence and defense officials said
they could not confirm the reports. North Korea has previously used the
site on its east coast for three other long-range missile launches, one
in 1998, another in 2006 and the latest on April 5 of this year. That
launch sparked international condemnation. And in response the North has
been lashing out against international criticism, making threats and
conducting its second underground nuclear test on May 25. U.S President
Barack Obama met with his South Korean counterpart Tuesday to discuss
the recent rise in tensions. After meeting with South Korean President
Lee Myung-bak Tuesday, Mr. Obama warned that a nuclear-armed North Korea
is a "grave threat" to the world. He also said he will end what he calls
North Korea's cycle of starting a world crisis and then being rewarded
with food and fuel for backing down, only to start up again. The
president promised there will be vigorous enforcement of United Nations
sanctions against the north, which were approved late last week in
response to Pyongyang's nuclear test. Mr. Lee said South Korea's strong
alliance with the United States will make North Korea think twice before
making any belligerent moves.


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