N. Korea says U.S. acknowledges satellite launch, not missile

SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Friday that the U.S. has recognized
its planned rocket launch as an attempt to send a satellite into orbit, not a
ballistic missile test, citing remarks by a top American intelligence official.
Pyongyang gave notice to international aviation and maritime agencies on
Wednesday that it will launch an "experimental communications satellite
Kwangmyongsong No. 2" some time between April 4-8.
Neighboring countries suspect the launch may be a cover for testing its
long-range Taepodong-2 missile that can theoretically reach Alaska. Officials say
the technologies involved in a missile and satellite launch are virtually the
same.
Quoting U.S. intelligence chief, the North's Internet newspaper, Uriminzokkiri,
claimed that Washington has acknowledged that the North's intention is to launch
a satellite.
"U.S. National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair has recognized our preparations
to launch a satellite," Uriminzokkiri said in an article titled "U.S.
acknowledges our satellite launch preparation."
Blair said in a Senate hearing on Tuesday (Washington time) that he believes
North Korea will launch a "space-launch vehicle," a characterization that watered
down suspicions the communist regime is about to test-fire a missile.
The Uriminzokkiri report introduced Blair as commander of all of the U.S.
intelligence authorities with 16 agencies, including the Central Intelligence
Agency, under his supervision.
But the report did not mention concerns expressed by Blair, who said the
technology involved in a space-launch vehicle "is indistinguishable from the
intercontinental ballistic missile."
Uriminzokkiri also cited South Korean media reports, saying that Seoul, however,
is anticipating a long-range missile test.
The article noted remarks by South Korea's Defense Minister, Lee Sang-hee, who
told a parliamentary committee that North Korea will launch a missile. It also
quoted South Korean reports as saying the difference in views held by Washington
and Seoul will lead to "subtle repercussions."
hkim@yna.co.kr
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