North Korea 'to mount satellite for rocket launch'

North Korea is poised to complete preparations for its rocket launch scheduled for later this week, an official said in Pyongyang.

A satellite will be installed on the Unha-3 rocket by the end of Tuesday, the official told foreign journalists in a rare press conference.

The North Korea Unha-3 Rocket Launch Infographics

The official dismissed concerns that the launch was a cover for developing missile technology as "nonsense".

Three Asian airlines have made changes to flight paths to avoid the rocket.

"We are expecting to complete assembly by today," said Ryu Kum-chol, deputy director of the space development department at the Committee of Space Technology.

He said the launch - scheduled between 12-16 April - was part of the peaceful development of a space programme. North Korea says it will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of late leader Kim Il-sung.

But the opponents of the move say it contravenes UN resolutions that were imposed after a similar launch in April 2009.

Russia said on Tuesday said that Pyongyang's plans showed ''disregard'' for the resolutions.