Pyongyang on Monday extended the period for its planned rocket launch by a week to Dec 29 because of technical problems.

Observers said the Democratic People's Republic of Korea has felt mounting pressure from the international community in the past 10 days since it announced the launch, and has shown more prudence.

The Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite had been scheduled for launch between Monday and Dec 22 at the Sohae Space Center on a Unha-3 carrier rocket, with Pyongyang saying it would fully comply with international rules during the launch.