Korea asks for int’l cooperation for success of nuclear summit

North Korea said Saturday it will invite a group of foreign experts and journalists to observe its launch of earth observation satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 next month.

"The Korean Committee for Space Technology will invite experienced foreign experts on space science and technology and journalists to visit the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, the General Satellite Control and Command Center and other places and observe its launch," the North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a brief dispatch from Pyongyang.

"The relevant bodies of the DPRK sent necessary information to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and others according to international regulations and procedures as part of the preparations for the launch of Kwangmyongsong-3," said the KCNA.

Earlier on Friday, North Korea announced that Unha-3 rocket carrying Kwangmyongsong-3 will blast off from its satellite launching station in North Pyongan Province between April 12 and 16, while noting that the launch of a satellite built by indigenous technology is designed "to mark the 100th birth anniversary of President Kim Il-sung," the country's founder and the late grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un.

The KCNA also carried separate reports on festive mood among people from all walks of life.

Kim Jong-su, vice minister of Physical Culture and Sports, was quoted as saying,"The news makes me feel pride in living as a citizen of Kim Il-sung's nation and Kim Jong-il's Korea." (Yonhap)