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S. Korea closely monitors N. Korean missile development

TOKYO, June 23 (KUNA) -- South Korea said Friday that it is closely monitoring North Korea's missile development in cooperation with the US amid a news report that the North has conducted another rocket engine test, Yonhap News Agency reported.
"South Korea is closely monitoring the situation under the collaboration with the US," a Unification Ministry spokesman was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing. South Korea's unification ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, reiterated an assessment by military authorities in Seoul that the North is continuing activities aimed at advancing its missile capabilities.
Earlier this week, North Korea conducted the test of a rocket engine that could be seen as part of the North's program to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), American media reported, citing US officials. Meanwhile, South's military would not confirm the report of Pyongyang's move. "We are keeping close tabs on the possibility," a Joint Chiefs of Staff official told reporters. If confirmed, the North's move marked the first time since March that it carried out a ground test of a new high-thrust rocket engine. The news of the North's latest rocket engine test, possibly for the second or third stage of a missile, came amid concern that it has nearly obtained full technology for an ICBM capable of hitting the US mainland. (end) mk.ha