Tokyo
JAPAN called for a strong response yesterday from the United Nations (UN) Security Council to North Korea’s rocket launch, which analysts said was a test of a long-range ballistic missile, but Tokyo acknowledged that divisions remained.
Washington, Tokyo and Seoul said the launch violated security council resolutions, imposed in 2006 after a nuclear test and missile tests, that ban the firing of ballistic missiles by Pyongyang.
“If the violation is left as it is, the credibility and the authority of the security council will be undermined,” Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said.
“We are working with countries involved so that the security council can together send out a strong message soon.”
The five permanent members of the UN body — the US, Britain, France, China and Russia — plus Japan met at UN headquarters on Monday to explore a possible compromise on a response to the launch. But with Beijing and Moscow urging caution, no agreement was reached.
Russia and China have made clear they would veto any attempt at new sanctions.
“It is important for the security council to issue a strong and unified message,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said.
Japan’s lower house of parliament passed a resolution yesterday calling on the international community to enforce sanctions against North Korea and urging Japan’s government to impose additional measures.
Kawamura said that among the possible steps, which analysts say would be mostly symbolic, were tighter rules for sending money to North Korea.
Analysts said Sunday’s launch of the rocket, which soared over Japan during its 3200km flight, was effectively a test of a ballistic missile with a potential range capable of carrying a warhead as far as Alaska.
The US military said no part of the Taepodong-2 rocket entered orbit, despite Pyongyang’s claim it carried a satellite now transmitting data and revolutionary music as it circled the Earth.
North Korean state television broke into regular broadcasting yesterday to show footage of the rocket taking off from the Musudan-ri missile base in the northeast of the country. Reuters
