United States Joins Japanese Condemnation of North Korean Plans

The United States has joined Japan in issuing warnings to North Korea over a planned rocket launch. The rocket, which North Korea says is designed to carry a satellite into space, is scheduled to launch in mid April, in celebration of what would have been Kim Il-sung's 100th birthday.

Japan, the United States, and others say that the rocket launch is a test of a long range missile. Such a test would be in violation of current agreements between the governments.

To avoid issues with Japan, North Korea has moved the trajectory to a more southerly course, that should avoid Japanese airspace completely. But Japan is still reading missile defenses in case the rocket crosses into their airspace, and may decide to shoot it down.

The new course takes it towards Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated that such a trajectory has never been seen before. Adding that the possibly effected countries have been asked to join the condemnation of the launch.