O Hi Dok, vice-minister of Post and Telecommunications, said thanks to the patriotic devotion of leader Kim Jong Il the space technology of the DPRK has reached a high stage and a scientific and technological foundation has been laid for launching the above-said satellite.

Hwang Chol Phung, a department director of the ministry, said the satellite launch will fully demonstrate the dignity and honor of Kim Il Sung's nation and Kim Jong Il's Korea. He expressed the will to devote all his enthusiasm to steadily developing the communication technology and updating equipment and operation means as required by the Songun era.

Ryu Pong Chol, vice-director of the Hydro-Meteorological Service, said a working satellite successfully manufactured according to the DPRK's policy of space development and its peaceful use is expected to be launched on the occasion of the centenary of birth of President Kim Il Sung, adding that this will be a great auspicious event to be conveyed to posterity along with the nation's history of prosperity.

Sim Myong Ok, vice-director of the Central Meteorological Research Institute, and Kim Tae Il, a section chief of the Hydro-metrology Marine Information and Communication Centre, sent warm congratulations to the scientists and technicians for having achieved leaping progress in the field of space science and technology and established a firm foundation for launching the working satellite and its normal operation.

Sim and Kim vowed to learn from the ardent creative spirit and patriotic devotion displayed by them and register greater successes in putting the receiving equipment of the meteorological satellite on a Juche-oriented basis and thus make a positive contribution to the building of a thriving nation.