ID :
47733
Thu, 02/26/2009 - 11:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/47733
The shortlink copeid
Pentagon reaffirms pledge to defend S. Korea against N. Korean provocations
By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- The United States Wednesday reiterated its
commitment to defend South Korea against any provocation from North Korea as the
reclusive communist state threatens a missile launch and even imminent war.
"All I can tell you is that the U.S.-ROK alliance is a strong one. We have many
plans for a multitude of contingencies, were there to be provocative action by
the North," Geoff Morrell, Pentagon press secretary, told a daily news
conference. "And we feel we are well prepared to defend the South against any
provocation."
The Pentagon spokesman was discussing nearly daily threats from North Korea in
recent weeks to cut off ties with South Korea, launch a ballistic missile and
initiate a military conflict along the western maritime border, where a series of
bloody skirmishes killed scores of soldiers on both sides in 1999 and 2002.
Analysts say Pyongyang's recent provocations are aimed at drawing attention of
the new Barack Obama administration, which is busy rebuilding the U.S. economy,
battered by the worst recession in decades, and dealing with more urgent security
threats in the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in Seoul last week that the North's
recent moves might be related to uncertainties in the North over a possible
transition of power from the North's leader, Kim Jong-il, who ascended to power
in 1994, soon after the sudden death of his father Kim Il-sung.
Kim Jong-un, Kim's 26-year-old third son, is said to be tapped as heir apparent
with strong backing from the leader's brother-in-law Chang Song-taek and close
followers of Kim Jong-il in the military.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates hinted last week that the U.S. might
intercept a Taepodong-2 ballistic missile should one approach American territory,
saying, "My colleagues, the secretary of state, national security adviser,
president and vice president, understand what our capabilities are."
The U.S. missile defense system successfully intercepted ballistic missiles in
training last year, but the record has not been perfect.
Gates and other U.S. officials have warned North Korea not to launch a missile
but to return to the six-party talks on ending its nuclear programs in return for
normalization of ties with the U.S., establishment of a permanent peace regime to
replace the fragile armistice and massive economic aid.
North Korea says it is not launching a missile but a communications satellite,
although South Korean and U.S. officials insist that would also be in violation
of a U.N. resolution banning any ballistic missile activities. Experts say the
technology for the launch of a missile or rocket is almost the same except for
the payload -- a warhead or satellite.
hdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- The United States Wednesday reiterated its
commitment to defend South Korea against any provocation from North Korea as the
reclusive communist state threatens a missile launch and even imminent war.
"All I can tell you is that the U.S.-ROK alliance is a strong one. We have many
plans for a multitude of contingencies, were there to be provocative action by
the North," Geoff Morrell, Pentagon press secretary, told a daily news
conference. "And we feel we are well prepared to defend the South against any
provocation."
The Pentagon spokesman was discussing nearly daily threats from North Korea in
recent weeks to cut off ties with South Korea, launch a ballistic missile and
initiate a military conflict along the western maritime border, where a series of
bloody skirmishes killed scores of soldiers on both sides in 1999 and 2002.
Analysts say Pyongyang's recent provocations are aimed at drawing attention of
the new Barack Obama administration, which is busy rebuilding the U.S. economy,
battered by the worst recession in decades, and dealing with more urgent security
threats in the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in Seoul last week that the North's
recent moves might be related to uncertainties in the North over a possible
transition of power from the North's leader, Kim Jong-il, who ascended to power
in 1994, soon after the sudden death of his father Kim Il-sung.
Kim Jong-un, Kim's 26-year-old third son, is said to be tapped as heir apparent
with strong backing from the leader's brother-in-law Chang Song-taek and close
followers of Kim Jong-il in the military.
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates hinted last week that the U.S. might
intercept a Taepodong-2 ballistic missile should one approach American territory,
saying, "My colleagues, the secretary of state, national security adviser,
president and vice president, understand what our capabilities are."
The U.S. missile defense system successfully intercepted ballistic missiles in
training last year, but the record has not been perfect.
Gates and other U.S. officials have warned North Korea not to launch a missile
but to return to the six-party talks on ending its nuclear programs in return for
normalization of ties with the U.S., establishment of a permanent peace regime to
replace the fragile armistice and massive economic aid.
North Korea says it is not launching a missile but a communications satellite,
although South Korean and U.S. officials insist that would also be in violation
of a U.N. resolution banning any ballistic missile activities. Experts say the
technology for the launch of a missile or rocket is almost the same except for
the payload -- a warhead or satellite.
hdh@yna.co.kr
(END)
