(2nd LD) N. Korea has ballistic missiles in range of U.S. mainland: U.S. admiral

(ATTN: CORRECTS typo in lead para)
By Hwang Doo-hyong
WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (Yonhap) -- North Korea possesses long-range ballistic missiles that can reach the mainland United States as well as Hawaii, Admiral Timothy Keating of the U.S. Pacific Command said Thursday.
"North Korea, I think, does have intercontinental ballistic missiles that can
reach the United States," Keating said in a news conference at the National Press
Building here. "Remember, that would include Hawaii and territories of the United
States in our area of responsibility in the Pacific. So, yes, I think they do
have that capability."
The admiral, however, said that his command is "prepared to deal with that
eventuality should it -- that situation present itself. By increased capabilities
in ballistic missile defense, we in the United States Pacific Command are more
prepared to address that issue should it develop."
North Korea test-fired a long-range missile in 2006 for the second time after a
similar one in 1998 amid conflicting reports about the success of the tests.
The ballistic missile launched in July 2006 flew less than one minute before
diving into the East Sea that adjoins Japan.
Some experts, however, say the flight time is enough to prove the North's
ballistic missile capability, while others say differently. In 1998, a missile
from North Korea flew over Japan and reached seas off Alaska.
Shocked by the North's ballistic missile capability, then-U.S. Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright visited Pyongyang in late 2000 to persuade the North to
abandon its strategic weapons programs.
Then-President Bill Clinton agreed to visit the North Korean capital to conclude
talks on weapons of mass destruction in his waning months, but never made the
trip, citing a lack of time.
The agreement was shelved by Clinton's successor, George W. Bush, who refused to
deal directly with North Korea, which he designated as part of an axis of evil.
Keating would not say if Pyongyang has developed a nuclear warhead small enough
to be loaded on a long-range missile or any other delivery system.
"I am not going to give you a yes or no answer," he said, but added that the U.S.
is prepared to deal with any nuclear threat "should that situation present
itself."
Theories vary on the North's nuclear capabilities.
U.S. intelligence reports say that North Korea has several nuclear warheads,
although the U.S. government does not officially acknowledge the North as a
nuclear weapons state.
On the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, Keating said he does not know
specifics, but added the reclusive leader "is alive, and he remains in control of
the North Korean government."
Despite rumors of Kim's health failure and the escalating tension on the Korean
Peninsula due to chilling inter-Korean ties, the U.S. Pacific Command has not
changed its defense posture, the admiral said.
Kim is said to have suffered a stroke and undergone brain surgery recently.
North Korean media, however, recently launched a campaign to release photos of
Kim making public appearances after his absence from public view over the summer
triggered rumors of illness.
Based on the photos of Kim, South Korean experts and intelligence sources say he
has some problems with his left hand, which is mostly covered by gloves,
apparently from the aftermath of the stroke.
hdh@yna.co.kr
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