Signs N.Korea Preparing a Missile Test a Worry-U.S.
233229
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  - Signs that North Korea  is preparing to test a ballistic missile are of great concern,  a U.S. commander said on Sunday, adding that the North could be  on the verge of big missile technology breakthroughs.
742243
The United States and Japan have detected signs that North Korea is preparing to launch a ballistic missile capable of reaching almost anywhere in Japan, Japanese and US government sources said yesterday.
347310
North Korea appeared close Sunday to test-firing a long-range missile capable of reaching the United States, prompting the White House to warn of an appropriate response and Japan to threaten a &quot;fierce&quot; protest to the United Nations.
382597
Secretary of State Colin Powell on  Thursday expressed concern after reports that North Korea might  carry out a new missile test but said it would not change the  U.S. effort to persuade Pyongyang through diplomacy to abandon  its nuclear ambitions.
670343
North Korea triggered global alarm on Tuesday by saying it will conduct a nuclear test, a key step in the manufacture of atomic bombs that it views as a deterrent against any U.S. attack. But the North also said it was committed to nuclear disarmament, suggesting a willingness to negotiate.
207376
The United States on Thursday played down an earlier warning to North Korea over its plans for a nuclear test, saying it was not threatening Pyongyang with "lethal" action.
588828
Japan will seek an explanation at weekend talks with North Korea on activity indicating Pyongyang may be preparing a missile test, although Tokyo does not think a launch is imminent, Japan&#39;s top government spokesman said.
81134
The United States has detected activity at potential test sites in North Korea indicating possible preparations for a nuclear test, a U.S. defense official said on Wednesday, as China urged restraint after the reclusive state said it planned a nuclear test.
243822
President Bush on Thursday warned  North Korea against test-firing a long-range missile and  underscored concerns about its nuclear ambitions.
274359
Reclusive North Korea said on Tuesday it would conduct its first-ever nuclear test, blaming a U.S. "threat of nuclear war and sanctions" for forcing its hand.
284570
The United States warned North Korea against thinking it could use worries over a possible long-range missile to force the United States into direct talks.
384191
The United States and Japan urged North Korea not to proceed with reported plans to test-fire a long-range missile that could reach the U.S. mainland, saying Saturday that a launch would be dangerous and provocative.
764041
South Korea will seek to build an independent missile defense system amid growing security jitters sparked by North Korea's missile and nuclear tests, according to the officials.
139310
WASHINGTON : The US intelligence community is in the grip of an internal debate on whether new data on North Korea should be interpreted as a sign the country is preparing for its first nuclear weapons test, US administration officials said.
178650
The United States has seen signs in recent days that North Korea is preparing to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear complex as called for under a six-country agreement, a U.S. official said on Monday, but other officials were more cautious.
111667
North Korea, citing American belligerence and pressure, said Tuesday it will conduct a nuclear test.
193488
North Korea may be preparing for another   missile test, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on   Sunday, but a government official in Seoul discounted the   report.