North to fire more missiles

North to fire more missiles


SEOUL - NORTH Korea was on Tuesday reportedly preparing to fire more short-range missiles, a move seen as an attempt to boost its bargaining position ahead of expected talks on ending its nuclear weapons programme.

Analysts say the missiles serve as a reminder of the North's ability to rattle regional security but were not enough to halt growing momentum for dialogue after the reclusive state announced it was willing to head back to the negotiating table.

Yonhap news agency quoted a government source as saying the North had fired five short-range missile of its east coast on Monday and that there were indications of more to come.

'There have been indications that the North is getting ready to fire short-range missiles from the west coast,' the source was quoted as saying.

The North has issued a warning for vessels to stay out of its coastal waters during daylight hours from Oct 12-16, Japan's coast guard said.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking on Monday, said Washington would continue its efforts to end nuclear weapons on the peninsula.

'Our goals remain the same. We intend to work toward a nuclear free Korean peninsula,' she told a news conference in Belfast. 'Our consultation with our partners and allies continues unabated. It is unaffected by the behaviour of North Korea.' -- REUTERS