Bulgaria Worried by N Korea Rocket Launch Plans

South Korean activist tear a North Korean flag during a rally against North Korea`s planned rocket launch, in Seoul, South Korea, 20 March 2012. EPA/BGNES

Bulgaria has expressed its serious concern over North Korea's intention to launch a rocket in April 2012 to carry a satellite into orbit.

"We believe that this act is contrary to the moratorium announced by North Korea on February 29 2012 on nuclear testing and the launch of long-range missiles, and could hamper efforts to resume six-party talks and the establishment of lasting peace and security on the Korean peninsula," the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry has said in a statement.

"We call on the DPRK authorities to adhere to their international commitments, in particular to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874, and to reconsider this decision."

On March 16, North Korea announced that its 'Unha-3' rocket carrying the 'Kwangmyongsong-3' satellite will blast off from its satellite launching station in western North Korea between April 12 and April 16 2012.

The US, Russia, South Korea and Japan have all condemned the planned launch, saying it violates a UN ban on all North Korean launches using ballistic missile technology.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!