Recalling that the DPRK succeeded in putting its experimental communications satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 into orbit by means of carrier rocket Unha-2, the statement said this shows that the DPRK's science and technology for peaceful use of outer space have reached the high level.

However, the U.S., Japan and south Korea defined the DPRK's launch of satellite as "launch of long-range missile" from the outset and are scheming to apply international "sanctions" against the DPRK, it charged.

Such moves are quite contrary to "the spirit of mutual respect and equality" stipulated in the September 19 joint statement for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and they will only aggravate the situation in the peninsula and Northeast Asia, it warned.

The statement said that the Communist Party of Sweden rejects absurd "sanctions" attempted by the forces hostile to the DPRK, reminding that to use outer space for peaceful purposes is the legitimate right of all sovereign states.

It held that the U.S., Japan and south Korea have no right to interfere in the DPRK's plan for space development and the UNSC, too, has no authority to do so.