N Korea revises rocket launch dates

Tokyo/Seoul, February 6

North Korea had earlier told the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) it would launch the rocket some time between February 8 and Febraury 25, triggering international opposition from governments that see it as a long-range missile test.

Japan and South Korea said North Korea had issued a notice to airmen that the launch would take place some time between Sunday and the following Sunday (February 14).

Isolated North Korea says it has a sovereign right to pursue a space programme. But it is barred under UN Security Council resolutions from using ballistic missile technology.

Tension has been high on the Korean peninsula following the North’s fourth nuclear test, on January 6. A rocket test now would compound fears about North Korea putting a nuclear warhead on a missile that could reach not only South Korea and Japan but possibly even the west coast of the US.

North Korea last launched a long-range rocket in December 2012, sending into orbit an object it described as a communications satellite.

The new time frame was set amid rising expectations that a launch was likely to happen soon, with US government sources on Friday saying North Korea could be ready by the US Super Bowl kickoff on Sunday, which will be Monday in Korea.  — Reuters