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      South Korea Urges North to Stop Testing Submarine-launched Missiles

   by VOA News

   South Korea has expressed concern about North Korea's test-firing of a
   submarine-based ballistic missile, calling it "very serious and
   worrying," and urging Pyongyang to stop development efforts.

   North Korea announced Saturday it had successfully test-fired a
   submarine-based ballistic missile, but did not reveal the exact time,
   date and location of the test or the range of the missile.

   Analysts are divided on just how much progress North Korea has actually
   made with its submarine-based missile development program, citing the
   country's antiquated fleet of submarines.

   South Korea's Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters
   Saturday that it is believed that four to five years are needed to
   develop the technology.

   However, an unidentified defense official said Monday that the North
   could develop a fully operational submarine with ballistic missiles
   within two or three years.

   In related developments, South Korea's Ministry of Unification
   condemned the missile tests Monday, but urged civilian groups to
   continue to boost inter-Korean exchanges to help restore national
   unity.

   Meanwhile, South Korean Defense Minister Han Min-koo threatened
   "merciless" retaliation in the event of provocation from the North.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/south-korea-urges-north-to-stop-testi
   ng-submarine-launched-missiles/2762649.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/south-korea-urges-north-to-stop-testing-submarine-launched-missiles/2762649.html