N Korea to Invite observers to monitor satellite launch

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) would invite international observers to monitor the launch of its new satellite, a report by the official news agency KCNA said. The South Korean Committee for Space Technology (KCST) would "invite experienced foreign experts on space science and technology and journalists to visit the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, the General Satellite Control and Command Center and other places to observe its launch," the report said. The report said that South Korea had informed the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and others in line with international procedures. South Korea announced Friday it would launch an "earth observation" satellite, or the Kwangmyongsong-3, using a long-range Unha-3 rocket to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il-sung. The satellite will be launched south of Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province, between April 12 and 16, the KCNA reported. A KCST spokesman said Friday the launch was for "peaceful purposes" and would "strictly abide by relevant international regulations."