"They're trying to use the rationale of a legitimate space launch for a missile, which is in its foundation a military missile," Blair said, describing the rocket as a Taepodong, a multistage missile that may be capable of reaching Alaska.
During the briefing, Blair also condemned the human rights record of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, pointing to the widespread lack of food and fuel.
"I think when that regime finally cracks and the books are written about North Korea, it's going to be one of the saddest episodes in human history," he said.
"The statistics on the stunted growth -- physical and mental -- of the overall population in North Korea are just awful, unspeakable."
Despite persistent shortages, as well as a possible stroke that sidelined Kim last year, Blair indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies do not see a threat to the regime's hold on power.
"In the near term, at least, we can't expect some powerful alternative to Kim" to emerge, Blair said.
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greg.miller@latimes.com
