North Korea readies rocket for liftoff
PYONGYANG, North Korea -- A rocket was fueled up yesterday in preparation for what appeared to be an imminent liftoff while the country's young leader strengthened his power with a new title, making him the nation's top political official.
Kim Jong Un was named first secretary of the ruling Workers' Party, a new post, while his late father, Kim Jong Il, was given the posthumous title of "eternal general secretary" at a special party conference, Korean Central News Agency reported.
Kim Jong Un's formal ascension, nearly four months after the death of his father, comes during a week of events leading up to celebrations Sunday marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather, the late President Kim Il Sung.
It's a major milestone in the nation Kim Il Sung founded in 1948, and the streets were awash with new posters, banners and the national flag. Outside the city's war museum and the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium, women in traditional dress gathered in clusters, practicing for this week's events.
North Korea has thrown open its doors to dozens of journalists from around the world for the week's events designed not only to honor Kim Il Sung but also to demonstrate unity as Kim Jong Un takes power.
One of the marquee events is a satellite launch poised to take place as early as today that has raised international concern.
Space officials call the launch of the Unha-3 rocket, mounted with an Earth observation satellite, a "gift" to Kim Il Sung. They said the final step of injecting fuel into the three-stage rocket was under way in Tongchang-ri.
A live feed at the General Command Center in the outskirts of Pyongyang showed the rocket on the launchpad, covered with a tarpaulin to protect the satellite from the wind.
Paek Chang Ho, chief of the command center, said the rocket is ready for liftoff as soon as engineers get the green light.
North Korea has informed international aviation, maritime and telecommunications authorities that the launch would take place between today and Monday.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 37: Long Island championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg has a roundup of the Long Island championships played this weekend, and Jared Valuzzi has the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 37: Long Island championships On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg has a roundup of the Long Island championships played this weekend, and Jared Valuzzi has the plays of the week.
