North Korea: Threats of missile attack could become reality

Pyongyang is assembling it’s most sophisticated long-range missile in preparation for a possible test-fire, according to South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Satellite images from Tokyo and Seoul show the North Korean military moving missile parts to a new base, to assemble an improved Taepodong-2 missile capable of traveling up to 10,000 km. Pyongyang has also threatened to launch a short-range missile near a disputed western maritime border with South Korea. North Korean news agency KCNA has reported a Pan-national Alliance for Korean Reunification statement that accuses South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his government being “hell-bent on scattering leaflets and staging exercises for a war of aggression against the north.” According to the state mouthpiece KNCA, the organization will join “the 70 million Koreans … to resolutely foil the racket of the U.S. imperialists and the Lee group for war and confrontation.” Since coming into power last year South Korean leader Lee cut off previously unconditional aid flowing to Pyongyang, angering the Stalinist state.

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