North Korea's leader has ordered more satellite launches, state media said on Friday, two days after Pyongyang's long-range rocket launch triggered global outrage and UN condemnation.
Kim Jong-Un, who oversaw Wednesday's launch, stressed the need "to launch satellites in the future... to develop the country's science, technology and economy," according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
North Korea says it placed a satellite in orbit for peaceful research, but critics say the launch amounted to a banned ballistic missile test.
The UN Security Council held emergency talks after the North, already under international sanctions for nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, ignored pleas from friends and foes and went ahead with the launch.
The council warned of possible measures over what the United States called a "highly provocative" act as the US and countries including South Korea and Japan pressed for stronger sanctions against Pyongyang.
Kim had issued the final written order for the rocket launch on Wednesday morning and "keenly observed" the whole process, said KCNA, unveiling new details of the leader's whereabouts on the day.
By placing a satellite in orbit, North Korea "showed at home and abroad the unshakable stand... to exercise the country's legitimate right to use space for peaceful purposes," Kim said, according to KCNA.
"The launch means the fulfilment of Kim Jong-Il's last wish," said Yoo Ho-Yeol, a political science professor at Korea University in Seoul.
"As such, it helps cement Jong-Un's grip on power and strengthens his authority over the North's military elites, securing their loyalty and a sense of solidarity under his leadership," Yoo said.
N. Korean leader urges more satellite launches: state media
North Korea's leader has ordered more satellite launches, state media said on Friday, two days after Pyongyang's long-range rocket launch triggered global outrage and UN condemnation.
Source: AFP
