S. Korea, U.S. to discuss missile development in talks: official

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, July 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States will likely discuss
allowing Seoul to develop longer-range missiles in future security talks as North
Korea continues to heighten its missile threat, an official here said Tuesday.
South Korea has agreed with the United States -- its foremost ally that has
28,500 troops stationed here -- not to develop missiles with a range of over
300km due to proliferation concerns.
The voluntary ban that has been in place since 2001 recently came under fire as
North Korea tested a barrage of missiles off its east coast and launched a rocket
that could theoretically reach Alaska.
"I believe the issue can be discussed between working-level officials of the
United States and South Korea," Won Tae-jae, spokesman for the defense ministry
in Seoul, told reporters.
The two allies hold such talks every two months, while the Security Consultative
Meeting between their high-level officials is scheduled for October.
Won's comment came after a senior U.S. military official here reportedly
indicated to lawmakers' aides last week that his country will consider allowing
South Korea to extend the missile range.
The U.S. Forces Korea said it has yet to confirm the report with the official.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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