By RIA Novosti
Moscow : New test launches of short-range missiles by North Korea prove that the Communist regime has plans to continue with its missile programme, a high-ranking Russian defence source said.
South Korean media reported Thursday that North Korea had fired two short-range anti-ship missiles into the Yellow Sea to the west of the country.
"Test launches of short-range missiles conducted by North Korea Thursday indicate that the country is pushing ahead with its missile program," a source in the Russian defence ministry said.
It is the second time in a fortnight that Pyongyang has launched a short-range missile into its coastal waters.
In late May, Japanese media said North Korea had launched several missiles towards the sea of Japan, while South Korean intelligence reported only one short-range missile as part of Pyongyang's regular drills.
However, some experts and media said that the missile test could have been in response to South Korea's launch of its first Aegis-equipped destroyer.
Pyongyang's weapons tests have brought international pressure to bear on the country over its nuclear programme, and it is being pushed to meet its February commitments on disarmament, particularly the shutdown of its nuclear reactor in return for aid.
However, North Korea is still waiting for the outcome of a banking dispute over the release of $25 million of its funds held in a Macao bank that the US blacklisted in 2005 on counterfeiting and money laundering charges.
The Russian source warned Thursday that a successful completion of North Korea's missile program could spark a new round of the arms race in the region.
"Asian Pacific countries that do not possess missile technologies will attempt to get hold of them," the Russian expert said.