N Korea Sets Rocket Launch Date

[tekisui]

Source: Al Jazeera

North Korea has given notice that it will launch what it calls a communications satellite into orbit sometime between April 4 and April 8, South Korea's government has confirmed.

The widely anticipated launch has been seen by some intelligence agencies as a cover for a test of its longest-range missile.

North Korean authorities have also informed international organisations of safety measures related to the impending launch, the North's KCNA news agency said on Thursday.

It said the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Maritime Organisation and other international organisations had been passed "necessary information for the safe navigation of planes and ships according to relevant regulations".

The North first announced the planned launch last month.

It has said the rocket will carry the country's second satellite, Kwangmyongsong-2, following what it has claimed was a previous satellite launch in 1998.

more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/03/20093124711787197.html