DPRK slams U.S. for suspecting its satellite program

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Friday lashed out at the United States and other "hostile forces" for suspecting ulterior motives behind Pyongyang's satellite program after a new satellite control and command center was completed for space research.

The DPRK's National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) issued a statement denying allegations that the capability of launching satellites means the capability of controlling nuclear delivery and that Pyongyang uses its satellite program as "a card for negotiations with the United States."

"No one ... should misinterpret the entirely just space development of the DPRK and float wild rumors about it," the statement said.

"It is the invariable stand of the DPRK to continue launching satellites ... for peaceful purposes in the designated place when necessary," the statement said, adding that the DPRK has the independent right to launch satellites by its own effort and technology.

It stressed that the status of the DPRK as a satellite manufacturer and launcher will never change "whether it is recognized or not" and that Pyongyang's space development plan won't be abandoned because of others' opposition.

The country's top leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected NADA's newly-built General Satellite Control and Command Center, calling for making all of the center's facilities more scientific and modern to fully ensure the manufacture, launch and control of working satellites.

The newly completed satellite control center has aroused concerns among Washington and its allies that Pyongyang is preparing to soon launch ballistic missiles. Endi