Lee, Gates agree to respond calmly to N. Korean rocket: ministry

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United
States held telephone talks Thursday to discuss joint action after North Korea
launches what it calls a "satellite," an official said.
"South Korean Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert
Gates shared the view that their countries should respond calmly" to the launch,
expected between April 4 and 8, South Korean defense spokesman Won Tae-jae said.
A variety of specific measures were discussed, Won said, declining to elaborate.
He also declined to confirm U.S. media reports that North Korea has begun fueling
its rocket, positioned on its east coast base.
North Korea's neighbors believe the rocket may be a long-range ballistic missile.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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