North Korea test-fires missile, slams UN Council

Associated Press ^ | May 29, 2009 | SIYOUNG LEE

[Baladas]

YEONPYEONG, South Korea -North Korea warned Friday it would act in "self-defense" if provoked by the U.N. Security Council, which is considering tough sanctions over the communist country's nuclear test, and followed the threat with the test launch of another short-range missile.

The North fired the missile from its Musudan-ni launch site on the east coast, a South Korean government official said. He spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the sensitivity of the matter. It is the sixth short-range missile North Korea has test-fired since Monday's nuclear test.

The official did not provide further details. But the Yonhap news agency cited an unidentified South Korean government official as saying the missile is a new type of ground-to-air missile estimated to have a range of up to 160 miles (260 kilometers).

Yonhap said the missile is believed to be an improved version of the SA-5, which North Korea introduced in 1963 and deployed in eastern and western parts of the country. The SA-5 was originally produced by the Soviet Union. North Korea is also showing signs of firing a short-range missile from its west coast, Yonhap said, without elaborating.

With tensions high on the Korean peninsula, Chinese fishing boats left the region, possibly to avoid any maritime skirmishes between the two Koreas. But U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said the situation was not a crisis and no additional U.S. troops would be sent to the region.

North Korea, meanwhile, warned it would retaliate if provoked.

[Baladas]

And the whole world continues to fall apart. They sure don't seem scared of getting another letter from Obama.

[Army Air Corps]

The headline almost makes you think that the missile hit the UN.

[RC2]

I think that NKorea has no choice but to look to war. They have no industry other than the military and no where to go but war. I believe it’s just a matter of time. Our Navy has moved most of the Alantic Fleet to the Pacific fleet and the Persion Gulf. Anyone notice this?

[GonzoGOP]

The headline almost makes you think that the missile hit the UN.

I only wish.

[Dick Bachert]

[FreePaul]

The headline almost makes you think that the missile hit the UN.

That would cause the UN survivors to write a really sternly worded letter.

[MrB]

Oh, but the next letter may be in ALL CAPS!

[mkjessup]

The headline almost makes you think that the missile hit the UN.

Hope springs eternal.

[Army Air Corps]

It may also include exclamation points!

[brytlea]

Or a glowing account...

[MrB]

Bold face, 12 pt font, etc.

[mmichaels1970]

if provoked by the U.N. Security Council, which is considering tough sanctions over the communist country's nuclear test

I thought I'd heard that the U.N. is considering a request for countries to ENFORCE sanctions that have already been in place.

[mkjessup]

You mean like they did for Iraq while Saddam was paying ‘em off?