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NKorea prepares for ballistic missile launch

It is believed that a new three-stage rocket is similar in its parameters to the one launched from Tongchang-ri in April 2012, Kyodo reported
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS
Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

TOKYO, November 23 (Itar-Tass) — North Korea prepares for the launch of a new ballistic missile, the Japanese Kyodo news agency reported on Friday referring to Japanese government sources.

According to the Japanese secret services, “given their size and shape, the components transferred by train from an ammunition factory near Pyongyang appear to be for a three-stage rocket”. The components have been transferred by train to the Tongchang-ri site in North Pyongan Province.

“While no missile is set on a launch pad yet, there are activities likely to be related to rocket fuelling,” the news agency reports. It cited information coming from a US spy satellite.

According to Japanese experts, the missile may be launched by the end of the year. It is believed that a new three-stage rocket is similar in its parameters to the one launched from Tongchang-ri in April 2012.

The launch of Unha-3 carrier on April 13, 2012 failed, with the rocket splintering into pieces moments after the takeoff. The rocket was to send into orbit the Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite. The world’s reaction to the activity of Pyongyang was negative as resolution 1874 of the UN Security Council prohibits North Korea from ballistic missile activity.

Some international experts have supposed that under the pretext of launching a carrier Pyongyang tested a ballistic missile. North Korea dismissed these accusations and expressed its bid to continue a space program for peaceful uses.