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North Korea rocket activity being closely watched, South Korea says

Seoul said if North Korea does launch a long-range missile, it would violate Pyongyang’s obligations under international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

By Elizabeth Shim
North Korean soldiers patrol the banks of the Yalu River near Sinuiju, across the Yalu River from Dandong, China's largest border city with North Korea, in Liaoning Province, on May 28. On Sunday North Korea’s propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri claimed that South Korean media and the political opposition had said North-South relations must continue to thaw even if Pyongyang decides to launch a satellite via rocket. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI
North Korean soldiers patrol the banks of the Yalu River near Sinuiju, across the Yalu River from Dandong, China's largest border city with North Korea, in Liaoning Province, on May 28. On Sunday North Korea’s propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri claimed that South Korean media and the political opposition had said North-South relations must continue to thaw even if Pyongyang decides to launch a satellite via rocket. File Photo by Stephen Shaver/UPI | License Photo

SEOUL, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- South Korea said it is closely watching North Korea preparations for a missile launch and that military priorities have not been forgotten after tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang receded last week.

South Korean Defense Ministry deputy spokesman Na Seung-yong told reporters Monday that "Matters pertaining to North Korea's long-range missile launches are under U.S. and South Korea surveillance," South Korean outlet News 1 reported.

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"We do not yet know how military matters will fluctuate in North-South relations. We'll have to wait and see," Na said. "Our military has a fundamental obligation to keep an eye on the situation."

In early August, satellite images indicated North Korea had placed a large roof over a rocket-launching platform at Sohae Satellite Launching Station – where in 2012 North Korea launched the expandable carrier rocket Unha-3 that fell into the Yellow Sea.

The debris of a second stage launch fell into the Philippine Sea after an object had entered orbit.

Seoul has said in early August that it expects any North Korea launch around the Oct. 10 Workers' Party anniversary would be used as a provocation against the South.

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Na said if North Korea does launch a long-range missile, it would violate Pyongyang's obligations under international law and U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea must comply with international obligations on denuclearization," Na said on Monday.

Pyongyang, however, may have other priorities that may come into conflict with Seoul's position on rocket launches.

On Sunday North Korea's propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri claimed that South Korean media and the political opposition had said North-South relations must continue to thaw even if Pyongyang decides to launch a satellite via rocket, South Korean television network SBS reported.

Pyongyang also said in statement Seoul should not heed Washington's advice as it condemned the United States for meddling in inter-Korea affairs.

South Korea press reported North Korea's claims were false and that North Korea's statement was a prelude to blaming South Korea if Seoul joins the international community in condemning Pyongyang's missile launches.

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