N. Korea likely to set up rocket around weekend: source

SEOUL, March 25 (Yonhap) -- North Korea is likely to set up its rocket on its
launch pad around this weekend, a South Korean source said Wednesday.
North Korea said it will launch what it claims to be a communications satellite
between April 4-8 from its east coast. Neighbors say it could be a pretext for
the communist country to test-fire its most advanced missile, the Taepodong-2.
"The moment North Korea sets up its rocket that appears to be a long-range
missile, (South Korea) will begin operating a crisis management team, assuming
the actual launch is imminent," the source said.
The source added it is "highly possible that the rocket will emerge between March
28-31," adding the 30-meter-tall launch pad at the Musudan-ri base was empty as
of Wednesday.
South Korea believes it will take at least three days for North Korea to fuel its
rocket, which analysts believe could be capable of reaching Alaska if refurbished
into a ballistic missile.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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