U.S. to Monitor North Korea’s Rocket Launch
Earlier this month, North Korea said it would launch a communications satellite sometime during the first week of April. The Associated Press reports that the U.S., Japan, and South Korea will be monitoring the launch.
The U.S. has sent missile-destroying ships to watch the situation. Japan has deployed Patriot missiles around Tokyo and interceptor-armed warships near the country, and South Korea is sending its Aegis-equipped destroyer to the area.
All three countries suspect North Korea is using the launch as a cover to test long-range missile technology, which would result in United Nations sanctions. After failing to give notification for previous launches, which the U.N. called dangerous and provocative, North Korea is providing ample warning this time around. North Korea knows the launch violates U.N. resolutions, but hopes issuing a warning will keep negative comments and admonitions to a minimum and provide China and Russia with an incentive to also buck U.N. resolutions.
Additionally, North Korea has detained a South Korean worker after he criticized the government, increasing tension between the two countries.
On Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the U.S. will not intercept the rocket.
“I think if we had an aberrant missile, one that was headed for Hawaii, that looked like it was headed for Hawaii or something like that, we might consider it,” Gates said on FOX News Sunday. “But I don’t think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point.”
Tags: Japan, North Korea, Patriot missiles, Robert Gates, South Korea, United Nations