Ministry of Unification on North Korea's Reconnaissance Satellite Deployment Plan: "Compliance with Moratorium"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Unification urged North Korea on the 10th to comply with the "moratorium" (a suspension of nuclear tests and ICBM launches) following North Korea's announcement of deploying a large number of reconnaissance satellites within five years.

At a meeting with reporters that day, a Ministry of Unification official commented on North Korea's report revealing Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party, inspecting the National Space Development Agency and the reconnaissance satellite plan, stating, "We urge North Korea to cease any further acts of tension and to act for peace by adhering to the moratorium it pledged to the international community."

He added, "Without presuming North Korea's intentions, we will closely monitor North Korea's developments in close cooperation with the United States and other relevant countries and the international community, preparing for all possibilities."

On the same day, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported that General Secretary Kim, after inspecting the National Space Development Agency, announced plans to deploy a large number of military reconnaissance satellites diversely within five years. Since reconnaissance satellite launch technology is almost identical to intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology, this statement is analyzed as implying a potential breach of the moratorium.

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