North Korea starts fuelling rocket, makes new threat

Seoul: North Korea has begun fuelling a long-range rocket and could launch it by the weekend, CNN said, with the United States and others threatening punishment for a move they say violates UN resolutions.

Pyongyang has said it will send a satellite into orbit between April 4-8, but the United States, South Korea and Japan say the launch is a disguised test of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile, which is designed to carry a warhead to US territory.

Senior US military officials quoted by broadcaster CNN on Wednesday said the fuelling indicates the rocket could be ready to launch by the weekend. North Korea's rocket plans have clouded discussions of the G20 meeting of global leaders in London.

Japan has sent missile-intercepting ships along the rocket's flight path, which takes it over the Asian economic power, and said it could shoot down any debris such as falling booster stages, that threatens to strike its territory.

North Korea, which has issued numerous threats concerning the launch, used some of its strongest language in its latest rhetorical blast, with a spokesman for the North's military saying it will "deal a retaliatory lightening of fire" against Japan if it tries to shoot down the rocket.

The launch will be the first big challenge for US President Barack Obama in dealing with the North.

AP

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South Korean protesters march during a rally against North Korea's missile programme in Seoul yesterday.

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This satellite image collected on Sunday shows a missile on the launchpad at Musudan-ni, North Korea.