Rocket launch a gift to late North Korean leader
PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea parlayed the success of last week’s rocket launch to glorify leader Kim Jong Un and his late father on Sunday, the eve of the first anniversary of his death.
The successful firing the rocket on Wednesday — ostensibly to place a satellite in space — was a clear sign that Kim will continue carrying out his father Kim Jong Il’s policies even if they draw sanctions and international condemnation.
The West sees the rocket as a thinly-disguised way of carrying out UN-banned tests of long-range missile technology, which it says not only threatens regional stability but is also a waste of resources when the country is struggling with a chronic food shortage.
There are concerns also that in upcoming weeks, Pyongyang will press ahead with a nuclear test, necessary in the march toward building a warhead small enough to be carried by a long-range missile.
At a sombre memorial service Sunday, North Korea’s top leadership eulogized Kim Jong Il and his son, who is certain to have gained national prestige and clout by going ahead with the rocket launch.
Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of North Korea’s parliament, credited Kim Jong Il with building Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program, and called the satellite launch a “shining victory” and an emblem of the promise that lies ahead with his son in power.
Top military official Choe Ryong Hae, meanwhile, warned that the army was prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty.
Wednesday’s launch was North Korea’s second attempt in eight months to fulfil Kim Jong Il’s 14-year quest to put a satellite into space.
International experts confirmed that the rocket succeeded in reaching space.
Criticism of the launch was swift.
The United States called it a covert test of missile technology, and UN Security Council condemned the launch as a violation of resolutions barring Pyongyang from developing its nuclear and missile programs.
Kim Jong Un made clear his intention to treat Wednesday’s successful launch as a gift to his father.