North Korea tests six missiles

USA News

North Korea tests six missiles

Tokyo/Washington, July 5 (DPA) North Korea launched six missiles early Wednesday, including a long-range Taepodong-2 missile capable of hitting the US coast, sparking strong responses from across the globe.

However, the US government said the Taepodong-2 rocket failed in mid-air within one minute of launch, adding that President George W. Bush had been informed of the launches and was consulting with his advisors.

The long-range missile was the third out of six tests carried out, the White House confirmed. The other tests were of Nedong and Skud medium and short-range missiles, all of which landed in the Sea of Japan.

The first two reportedly short-range missiles, launched at 3.33 a.m. (1933 GMT) and shortly after 4.00 a.m. respectively, landed in the Sea of Japan about 600 km off the Japanese coast. The Taepodong-2 missile was reportedly launched at 5.01 a.m.

Japanese government spokesperson Shinzo Abe, in a hastily arranged press conference, said Japan regretted North Korea's decision to go ahead with the tests.

A crisis meeting of the Japanese government was under way to evaluate North Korea's move and consider its response. South Korea issued no immediate reaction to the launches.

The US, South Korea and Japan all had suspected North Korea was fuelling a Taepodong-2 missile, with an estimated range of more than 6,000 km and capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to parts of the US.

Countries in the region, as well as the US, had repeatedly warned North Korea against such a test launch, threatening serious repercussions. Japan and the US had threatened economic sanctions should the missile launch go ahead.

US National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley called the tests 'provocative behaviour,' but added that they marked 'no immediate threat' to the US.

Assistant Secretary of State and special envoy Christopher Hill would be sent to the region Wednesday to consult with US allies, the White House said.

'In doing this, the North Koreans have once again isolated themselves,' White House spokesman Tony Snow said, adding that the US was committed to a diplomatic solution.

The UN Security Council is expected to meet in New York later Wednesday to discuss the international community's response to the missile tests.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard also condemned North Korea's missile launches and urged China to exert pressure on its reclusive neighbour to get six-party talks back in session.

'It's an extremely provocative act by North Korea,' Howard said. 'Australia wants North Korea to go back immediately to the six-party talks.'

North Korea, South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the US are the six parties represented at the stalled talks on North Korea's nuclear and missile programme.

Australia is one of the few nations with diplomatic ties to North Korea and has played the role of an intermediary in negotiations between Pyongyang and US allies.

North Korea in 1998 shocked the region by firing without warning a long-range Taepodong-1 missile over the Japanese island, landing in the Pacific Ocean, but had agreed to a moratorium on missile testing in 1999.

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North Korea tests six missiles