DATE=8/8/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=NORTH KOREA MISSILE (L-O) NUMBER=2-252581 BYLINE=HYUN SUNG KHANG DATELINE=SEOUL INTERNET=YES CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: Amid growing expectations of a missile launch by North Korea, it is maintaining it has a right to launch a missile. North Korean representatives have also rebuffed suggestions to discuss the issue with the United States. From the South Korean capital, Seoul, Hyun-Sung Khang reports. TEXT: North Korea has long-maintained it is within its rights to launch a missile. It has often declared the aggressive posture by the United States, forces the country to take defensive action. But in the most strongly worded declaration yet, North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan has been quoted as saying -- If it is necessary, we will launch a missile. Speaking in Geneva at the four-way talks involving the two Koreas, China, and the United States, Mr. Kim rebuffed suggestions his country should discuss the issue of missiles with the United States. He maintains it is a sovereign matter. North Korea has warned the United States that attempts to pressure it into abandoning launch plans could trigger what it called -- unpredictable consequences. In response, the United States has consistently warned of what it calls -- serious consequences -- should North Korea go ahead with a missile launch. It is simultaneously urging the country to widen relations with the outside world. The issue of a possible missile launch has overshadowed the talks in Geneva, which were launched at the end of 1997 to reduce tension on the Korean peninsula and forge a formal peace treaty. The two Koreans have been technically in a state of war for more than 45-years. This is the sixth-session of negotiations, but with talks due to end Monday, there is little sign of any progress. North Korea has consistently demanded the United States discuss the removal of the 37-thousand American troops stationed in South Korea and for a bilateral peace treaty with the United States. Meanwhile, earlier this week, Japan and South Korea overcame their historic enmity in the face of a common threat and conducted their first ever joint naval drills, mobilizing five warships. (SIGNED) NEB/HSK/RAE 08-Aug-1999 08:48 AM EDT (08-Aug-1999 1248 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
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