US closely watching N. Korea for possible test-fire

[March 02, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is watching North Korea even more closely these days because of reports the North plans to test-fire a long-range missile.

The top U.S. military official says it's an area of great concern. Adm. Mike Mullen says he would hope that North Korea would not be "provocative."

The Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman notes that the North has launched missiles before. He says neither he nor Defense Secretary Robert Gates has made a recommendation about what to do if there is a launch. Mullen says any recommendations and policy decisions will come based on the timing and what the North does.

North Korea said last week that it was preparing to shoot a communication satellite into orbit as part of it space development program. The U.S. and others believe the launch may be a cover for a missile test-fire.

Mullen spoke on CNN's "State of the Union."

[Associated Press]

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