New N. Korea missile can hit Guam

BY YOSHIHIRO MAKINO, THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

SEOUL--North Korea apparently has a new intermediate-range ballistic missile that is capable of hitting U.S. territory, but it is not clear if the weapon is capable of carrying a nuclear payload.

Sources in the South Korean government said the new missile was unveiled at a military parade held last month in Pyongyang to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army.

Photos of the parade taken by U.S. spy satellites were the clearest indication yet that Pyongyang has expanded its arsenal.

American officials relayed their intelligence to officials in the Japanese and South Korean governments, sources said.

The missiles are believed to have a range of up to about 5,000 kilometers, which would place the U.S. territory of Guam within range.

The actual capability of the missile is still unknown because there has yet to be confirmation by Western intelligence of launch tests.(IHT/Asahi: May 14,2007)