YONHAP NEWS

(2nd LD) Bell says N. Korea's recent missile tests were successful

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, July 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's recent missile tests were successful and the missiles are technologically advanced enough to pose a serious threat to regional security, the top U.S. military commander here said Monday.

North Korea test-fired a series of short-range missiles into the East Sea and the Yellow Sea in May and June, which South Korean defense officials played down as part of routine military exercises.

   The North's latest missile launches came at a time when U.N. nuclear watchdog officials visited Pyongyang last week to discuss implementing its pledge to shut down its main nuclear facilities in Yongbyon.

   "These (missiles) are modern, solid-fuel, which means that they are easy to handle and rapidly capable of being fired," Gen. B. B. Bell, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, said at a breakfast meeting with senior South Korean journalists, adding that the missiles are believed to have been designed to replace its older short-range Frog missiles.

   "These were not failure missile tests. These were successful tests," said Bell, who leads 29,500 U.S. troops here.

   He echoed Washington's long-standing worries that the North's missiles raise a proliferation concern, as they can be exported and used in tactical wars in other areas.

   "These missiles are designed to be used on this peninsula, and these missiles, in general, appear to be performing as they are designed."
He would not provide details on the missiles' accuracy, although he said they could reach not only Seoul but also other cities south of the capital.

   "One of the biggest threats to peace and stability is the potential capability of North Korea to couple its missile technology with its demonstrated nuclear ability," he said.

   He also expressed hope that North Korea would implement its agreement with the U.S. China, Japan, Russia, and South Korea to disable the Yongbyon facilities and declare all of its nuclear programs.

   "We are very hopeful that the North Koreans will now live up to the agreements they have made," he said.

   As to the reshaping of the alliance between Seoul and Washington, he said U.S. troops would play a supporting role in case of an armed conflict with North Korea after Seoul regains wartime operational control of its forces on April 17, 2012.

   He refused to reveal the number of U.S. soldiers to be sent to the peninsula in an emergency situation, only saying they would be mainly sailors and airmen. The two sides are working out a new operational plan to counter any North Korean attack.

   The U.S. would immediately send air and naval units stationed in the Pacific, while South Korea's ground forces would absorb an initial attack, he said.

   About 29,500 U.S. troops remain here as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, with that number due to be cut to 25,000 by the end of next year. Bell reaffirmed that there would be no additional cutbacks.

   lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)