North Korea to launch long-range rocket

In April 2009, a long-range missile test failed when its first stage fell into the Sea of Japan without orbiting a satellite, provoking outrage in Tokyo, which had threatened to shoot down any debris or rocket that threatened its territory.

Another test failed in similar circumstances in 1998.

Experts said the latest launch was clearly another long-range missile test, designed to pressure Washington into advancing stalled nuclear disarmament negotiations.

The North, which said recently it would suspend long-range missile testing as part of talks with the United States, said on Friday it had already launched two experimental satellites.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said the new launch would be a violation of a UN Security Council resolution, according to Jiji news service. There was no immediate comment from officials in Seoul about the latest rocket launch.

Foreign officials have also said the secretive state's past launches are disguised long-range missile tests. The North said it would be a satellite launched southwards from a base near its west coast and would have no impact on neighbouring countries, saying the launch was for "peaceful purposes".

The launch will take place between 12 - 16 April, KCNA said. It is scheduled to occur at around the same time its foes in the South hold a parliamentary election, and just over three weeks after a global nuclear security summit in Seoul.