North Korea Asserts Sovereign Rights with Satellite Launches and Border Restorations

North Korea warned that it will continue exercising its sovereign rights, including satellite launches, while its troops were reported to be restoring some demolished guard posts on the border with South Korea. The North Korean foreign ministry said the launch of a reconnaissance satellite last week was prompted by the need to monitor the United States and its allies. It views the launch as a legal and just way to exercise its right to defend itself. South Korean defense officials and analysts said North Korea's claims about the satellite's capabilities have not been independently verified.