North Korea

Pyongyang fires four short-range missiles

Article published on the 2009-07-02 Latest update 2009-07-02 13:32 TU

North Korean soldiers on the North Korean/Chinese border near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese city of Dandong, on 2 July 2009.
(Photo: Reuters)

North Korea fired four short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan on Thursday, according to South Korea's Defence Ministry. It is the first military action since the UN imposed sanctions on 12 June following its nuclear test on 25 May.

The communist state has warned shipping to avoid some areas off its coasts because of military exercises which are scheduled to run until 11 July.

“We have repeatedly warned that such a provocative act is not beneficial for North Korea’s national interest,” said Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

Philip Goldberg US envoy for North Korea sanctions in Beijing on 2 July 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

In Beijing on Thursday, a US delegation led by Philip Goldberg met with officials to discuss the implementation of sanctions.

Meanwhile, the US navy has been tracking a North Korean warship suspected of carrying weapons since mid-June. But said on Tuesday it had turned around from its reported destination of Myanmar.

Pyongyang launched a rocket in May which was widely believed to be a long-range missile.

North Korea has reiterated that the launch was in fact for a satellite.