Senator Mark Begich Statement on North Korea Readying Long-Range Missile Test

June 2, 2009 -- Senator Mark Begich released the following statement in response to news that North Korea is preparing to test an advanced missile capable of traveling 4,000 miles, a distance that would put population centers in Alaska and U.S. bases on the Pacific island of Guam within striking distance:

"The latest action by North Korea reinforces the need for us to complete the fielding of the final 14 interceptors at Fort Greely for a total of 40. I made the case yesterday to Defense Secretary Gates on our tour at Greely, and I will continue to push for full funding of this program as we need a fully deployed system to adequately protect Alaska, Hawaii and the rest of the country against rogue nations like North Korea.

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It may be just one missile positioned today, but who knows what surprise North Korea will announce next? Their recent testing of a multi-stage missile in April, several short-range missiles last week after an underground nuclear test, and now preparations for another long-range missile this week, is not the direction we want North Korea to continue heading.

We need to send a strong message to our adversaries that the United States means business and our missile defense capabilities are prepared to respond to the aggressive actions of those who are unwilling to follow the rules of the international community against missile testing. I am concerned and the international community should be as well."

Source: Senator Mark Begich