The DPRK made clear the peaceful and scientific purposes of its satellite launch, informed international bodies of it in advance and is pushing forward the preparations in line with international regulations and practices, the statement said.

Nevertheless, the U.S., south Korea, Japan and other hostile forces are taking issue with the DPRK's satellite launch, describing it as a missile launch, it noted, adding this is part of their anti-DPRK movements.

It went on:

The hostile forces are still persisting in the anti-DPRK moves over the satellite launch and nuclear issue.

It is a universally recognized fact that the cause of and blame for the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula rest with the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean puppet clique.

The U.S. and its followers should have a clear understanding of the DPRK and give up their anti-DPRK moves.

The DPRK is a full-fledged nuclear weapons state. We fully support the DPRK's plan for launching the satellite for peaceful purposes.