US Denounces Test

North Korea launched a short-range missile into the Sea of Japan Sunday. The White House chief of staff, Andrew Card Jr., confirmed the launch, but did not seem to think the launch was militarily significant.

"We're not surprised by this. The North Koreans have tested their missiles before," said Card to CNN. "I think they're looking to kind of be bullies in the world."

There is growing frustration among some nations since six-nation talks with North Korea have been stalled for nearly a year. There is concern that North Korea could mount a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile able to strike American territory. Card said Sunday, "We don't know that he can, but there is increasing evidence of capability."

The missile was reported to be a Russian Made SS21 with a 75 mile range or a version of the Silkworm with a 63 mile range according to Japan's national Asahi newspaper.

"The missile that North Korea recently fired is a short-range missile and is far from the one that can carry a nuclear weapon," said South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Song Min-soon to South Korea's Yonhap news agency. "This isn't a case to be linked to the nuclear dispute."

FMI: www.whitehouse.gov