US can do 'nothing' about North Korean missile test

US says nothing can be done over North Korean plans for missile launch

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Sunday, 29, Mar 2009 05:10

US defence secretary Robert Gates says nothing can be done regarding North Korean plans to launch a short- or medium-range missile.

It was announced earlier this week that Pyongang plans to launch a communications satellite into orbit between Saturday April 1st and April 8th as part of its space program.

But while the US and other nations believe the test launch could be part of a scheme to develop long-rang missiles, it will not intervene.

"I would say we're not prepared to do anything about it," Mr Gates told Fox News Sunday.

However, he admitted US intelligence are uneasy regarding the technology set for use in the coming satellite launch.

"I don't know anyone at a senior level in the American government who does not believe this technology is intended as a mask for the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile," he added.

And asked if North Korea may be looking towards arming a missile with a nuclear warhead, he added: "I think that we believe that that's their long-term intent. I personally would be sceptical that they have the ability right now to do that."

Tokyo newspaper Sankei reported on Sunday that several unnamed Japanese officials believe North Korea is planning to fire a short- or medium-range missile from Wonsan, about 155 miles (250 kilometres) south of Musudan-ni.

Mr Gates admitted the reports of a planned North Korean missile launch are troubling in light of President Barack Obama and other leaders' efforts to prevent Kim Jong-Il developing nuclear arms.

"The reality is that the six-party talks really have not made any headway anytime recently," he added.

"If this is Kim Jong-Il's welcoming present to a new president, launching a missile like this and threatening to have a nuclear test, I think it says a lot about the imperviousness of this regime in North Korea to any kind of diplomatic overtures."