(2nd LD) N. Korea says it is preparing to launch `satellite`

(ATTN: RECASTS lead, REPLACES quotes with English language statement, UPDATES with
plan for further satellite launches, Kim Jong-il's recent inspection of military
unit, analysts' views)
By Kim Hyun
SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Tuesday it is preparing to launch a
"satellite" from its northeastern coast, renewing its claim to the right to space
development and denying intelligence reports that it may test-fire a long-range missile.
"Outer space is an asset common to mankind and its use for peaceful purposes has
become a global trend," an unnamed spokesman for the North's Korean Committee of
Space Technology said.
The spokesman called the planned satellite "experimental communications satellite
Kwangmyongsong-2" and said it will be launched by means of a delivery rocket
called Unha-2. The preparations are "now making brisk headway" at Tonghae
Satellite Launching Ground in Hwadae County, North Hamgyong Province, the
country's northeast, the spokesman said.
"When this satellite launch proves successful, the nation's space science and
technology will make another giant stride forward in building an economic power,"
the spokesman said in an English language statement carried by the official
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The statement did not say when the launch would take place. But it signaled that
the North was nearer to the launch than it was a week ago, when it announced a
satellite plan as part of its "space development" program.
Last week's statement also denied intelligence in Seoul and Washington that the
communist country was moving a long-range missile that in theory may be capable
of reaching the U.S. West Coast.
"One will come to know later what will be launched in the DPRK," the KCNA said on
Feb. 16 -- leader Kim Jong-il's birthday. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea, the North's official name.
North Korea made a similar claim after launching what it called satellite
"Kwangmyongsong-1" in 1998. Pyongyang insisted it had succeeded in putting the
satellite in orbit while the U.S. later concluded it was a failed satellite
launch, as Pyongyang had not yet mastered the required solid-fuel technology.
Despite the failure, the launch marked North Korea's first attempt to fly a
three-stage rocket and led the Bill Clinton administration to initiate missile
talks with Pyongyang.
In 2006, the North tested a long-range Taepodong 2 missile, but it failed about
40 seconds after blast-off. Pyongyang then acknowledged its missile launch.
Expert say missile and satellite technologies are easily convertible.
In Tuesday's statement, North Korea said its satellite program has achieved
"signal progress" over the past 10 years and now plans to put a multiple number
of "practical satellites" into orbit for communications, natural resources
development and weather forecast purposes.
The statement followed North Korean media reports on Monday that leader Kim had
visited the Large Combined Unit 264 of the Korean People's Army. The military
unit's location was not identified, but Kim's recent itinerary suggests it is
likely in North Hamgyong Province, where the satellite launch site is located.
Analysts said North Korea will launch a satellite, not a missile as suggested by
intelligence sources. A missile card is too risky for Pyongyang that hopes to
mend ties with the new U.S. administration, and a satellite launch can be equally
useful for drawing economic concessions from regional powers, said Koh Yu-hwan, a
North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University.
"It's not just the U.S. that is concerned about this issue. Russia and China are
also worried," Koh said. "North Korea may demand all the parties in the six-party
talks either pay incentives for giving up its satellite program or launch one for
the country on its behalf."
In a related sign, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during her Asia
trip last week that Pyongyang's missile program will be included in the six-party
nuclear talks grouping the Koreas, the U.S., China, Japan and Russia.
The latest round of the negotiations ended without a breakthrough in December
because of the dispute over how to verify North Korea's past nuclear activity. A
fresh round has yet to be scheduled.
Paik Hak-soon with the Sejong Institute, an independent think tank, said North
Korea wants to press Washington for quick negotiations with a satellite launch.
"The Barack Obama administration has been procrastinating announcing its North
Korea policy, while continuing to say it will be different from the Bush
administration and will seek direct dialogue," Paik said.
He also said North Korea wants to show off to its people to strengthen North
Korean leader Kim's leadership. Kim has set 2012 as the target year by which to
rebuild the country amid global economic woes and falling outside aid.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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