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Posted on: Saturday, July 4, 2009

Admiral criticizes N. Korea's 'behavior'

 • N. Korea launches 7 Scud-type missiles

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye and Adm. Timothy Keating spoke about North Korea's missile threat yesterday in Waikiki before an event honoring Filipino veterans of World War II.

Keating said there's no real reason to be concerned right now.

"We're not concerned over a demonstration of their capabilities. We are concerned with their blatant disregard for standards of acceptable behavior," Keating said.

The United States is still pursuing "six-party" talks, Keating said, but there's no indication North Korea is moving to resume those talks.

Keating said he believes North Korea has the capability to fire an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) toward the United States or Hawai'i. Honolulu is more than 4,500 miles from North Korea.

"We believe they have the capability to do so but they haven't yet demonstrated the intent," he said.

Inouye, asked about North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, said: "He is asking for trouble."