N Korea to launch satellite in April

North Korea Friday announced it will launch a "working" satellite next month on the centenary anniversary of the birth of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. The official Korean Central News Agency, quoting a spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology, said the "working satellite, Kwangmyongsong-3, manufactured ... with indigenous technology" is set to be launched between April 12 and April 16. The birth anniversary of the late Kim Il Sung, founder of North Korea and grandfather of North Korea's new leader Kim Jong Un, is celebrated April 15. The report said the isolated Communist country, whose nuclear program and missile tests are a source of international concern, said it "will strictly abide by relevant international regulations and usage concerning the launch of scientific and technological satellites for peaceful purposes and ensure maximum transparency … ." The launch will take place "southward from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Cholsan County, North Phyongan Province between April 12 and 16, lifted by carrier rocket Unha-3," the announcement said. The report said the launch will "greatly encourage the army and people" of North Korea in the building of a thriving nation.