Japan slams missile tests

2009-07-04 10:01

Tokyo - Japan condemned North Korea's latest missile launches on Saturday as a "serious act of provocation" against security in the region.

"It is a serious act of provocation against the security of neighbouring countries, including our country," Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said in a statement.

The government's top spokesperson also said the act was against UN Security Council resolutions, adding that Japan will work together with the United States and South Korea to swiftly handle the latest launches.

"Our country will never accept the act," Kawamura said. "We will strictly lodge our protest against North Korea."

North Korea on Saturday test-fired four more missiles following Thursday's launches, the South Korean defence ministry said, further stoking tensions sparked by its nuclear standoff with the international community.

Kawamura said at least the first two missiles were ballistic missiles, which were believed to have dropped into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

Kyodo News, quoting Japanese and South Korean government sources, reported the missiles may be home-made North Korean Rodong missiles.

Kawamura warned Tokyo would "promptly take appropriate measures" to implement a UN resolution passed in response to the nuclear test which authorises tougher inspections of North Korean shipments suspected of containing nuclear- and missile-related materials.

The move came after Japan introduced a new air-defence network system on Wednesday aimed at improving the nation's capability to counter airborne attacks, notably from North Korea.

Pyongyang has warned Japan to stay clear of some areas off its east and west coasts during military exercises lasting until July 11.

- AFP