A spokesperson for the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea issued the following statement under the title "Illegal double standards can never be allowed in space, common asset of mankind" on Monday:

It is a space-level tragicomedy that the U.S., going frantic with illegal denunciation and sanctions moves over the exercise of the DPRK's sovereignty, has shown behavior based on double standards by launching a spy satellite of the "Republic of Korea" (ROK) in a shameless manner.

The U.S., zealously patronizing the possession of aggressive military muscle of its anti-DPRK stooges, impudently argues that the ROK's satellite launch is different in its character in the aspect of "observing international law" while asserting that the DPRK's satellite launch is a "threat" to the regional peace and stability.

Ten years ago, the U.S. claimed that south Korea's satellite launch is different from that of north Korea as the former has no military intention. And now we wonder how absurdly the U.S. would justify the launch of the ROK's spy satellite which has clear military purpose.

Today's tragic situation, where the legality of satellite launch is judged by whether it is conducted by the DPRK, an independent sovereign state, or by the ROK, a subordinate and pro-U.S. state, makes it possible to clearly understand who is the arch criminal wrecking peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and violating universal international norms.

It is as clear as noonday for what the spy satellite of the ROK, a military colony of the U.S., will be used, in consideration of the military moves of the U.S. hostile to the DPRK and the region.

If the gangster-like logic of the U.S., that its stooge can do anything and a country hostile to it can not exercise even the basic right as a sovereign state, is connived and tolerated, global peace and stability will be exposed to an irrevocable grave danger.

It is absolutely intolerable that such brigandish American-style standards are imposed even on space, an asset common to mankind.

To hold the stronger "fist" tightened with a brighter "eye" to cope with the U.S. high-handed practices and hegemonic ambition is the most important prerequisite for defending the legitimate rights of the DPRK and ensuring the regional security.

The DPRK's activities for space development will be conducted more dynamically in accordance with the general will of all the Korean people and equal universal authority of sovereign states granted by the UN Charter and other international laws, not with any legality standards or norms set by someone.

The National Aerospace Technology Administration of the DPRK will perfectly carry out, under the state's strategic space development plan, its important duty to create the aerospace reconnaissance capability for closely monitoring and grasping the military moves of the U.S. and other hostile forces which are getting ever-more undisguised with each passing day.