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(AP) -- North Korea says it has notified international agencies of its plan to launch a satellite next month.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday that the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Maritime Organization and the International Telecommunication Union were informed of the launch. There was no immediate confirmation.

North Korea's space committee announced its intention Friday to launch an observation satellite into space on a rocket next month. It is the same type of rocket used for long-range missiles.

The U.S., Japan and others have warned North Korea the launch would violate a ban on nuclear and missile testing. China has also expressed its concern.

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