The
South Korean Defense Ministry has confirmed that North Korea will launch
its space rocket from the northwest coast of the country.
The ministry also confirmed that the South Korean
armed forces are prepared to detect and intercept the rocket or its
fragments when they reach the airspace, territory or waters of the
country.
Pyongyang is expected to launch the rocket
southwards from Sohae, which lies in the northeast of the country near
the border with China, so the possibility of some fragments falling on
South Korea in case of any error cannot be ruled out.
The Japanese news network NHK reported that there
have been observations of the movement of a mobile launch pad to another
North Korean base in Tonghae in the northeast, raising the possibility
of additional smaller missile launches.
However, the Defense Ministry in Seoul said that such information "has not been verified."
North
Korea on Tuesday notified United Nations agencies of its intention to
launch an aerial observation satellite between February 8-25.
The
US and Japan joined South Korea in urging North Korea to cancel the
operation suspecting it to be a covert long-range missile test that
would violate UN resolutions imposed against the Communist country due
to the nuclear tests and missile launches conducted by it in recent
years.
China, North Korea's historic and primary
ally, also requested Kim Jong-Un's regime to act "with caution" and
avoid actions that can increase tension, while recognising at the same
time that it can do nothing to prevent the launch.
While
Pyongyang asserts its right to peaceful space development, the majority
of the international community considers its rocket technology as being
similar to the ones used in intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The
announcement of the launch of a new satellite comes after Pyongyang
carried out its fourth nuclear test on January 6, an action the UN
Security Council condemned and for which it is considering imposing
additional sanctions against the country.
Reuters
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