N. Korea test-fires ballistic missiles days after inauguration of new liberal government in Seoul

By Park Sae-jin Posted : May 14, 2017, 11:02 Updated : May 14, 2017, 11:02

A file picture shows North Korean missiles during a military parade in Pyongyang on April 15.[Yonhap News Photo]


In an apparent bid to test the will of a new South Korean government, North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile into the sea Sunday in its first military provocation since President Moon Jae-in took office in Seoul just days ago.

Moon chaired an emergency meeting of the National Security Council in the unground bunker of the presidential office and condemned the North's missile launch as a clear violation of UN resolutions and a grave threat to regional and international security.

"Our government strongly condemns it," said the liberal president who has promised to enhance cross-border reciliation and exchanges. In his inaugural address on Wednesday, he offered to visit Pyongyang for talks with North Korea's young leader Kim Jong-un if conditions allow.

The missile, launched at around 5:27 am (2027 GMT) in an area north of Pyongyang, flew about 700 kilometers (434 miles) before falling in the sea between the Korean peninsula and Japan.

The type of the missile was not known. At the same place in Kusong, the North test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile called "Pukguksong-2 (KN-15)" on February 12. The same missile was displayed on April 15 in a military parade marking the birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, the North's late founding leader.

Moon said he would leave open the door for inter-Korean dialogue but pledged "stern" measures against North Korea's provocations. "Even if dialogue is possible, (we) should show them that it's possible only when North Korea changes its attitude."

He urged South Korean troops to bolster deterrence against cross-border military threats, based on a strong alliance with the United States, and to speed up the establishment of an independent missile defense system.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

 
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