North Korea plans to launch an "earth observation" satellite using a carrier rocket in April, according to their official news agency, a move that would potentially violate U.N. Security Council demands.
The announcement could also threaten a deal struck with the U.S. last month with the United States in which Pyongyang agreed to halt nuclear tests, long-range missile launches and enrichment activities in exchange for food aid.
Previous satellite launches by North Korea have been widely viewed as ballistic missile test launches in disguise.
The last so-called satellite launch, in April 2009, was condemned by the U.N. Security Council, saying it breached a resolution forbidding North Korea from conducting "missile-related activities." The Security Council demanded that North Korea not conduct any further launches.
The official news agency reported Friday that the planned launch, scheduled for between April 12 and April 16, is to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. The centenary of his birth is a huge event in the North Korean calendar.
The Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite will be "blasted off southward" from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the western province of North Phyongan, according to the official report, adding that "a safe flight orbit has been chosen so that carrier rocket debris to be generated during the flight would not have any impact on neighboring countries." |