North Korea's Kim Jong-Un calls for more rocket launches

February 19, 2016 09:35

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un says his reclusive nation plans more "satellite launches" -- which the West sees as a cover for ballistic missile tests -- calling space exploration a "strategic goal", state media said

today.

"Conquering space is ... a fierce class struggle against the hostile forces seeking to usurp our peace and sovereignty", Kim was quoted as saying at a Wednesday awards ceremony for those involved in this month's rocket launch.

He also underscored the need to successfully launch "more working satellites", Pyongyang's KCNA news agency said.

"The advance toward space... is the DPRK's (North Korea's) strategic goal", he said.

Calling the scientists involved in the February 7 launch "best patriots and admirable heroes", Kim gave out medals, prizes and wristwatches bearing the names of the two late leaders of the Kim dynasty -- Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il.

North Korea sparked international outrage with the launch of the Kwangmyongsong-4 satellite, which came just a month after its fourth nuclear test.

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