LOC13:21
10:21 GMT
TOKYO, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- North Korea said it will launch more satellites as any sovereign country has the right to develop a space program, the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported Monday.
Local media in South Korea also said that "North Korea will place into space more satellites, including a stationary one, in accordance with its five-year space development program as it seeks to improve its economy and people's livelihood, said the Rodong Sinmun," Seoul main newspaper said.
"Some countries have manipulated UN sanctions resolutions against us and hindered the sovereign country's space development. It is not a tolerable act," the newspaper said.
"It is a global trend that a country seeks the economic growth with the space program."
The claim is seen as North Korea's attempt to build the case for its possible launch of a long-range rocket, according to Yonhap.
Pyongyang fired a long-range rocket in February 2016 following one in December 2012.
The report comes amid speculation that it is preparing more provocative acts, as the Voice of America recently said that satellite imagery showed two new buildings were spotted in the country.
North Korea has refrained from provocations for more than a month after its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sept 3rd.
North Korea is banned from developing ballistic missiles under a series of UN sanctions. (end)
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