BUSH : N.Korea Missile Launch Would be UnAcceptable

The test-firing of a long-range missile by North Korea would be "unacceptable," President Bush said Thursday.

"We both agree that it's very important for us to remain united in sending a clear message to the North Korean leader that, first of all, launching the missile is unacceptable," Bush commented in a joint news conference with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

U.S. officials have said that intelligence shows North Korea may be preparing to launch a long-range missile; Washington and Tokyo also have warned against such a move. A Japanese newswire reported that China also has warned Pyongyang not to go ahead with the test.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il "hasn't told anybody where the missile's going," according to Bush. "He has an obligation, it seems like, to me and the prime minister, that there be a full briefing to those of us who are concerned about this as to what his intentions are."