Post by Bugs on May 26, 2009 7:21:20 GMT
North Korea has reportedly launched two short-range missiles off its east coast, heightening tensions in the wake of its nuclear test.
Kim Jong Il's weapons tests are causing international consternation
The Yonhap news agency cited unnamed government sources as saying the weapons have a range of about 80 miles.
One was a surface-to-air missile and the other was a ground-to-ship missile, reports said.
Kim Jong Il's rogue state said it had successfully detonated an atomic bomb for the second time in its history on Monday. It also launched three short-range missiles.
The test prompted unanimous condemnation from the UN Security Council.
Chinese and South Korean defence chiefs are to hold a rare meeting to plan their response to the escalating crisis.
North Korea said it was prepared for any attack by the United States following its announcement of the missile launch.
"Our army and people are fully ready for battle… against any reckless pre-emptive attack," the North Korea News Agency reported.
The UN is now starting work on a new resolution describing Monday's underground nuclear blast as a clear violation of a 2006 resolution banning such tests.
China has condemned the nuclear test, but it won't agree to sanctions it fears would destabilise the country, potentially triggering waves of North Korean refugees across its shared 800 mile border.
South Korea has announced it will become a full member of a US-led initiative to curb the movement of weapons of mass destruction in and out of North Korea.
The North has previously said that Seoul's participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative would be seen as "a declaration of war".
Analysts say Kim Jong Ill is anxious to strengthen his political position within his regime before he can announce which of his three sons will succeed him.
"North Korea can only be hawkish this time because time is running out for Kim," said Jang Cheol Hyeon from the National Security Strategy Institute in South Korea.
"The recent military moves are yet another signal of trying to invite the US to negotiations."
Kim Jong Il's weapons tests are causing international consternation
The Yonhap news agency cited unnamed government sources as saying the weapons have a range of about 80 miles.
One was a surface-to-air missile and the other was a ground-to-ship missile, reports said.
Kim Jong Il's rogue state said it had successfully detonated an atomic bomb for the second time in its history on Monday. It also launched three short-range missiles.
The test prompted unanimous condemnation from the UN Security Council.
Chinese and South Korean defence chiefs are to hold a rare meeting to plan their response to the escalating crisis.
North Korea said it was prepared for any attack by the United States following its announcement of the missile launch.
"Our army and people are fully ready for battle… against any reckless pre-emptive attack," the North Korea News Agency reported.
The UN is now starting work on a new resolution describing Monday's underground nuclear blast as a clear violation of a 2006 resolution banning such tests.
China has condemned the nuclear test, but it won't agree to sanctions it fears would destabilise the country, potentially triggering waves of North Korean refugees across its shared 800 mile border.
South Korea has announced it will become a full member of a US-led initiative to curb the movement of weapons of mass destruction in and out of North Korea.
The North has previously said that Seoul's participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative would be seen as "a declaration of war".
Analysts say Kim Jong Ill is anxious to strengthen his political position within his regime before he can announce which of his three sons will succeed him.
"North Korea can only be hawkish this time because time is running out for Kim," said Jang Cheol Hyeon from the National Security Strategy Institute in South Korea.
"The recent military moves are yet another signal of trying to invite the US to negotiations."
