White House condemns N. Korea missile test
(AP)
Updated: 2006-07-05 18:50 The president was keeping abreast of the situation while dining with guests
in the East Room on fried chicken, Cajun shrimp and chocolate birthday cake
topped with a replica of the White House. The provocation from halfway around
the world didn't dampen the fireworks. After the light show, loud cheers and
applause could be heard from the South Lawn.
About two weeks ago, in anticipation of the tests, the North American
Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado was put on heightened alert, or
"Bravo-Plus" - a status slightly higher than a medium threat level. NORAD
and the US Northern Command are responsible for defending US territory.
However, the missile firings - launched within minutes of Tuesday's
liftoff of the shuttle Discovery - were not viewed as an eminent threat
against America.
"It's very difficult to know what the North Koreans think they are doing this
for," Hadley said. "Obviously, it is a bit of an effort to get attention,
perhaps because so much attention has been focused on the Iranians."
Michael Green, Bush's senior adviser on Asia until he stepped down in
December to work for a think tank, said he's not surprised that the Taepondong-2
failed because it has not undergone comprehensive testing. He said it showed
North Korea's President Kim Jong Il's diplomatic and technical ineptitude.
"This is not a good day for the dear leader," Green said.
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