North Korea was today reportedly preparing to fire more short-range missiles, a move seen as an attempt to boost its bargaining position ahead of expected talks on ending its nuclear weapons programme.
Analysts say the missiles serve as a reminder of the North's ability to rattle regional security but were not enough to halt growing momentum for dialogue after the reclusive state announced it was willing to head back to the negotiating table.
Yonhap news agency quoted a government source as saying the North had fired five short-range missile of its east coast yesterday and that there were indications of more to come.
"There have been indications that the North is getting ready to fire short-range missiles from the west coast," the source was quoted as saying.
The North has issued a warning for vessels to stay out of its coastal waters during daylight hours from October 12th-16th, Japan's coast guard said.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said Washington would continue its efforts to end nuclear weapons on the peninsula. "Our goals remain the same. We intend to work towards a nuclear free Korean peninsula," she told a news conference in Belfast. "Our consultation with our partners and allies continues unabated. It is unaffected by the behaviour of North Korea."
North Korean state media has so far made no comment about the missile launches, which in the past have often been accompanied by strident commentary attacking governments it considers out to do it harm - notably those of the United States, Japan and South Korea.
Reuters