North Korea prepares to launch rocket

North Korea allowed members of the foreign media to visit the site where it plans to launch a rocket later this week. North Korea says will it carry a weather satellite into space, but the U.S., Japan and South Korea are calling it a disguised ballistic missile test.

North Korea dismisses the claims.

Director of the launch site, Jang Myong Jin saying:

"If it were a ballistic missile it would have to be hidden in an underground chamber, or would need to be carried on board another vehicle for protection. If it were not, then it would be useless in a real war."

Media were shown a satellite which North Korea says will be loaded into the rocket. It will also play the "Song of General Kim Il-sung" and the "Song of General Kim Jong-il" in space.

Two missile launches have failed in the past, but Washington says North Korea's missile program is progressing quickly and that the American mainland could come under threat within five years.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.