LOC10:09
07:09 GMT
TOKYO, July 29 (KUNA) -- Japan strongly condemned North Korea's test-firing of a ballistic missile late Friday, which landed in waters within Japan's exclusive economic zone.
"Despite repeated warnings from the international community, North Korea launched a ballistic missile again, which landed in our exclusive economic zone," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters Saturday.
"This missile launch follows its recent test-firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)-class missile and clearly shows that North Korea's actions pose a serious and real threat to Japan's security," said Abe.
"We strongly protest against North Korea and condemn this in the strongest words. As long as North Korea continues with this kind of provocative action, there is no other choice than collaborating closely with the US and South Korea, as well as with countries including China and Russia, and the international community, and further strengthening the pressure," the premier noted.
Abe held the National Security Council meeting, in which he instructed relevant ministries and agencies to collect and analyze information, promptly provide accurate information to the public, secure the safety of aircraft and ships, and take necessary measures to respond to any situation.
The Japanese government said that North Korea fired the ballistic missile eastward at 11:42 (15:42 GMT) on Friday, which flew about 45 minutes before falling into waters. According to South Korea's military, it flew about 1,000 kilometers and reached an altitude of 3,700 km. There were no reports of damage to vessels or aircraft navigating in the area.
On July 4, the North test-launched an ICBM capable of reaching parts of the US including Alaska on July 4. (end)
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