North Korea

Pyongyang threatens retaliation if UN condemns satellite launch

Article published on the 2009-04-08 Latest update 2009-04-08 08:56 TU

Image of the rocket launch from the WorldView1 satellite
(Photo: DigitalGlobe)

As the US, South Korea and Japan push for a strong UN Security Council response to North Korea’s rocket launch, the country’s deputy ambassador to the UN says the country will take “strong steps” against any condemnation.

“Every country has the inalienable right to use outer space peacefully,” said Pak Tok-Hun, North Korean deputy UN ambassador.

Pak insisted that the rocket launched a satellite, not a missile, after new footage of the rocket launch was released on Tuesday.

While Japan suggested on Wednesday that North Korea had made technological advances in recent years.

A government spokesperson said that Japan thought the rocket was larger and was launched in a more sophisticated manner.

Meanwhile, the US continues to insist that the rocket was a disguise for testing a long-range Taepodong-2 ballistic missile, although the launch failed.

And US Vice-President Joe Biden has said he wants more involvement from China and Russia in the diplomatic process.

"What I'd like to see is a strong condemnation and a united effort on the part of the Chinese,” said Biden in an interview on CNN.

North Korea is set to convene parliament on Thursday and it is likely that the rocket launch will help to further strengthen Kim Jong Il and his leadership of the country.