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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

S. Korea: North plans n-test

Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea – Recent satellite images show North Korea is digging a new tunnel in what appears to be preparation for a third nuclear test, according to South Korean intelligence officials.

The excavation at North Korea’s northeast Punggye-ri site, where nuclear tests were conducted in 2006 and 2009, is in its final stages, according to a report by intelligence officials.

Its release comes as North Korea prepares to launch a long-range rocket that Washington and others say is a cover for testing missile technology that could be used to fire on the United States.

The Obama administration said Monday it would consider both a rocket launch and an underground nuclear test as highly provocative acts.

“In each case this would be an indication of North Korea’s decision at the leadership level not to take the steps that are necessary to allow North Korea to end its isolation …,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told a news briefing in Washington.