Seoul (AsiaNews) - An anxious world waits for North Korea to complete preparations to launch a rocket that could be a disguised ballistic missile test. At the same time, Pyongyang is putting the final touches to the centennial anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung this Saturday, 15 April.
The Fourth Conference of North Korean's Workers' (Communist Party) opened this morning in the capital Pyongyang and named the late Kim Jong-il as 'eternal general secretary' of the party. He joins his father who holds the post of North Korea's "eternal president". The current ruler, Kim Jong-un, was instead appointed "first secretary" of the party.
"The historic conference of the Korean Workers' Party that opens today will demonstrate thoroughly the party and people's iron will and unwavering faith in following the path of victory led by dear comrade Kim Jong-Un," wrote the Workers' Party daily Rodong Sinmun.
Meanwhile, the regime's space plans continue. Paek Chang Ho, chief of the command centre, said the Unha-3 rocket is almost ready for liftoff. "And as for the exact timing of the launch, it will be decided by my superiors," he said.
Japanese intelligence sources expect the launch to be made on 13-14 April because the weather would prevent other dates.
The international community has repeatedly called on North Korea to stop the launch and put it aside. Even though Pyongyang claims its mission is "peaceful and scientific" in nature, everyone suspects it has military a purpose. Even Moscow and Beijing, North Korea's last partners, have called for the launch not to take place.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday that if the North wanted a "peaceful, better future" for its people it should not launch the Unha-3 rocket.
Last month, the United States agreed to resume humanitarian aid to North Korea on the condition that it suspend its nuclear programme.
In order to build and launch the rocket, the Communist regime has spent US$ 1.5 billion. At the same time, half of its people survive on one dollar a day.
