S. Korean FM expresses concern over N. Korea missile threat

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan
expressed strong concern over the North Korean missile threat during a meeting
with his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Beijing Tuesday.
"It is a breach of the resolution of the UN Security Council for North Korea to
launch anything, whether it be a ballistic missile or a satellite," Yu was quoted
as saying to the Chinese foreign minister, according to Cho Tae-young, director
of the foreign ministry's Northeast Asian Affairs Bureau.
"It is necessary for North Korea to exercise restraint," Yu added.
North Korea said Tuesday it is preparing to launch a "satellite" from its
northeastern coast, a statement that follows weeks of intelligence reports
suggesting Pyongyang has been preparing to test a long-range missile.
"Full-scale preparations are underway at a satellite launch site in Hwadae
County, North Hamkyong Province, to launch satellite 'Kwangmyongsong-2' on rocket
'Unha-2,'" said an unnamed North Korean space committee official.
Yu also expressed regret over the six-party talks' failure late last year to
reach an agreement on verifying North Korea's nuclear program, stressing that the
two Koreas, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan should make positive efforts for
the progress of the talks.
Yang replied that he read the North Korean report carefully Tuesday, adding he
hopes the two sides can do something helpful for stability on the Korean
Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
The two foreign ministers agreed to make joint effort for the progress of the
six-way talks.
(END)