US says North Korea plans to build nuclear-able long-range missile

WASHINGTON, Jan 24 (KUNA) -- The US Defence Secretary Mark Esper believes North Korea is trying to build a long-range ballistic missile that is able to carry a nuclear warhead.
"Well, they have an aggressive R&D (research and development) programme and test programme, to say the least, and we monitor it very carefully, very closely. We are conscious of what they're trying to do," he told reporters.
However, he said at a Center for Strategic and International Studies forum that the US believes a "diplomatic initiative" with Pyonyang is the "best way forward." "At this point, we need to get back to the negotiating table and really figure out the best way forward to denuclearize the (Korean) Peninsula," he added. (end) osj.sd