LONDON, April 5 (Reuters) - North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il attended the launch of a long-range rocket by the reclusive communist state on Sunday, the official KCNA agency said.
Kim was briefed on the launch and observed it at the command and control centre, KCNA said.
'He met with the scientists and technicians who have contributed to the satellite launch by devoting all their wisdom and enthusiasm with ardent patriotism and warmly encouraged them before having a photograph taken with them,' the agency said.
North Korea says it successfully placed a satellite into orbit, although that was denied by the United States and South Korea.
Analysts say the launch was in effect a test of a ballistic missile designed to carry a warhead potentially as far as the U.S. state of Alaska.
'Expressing great satisfaction over the fact that scientists and technicians of the DPRK (North Korea) successfully launched the satellite with their own wisdom and technology, he (Kim) highly appreciated their feats and extended thanks to them,' KCNA said.
Kim suffered a suspected stroke last August and his public appearances are carefully monitored by diplomats and analysts for clues to his hold on power.
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the launch as provocative, South Korea said it was a reckless act and Japan said it was 'extremely regrettable'. China, the nearest North Korea has to a major ally, and Russia called on all sides for calm and restraint. Keywords: KOREA NORTH/KIM (Reporting by Jon Boyle; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
Kim was briefed on the launch and observed it at the command and control centre, KCNA said.
'He met with the scientists and technicians who have contributed to the satellite launch by devoting all their wisdom and enthusiasm with ardent patriotism and warmly encouraged them before having a photograph taken with them,' the agency said.
North Korea says it successfully placed a satellite into orbit, although that was denied by the United States and South Korea.
Analysts say the launch was in effect a test of a ballistic missile designed to carry a warhead potentially as far as the U.S. state of Alaska.
'Expressing great satisfaction over the fact that scientists and technicians of the DPRK (North Korea) successfully launched the satellite with their own wisdom and technology, he (Kim) highly appreciated their feats and extended thanks to them,' KCNA said.
Kim suffered a suspected stroke last August and his public appearances are carefully monitored by diplomats and analysts for clues to his hold on power.
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the launch as provocative, South Korea said it was a reckless act and Japan said it was 'extremely regrettable'. China, the nearest North Korea has to a major ally, and Russia called on all sides for calm and restraint. Keywords: KOREA NORTH/KIM (Reporting by Jon Boyle; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.