North Korea says not bound by missile test pledges

http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/North_Korea_says_not_bound_by_missile_test_pledges.html?siteSect=143&sid=6826146&cKey=1150811584000

SEOUL (Reuters) - A North Korean official said on Tuesday the reclusive state does not feel bound by pledges it has made to halt test firings of long-range missiles, while regional powers have warned a launch would be a grave mistake.

South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday a North Korean long-range missile was on the pad but he was not sure if it was completely fuelled.

He called on Pyongyang to scrap test plans, while analysts wondered if North Korea was using its tried and tested strategy of brinkmanship to increase its bargaining position.

U.S. officials say evidence such as satellite pictures suggests Pyongyang may have finished fuelling a Taepodong-2 missile, which some experts said could reach as far as Alaska.

when he scrapped missle reduction treaties. All this time scurrying the Iraqi countryside looking for WMD's while NK wass practically waving it in our face. Thanks Shrub