US: NKorea launch intended to show missile tech
US general: North Korea's planned rocket launch intended to demonstrate missile capability
12/6/2012WASHINGTON — A top U.S. general says North Korea's plan to fire a satellite into space is really intended to show the world its capability to build missiles.
Pacific forces commander Adm. Samuel Locklear says that capability would be destabilizing to international security.
North Korea says it has only peaceful intentions. It plans to launch a rocket between Dec. 10 and Dec. 22.
The U.S. and its allies say they'll seek U.N. Security Council action if the launch goes ahead in defiance of existing resolutions.
Locklear said Thursday the U.S. is moving ships to the region to have the best “situational awareness” and to reassure allies.
He says North Korea has acquired better technology, but that it was unclear whether problems after a failed April launch had been corrected.