N. Korea's rocket in position for launch

TONGCHANG-RI, North Korea -- North Korea has moved all three stages of a long-range rocket into position for a controversial launch, vowing yesterday to push ahead with its plan in defiance of international warnings against violating a ban on missile activity.

The Associated Press was among foreign news agencies allowed a firsthand look at preparations under way at the coastal Sohae Satellite Station in northwestern North Korea.

North Korea announced plans last month to launch an observation satellite using a three-stage rocket during mid-April celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung. The United States, Japan, Britain and other nations have urged North Korea to cancel the launch, warning that firing the rocket would violate UN resolutions and North Korea's promise to refrain from engaging in nuclear and missile activity.

North Korea maintains the launch is an achievement intended to improve the nation's economy by providing detailed surveys of the countryside.

"Our country has the right and also the obligation to develop satellites and launching vehicles," Jang Myong Jin, general manager of the launch facility, said during a tour. "No matter what others say, we are doing this for peaceful purposes."

Experts say the Unha-3 rocket slated for liftoff between April 12 and 16 could also test long-range missile technology that might be used to strike the United States and other targets. North Korea has tested two atomic devices, but is not believed to have mastered the technology needed to mount a warhead on a long-range missile.

All three stages of the 91-ton rocket were visibly in position at the launchpad, and fueling will begin soon, Jang said.