Seoul Warns Pyongyang Against Satellite Launch

Seoul on Monday warned North Korea that any satellite launch would be a serious violation of UN Security Council sanctions banning the use of ballistic missile technology.

The Foreign Ministry in a statement said such a "manifestly illegal activity... cannot be justified by any excuse" and warned that Pyongyang will "pay the consequences" if it goes ahead with the launch.

The North on Monday notified Japan -- but not South Korea -- that it plans to launch a satellite between May 31 and June 11.

Seoul said the launch will only heighten tensions in and around the Korean Peninsula over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea has repeatedly announced plans to launch a spy satellite. But the rocket carrying it into space is essentially the same as an intercontinental ballistic missile.

South Korea is likely to seek further international sanctions against the North if the launch goes ahead.