NATO Calls On Pyongyang To Cancel Rocket Launch

NATO has called on North Korea to cancel plans for its second rocket launch of 2012, saying it would violate UN resolutions.

NATO ambassadors in a statement expressed "grave concern at North Korea's declared intent to launch a rocket using ballistic missile technology this month" and said the move could further destabilize the Korean peninsula.

North Korea's state news agency announced the decision to launch another rocket capable of carrying a space satellite on December 8.

Media reports say North Korea told neighbors it would take a path similar to that planned for a failed rocket launch in April.

On December 3, Russia and China urged Pyongyang to abort the planned rocket launch, with Moscow saying it would violate restrictions imposed by the UN Security Council.

Based on reporting by AFP and RFE/RL