European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton has called on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from its satellite launch.

The high representative is "deeply concerned" by DPRK's announcement about plans to carry out a satellite launch this month, Ashton's chief spokesperson Michael Mann told Xinhua in a written interview on Tuesday.

This launch would be contrary to its international obligations, "particularly under UN Security Council Resolution number 1874," he added.

Mann said DPRK's actions would undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to create an environment conducive for the resumption of the six-party talks.

On DPRK's proposed nuclear test, Mann said, if this were to happen, it would also be contrary to its obligations. "That would be a reason for serious concern," he stressed.

On Monday, the rocket to be used in DPRK's planned satellite launch was installed on the launch pad. An official from the country's space development department said Tuesday that the launch will not harm the region and neighboring countries.

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