Report: North Korean Sub Missile Launch 'Fails'

North Korea attempted to launch a ballistic missile from a submarine Saturday afternoon, according to a South Korean official cited by local media.



"The North appears to have failed in its launch," news agency Yonhap "ed the official as saying.



Floating debris was spotted following North Korea's reported attempt at around 2.30 p.m. (0530GMT).



Inter-Korean ties looked to be on an upward trajectory following talks at the border this week.



Seoul and Pyongyang are set for vice minister-level dialogue next month in line with an Aug. 25 cooperation deal.



But North Korea had also long been suspected of planning a provocation such as a rocket launch or a nuclear test -- the reclusive state is barred from either action under multiple United Nations resolutions.



Cautious hopes were raised within the South when a key North Korean anniversary came and went in October without any significant event beyond a military parade in Pyongyang.



An SLBM test by the North in May had prompted concern and condemnation from South Korea and its military ally the United States, not least because of the heightened nuclear threat posed by such technology.



Tensions have remained high on the Korean Peninsula for decades as the North and South never signed a peace treaty at the close of their 1950-53 war. - Seoul-t'ukpyolsi