N. Korea Missile Advances Reported

Despite international pressure to curtail its missile program, North Korea is building at least two new launch facilities for the medium-range Taepo Dong-1 and has stepped up production of short-range missiles, U.S. intelligence sources said.

President Clinton, who arrives in South Korea today for a state visit, is scheduled to address the missile issue with his hosts as part of discussions on security matters. The administration is also trying to keep alive a nuclear agreement with Pyongyang at a time when U.S. policy toward North Korea is facing criticism as ineffectual.

Intelligence sources said North Korea is building a launch facility for the Taepo Dong-1 at a site that could be completed in 1999. Workers have completed bunkers for propellant fuel and are constructing a launch platform.