N. Korea supplying missile-related gear to launch pad: source

(ATTN: RECASTS lead, headline; UPDATES with details)
By Sam Kim
SEOUL, Feb. 11 (Yonhap) -- Despite repeated warnings, North Korea is moving ahead
with its preparation to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile by gathering
necessary gear, a South Korean source said Wednesday.
"Vehicles carrying equipment needed for missile launches are continuing to travel
to the Musudan-ri base" on the east coast, the source said, declining to identify
the gear.
South Korean and U.S. officials said last week North Korea has moved its most
advanced missile, the Taepodong-2, to the launch pad in its northeastern region.
Even though it crashed soon after take-off in a 2006 test, the missile is
believed to be capable of reaching the western U.S. because it has an estimated
range of up to 6,700 km.
"At the current pace, they could inject fuel within a month," the source said,
adding that the vehicles are taking turns in their delivery as they travel from a
military factory south of Pyongyang.
Citing an unnamed U.S. official, CNN reported Tuesday (Washington time) that the
North was assembling telemetry equipment -- a crucial component used to monitor
missile launches -- at the site.
The report came as U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in a press conference
that U.S. could effectively intercept a Taepodong-2 missile should one approach
its territory.
Analysts and officials say Pyongyang's latest move could be aimed at grabbing the
attention of U.S. President Barack Obama, who has yet to formulate his North
Korea policy.
The first Taepodong missile was launched in 1998 and flew over Japan before
falling into the sea off of Alaska. Weapons experts play down the likelihood of
the North having developed the technology to mount nuclear warheads on its
rockets.
North Korea conducted its first known atomic test in 2006.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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