[Editorial] North Korea should call off rocket launch plans

Posted on : 2012-12-03 15:16 KST Modified on : 2012-12-03 15:16 KST

North Korea announced on Dec. 1 that it plans to launch another long-range rocket. A statement from the Korean Committee for Space Technology declared that the second Kwangmyongsong-3 would, like the first, be an Earth observation satellite in polar orbit. It is scheduled to be launched southward from the West Sea satellite launch site in Cholsan County, North Pyongan province, by the carrier rocket Unha-3 between Dec. 10 and 22. However North Korea describes it, this launch is an inappropriate move that will only stir up concern in the international community and tensions on the peninsula.

North Korea is maintaining that its launch constitutes peaceful exploration and use of space. It has also said it would abide fully by international regulations and practices. Its argument would be easier to accept had it not engaged in provocative behavior in the past, such as nuclear experiments and long-range missile launches. The Outer Space Treaty recognizes the right of every country to explore space for scientific and economic purposes. But the United Nations Security Council also passed Resolutions 1718 and 1874, barring North Korea from nuclear testing and any launch with ballistic missile technology after its 2006 missile launch and 2009 nuclear test. The plan to launch a rocket was in clear violation of UN resolutions back in April, and it is now too.

There are a few different ways to read North Korea’s late-year announcement. One possibility is that it wants to build legitimacy for the almost one-year-old Kim Jong-un regime with a successful rocket launch before the end of 2012. These internal concerns look to have been an important factor in its insistence on trying again after April’s failed attempt. It may also have wanted to pick a time when leadership was in flux in the US, China, and Japan in order to get a leg up in future negotiations.

In particular, the decision to time the launch around the South Korean presidential election can’t be seen as anything other than a blatant attempt to affect its outcome. Also, the announcement of the plans just after South Korea’s own launch of the Naro was postponed seems to have had the goal of diluting international criticism.

Whatever justification it offers, there is very little likelihood that Pyongyang’s aims will be achieved. South Korean voters have gotten wise to its past efforts to influence elections, and there is virtually no chance of their being roped in this time. Indeed, the real likelihood is that they will become even more distrustful of North Korea.

Washington and Tokyo are already issuing stern warnings, and there is a good chance of additional UN sanctions. Pyongyang needs to stop this self-isolating, pointless, and reckless behavior and commit itself to improving its people’s lives, promoting stability, and building international trust. For the sake of everyone, we look forward to a wise decision.

 

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

 

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