North Korea 'preparing to launch rocket'

South Korea says that North Korea has moved a long-range rocket to its north-western launch site in preparation for a launch.

Officials from the South Korean Defence Ministry and Joint Chiefs of Staff officials said that the information comes from the South Korean and US militaries.

They provided no further details and spoke on condition of anonymity.

North Korea says it will launch a satellite into space on a long-range rocket next month as part of its peaceful space programme.

The United States has warned the launch could jeopardise a recent deal that would ship US food aid to the North in exchange for a moratorium on missile and nuclear tests.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak urged North Korea to cancel a planned long-range rocket test, calling it "a provocative act that poses a threat to international peace and security".

Lee, speaking at a news conference with US President Barack Obama, said the North's plans are a violation of a UN Security Council resolution and a recent US-North Korea aid-for-nuclear-freeze deal.

"North Korea must immediately withdraw its launch plans and abide by international obligations," Lee said.