“North Korea Seems to Be Ready for Launch“

Sources say that North Korea may possibly have completed preparation for its launch of Daepodong 2 missiles with 10,000 kilometers range, able to reach even the U. S.

On the 10th, the CIA presented its annual report on `foreign missile development and missile threats up to year 2015` to the Senate Intelligence Committee, pointing out that North Korea is assumed to be in the process of re-designing Daepodong 2 missiles.

The report emphasized that if the missile converts to a 3-stage boost system, similar to the Daepodong 1 in 1998, then its range will increase up to 15,000 kilometers which will include all of the U. S..

The report added, `Before year 2015, the U.S. is under threat from the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) attack not only from Russia and China, but also from North Korea, Iran, and Iraq. North Korea has already stationed labor missiles that have 1300 kilometers of range`.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade authorities replied, `Detailed information or indications for Daepodong 2 missile`s test launch are not yet confirmed`. From its first report on ballistic missiles in 1995, CIA continues to issue annual reports at the Senate`s request since 1998.

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com