The threat of the lauch which would breach a UN resolution barring missile activities, has sparked angry reactions from the US, South Korea and neighbouring Japan.

Although North Korea claims it is merely wants to put a communications satellite into orbit, critics believe the real purpose of the rocket launch is to test the launch vehicle, a Taepodong-2 ballistic missile, which could, in theory, reach Alaska or Hawaii.

UN diplomats, anticipating a weekend emergency session of the Security Council if the controversial launch proceeds, said that a draft resolution had begun circulating that could reaffirm and tighten enforcement of sanctions imposed in October 2006 five days after a North Korean nuclear test.

North Korea has said it would launch a rocket at some time between Saturday to Wednesday between the hours of 0200 UTC to 0700 UTC.