SEOUL, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- North Korea's missile program threatens international security because of its potential link to the country's nuclear goals, South Korea's top diplomat said.
South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan also said Wednesday that North Korea would face stiff punishment imposed by the United Nations if it proceeds with a planned launch the North claims is for a satellite but other countries claim is a long-range missile test, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.
"North Korea's missile is not a mere conventional weapon," Yu said. "The combination of its long-range missile and nuclear capability will have a very serious impact on the world's peace and security."
Satellite images have indicated North Korea may be preparing to launch a long-range missile from a base on its east coast, both South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials said.
During an interview with a Japanese newspaper in Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested a comprehensive solution to the North Korean nuclear and missile issues. Clinton is in Asia for her first foreign tour and will visit South Korea.
"We have made it clear that we consider (the missile program) both provocative and unhelpful," she told Yomiuri Shimbun. "The North Koreans, as you know, have said that it is a space launch but they have not complied with the rules that govern notification about space launches that have been agreed to by the international community."
