North Korea said to be readying missile test

WASHINGTON - North Korea is making plans to test an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the United States and the launch could come soon, US officials said today.

One official told Reuters there was some debate over the timing of a possible test but a second official said it could happen within the coming weeks.

Japanese media for several weeks have reported there have been signs of North Korea making preparations to test a multiple-stage Taepodong 2 missile since early May.

"There is no doubt about it, that is to say they are engaged in missile test preparations completely consistent with launching a missile," said one government source, speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity of the subject matter.

The second official said: "There are truly signs that they are going to go ahead with this .... (and it could come) within the next week or so."

- REUTERS