N. Korea may launch ballistic missile after one or two weeks: official

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea appears to be preparing to test-launch a
long-range ballistic missile, an intelligence official in Seoul said Monday,
noting the launch could take place after one or two weeks.
"We believe the North could launch the missile at any time after one or two
weeks," the official said, asking not to be identified.
The assessment comes as the communist nation is believed to have moved a missile
to its new launch site in Dongchang-ri, North Pyongan Province, which has a
built-in launch pad, the official added.
The report comes after officials here earlier said an intercontinental ballistic
missile was spotted last week on a cargo train for shipment.
The North's alleged move comes amid efforts by the U.N. Security Council to place
economic and diplomatic sanctions on Pyongyang for its latest nuclear test that
took place last Monday.
North Korea is prohibited from any nuclear or long-range missile tests, as well
as trade of heavy arms, under a U.N. sponsored security resolution adopted in
2006 following its first-ever detonation of a nuclear device that year.
Pyongyang last week said it will reject any U.N. resolutions and take "stronger
self-defensive countermeasures" if the world body tries to take punitive action.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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