NKorea releases footage of rocket launch

Seoul (AFP) April 7, 2009 - North Korea Tuesday released film footage of its rocket launch, two days after a blast-off which sparked international condemnation. The footage seen on South Korean TV showed a three-stage white rocket, bearing the word "Chosun" (Korea), soaring away from the launch site and into the sky. Yonhap news agency, which monitors the North's media, said the same footage was shown on the North' ... more

http://www.space-travel.com/reports/NKorea_releases_footage_of_rocket_launch_999.html

China says North Korea has right to peaceful use of space

Beijing (AFP) April 7, 2009 - China said Tuesday that North Korea had the right to peaceful use of space, as it refused to condemn its ally's weekend rocket launch. In its clearest comments yet since the blast off, China's foreign ministry said the United Nations should not overreact and that the most pressing concern was to restart stalled nuclear disarmament talks. "We hope relevant parties can maintain restraint a ... more

http://www.space-travel.com/reports/China_says_NKorea_has_right_to_peaceful_use_of_space_999.html

To quote:

North Korea's ruling communist party newspaper Rodong Sinmun meanwhile quoted leader Kim Jong-Il expressing regret that money spent on the exercise could not have been used to help his people, many of whom are starving.

"While preparing for this proud victory, the General (Kim) felt regret that more resources could not be used for the people's livelihood but said the people would understand him," the newspaper said.

"Our hearts are rent by the General's remarks."