North Korea to launch long-range rocket this month
Seoul - North Korea plans to launch a long-range rocket this month, the isolated regime said Saturday through its state media, a move set to sharply raise tensions in North-east Asia.
Previous tests by the nuclear-armed Communist state have been condemned as violations of UN resolutions, especially by South Korea, Japan and their ally, the United States, and punished with sanctions.
South Korea - which holds a presidential election on December 19 – immediately voiced "grave concern" about the "provocation" and warned of a "strong response" from the international community.
The United States also condemned the planned launch, calling on Pyongyang to honour its international obligations.
"A North Korean 'satellite' launch would be a highly provocative act that threatens peace and security in the region," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement.
"Devoting scarce resources to the development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles will only further isolate and impoverish North Korea," she said. "The path to security for North Korea lies in investing in its people and abiding by its commitments and international obligations."//DPA
