Seoul, Aug 17 (Xinhua) The South Korean foreign ministry said Monday it is inappropriate to compare the country's rocket launch, scheduled Wednesday, with that of North Korea's missile tests.

Last week, Pyongyang said it will closely monitor South Korea's rocket launch to check whether the UN Security Council would take any action against Seoul for the tests.

Foreign ministry spokesman Moon Tae-young said his country respects the international law related to arms reduction, anti-proliferation, and peaceful use of the space.

'The rocket will be launched in a clear, safe way for a peaceful purpose,' Moon said.

The UN Security Council had imposed financial sanctions against Pyongyang after a series of rocket launch April 5.