Singapore condemns North Korea's spy satellite launch
A rocket carrying a spy satellite Malligyong-1 is launched, as the North Korean government claims, in a location given as North Gyeongsang Province, North Korea in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on Nov 21, 2023. (Photo: KCNA via Reuters)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore has condemned North Korea's launch of its reconnaissance satellite on Nov 21, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Saturday (Nov 25).
On Tuesday, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) conducted a rocket launch believed to be carrying what's been called a spy satellite from its Sohae facility on the west coast.
North Korea's Malligyong-1 reconnaissance satellite was believed to have entered into orbit about 12 minutes after takeoff, with South Korea’s military acknowledging the launch's success the next day.
MFA said the launch "violates United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting the DPRK from any launch using ballistic missile technology".
"This latest provocation by the DPRK raises tensions on the Korean Peninsula and jeopardises peace, security, and stability in the region."
South Korea, Japan and the United States have also criticised the launch.
South Korea's intelligence agency has assessed that the satellite was unlikely to be functioning after it examined debris from rockets used in two failed launches by North Korea in May and August.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency said Pyongyang would be launching several more satellites to better watch over South Korea and other areas of interest, to help North Korea prepare for "dangerous" military moves by its "enemies".
"We strongly urge the DPRK not to proceed with any plans for further satellite launches," said MFA.
"Singapore reiterates our longstanding call on the DPRK to cease all provocations immediately and abide by its international obligations and commitments."
