U.S., S. Korea agree to react 'resolutely' to N. Korean rocket launch

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By Sam Kim
SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- The defense chiefs of South Korea and the United
States agreed Thursday to respond "resolutely" if North Korea launches what it
calls a satellite, an official said.
During their 30-minute telephone talks that began at 7:30 a.m., South Korean
Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee and U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
discussed "many specific measures" to deal with the launch expected between April
4-8, South Korean defense spokesman Won Tae-jae said.
Declining to elaborate, Won said South Korea had requested the talks first. The
talks came hours after U.S. media reported that North Korea has begun to fuel its
rocket positioned on its east coast -- the final preparatory phase for a launch.
North Korea claims it is preparing to shoot a satellite into orbit, but neighbors
suspect it is a cover to test-fire a ballistic missile capable of hitting Alaska.
Lee and Gates "shared their view that their countries should respond resolutely"
to the impending launch, Won said, declining to confirm the latest media reports
from Washington.
South Korean officials have estimated it would take North Korea three to four
days to complete the injection of fuel.
The defense chiefs also agreed to continue to discuss joint action after the
launch, Won said.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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