ニュース 2016/02/07 Statement strongly protesting North Korea’s ballistic missile launch On February 7, DPJ President Katsuya Okada issued the following statement. Today, North Korea went ahead with the launch of what is in effect a ballistic missile, with the rocket passing over Okinawa prefecture. This follows in the wake of the nuclear test conducted by the North on January 6, and is an outrageous act that threatens our nation’s peace and security. It is totally unforgiveable. We express our strong protest to North Korea regarding this act, and condemn it utterly. Moreover, not only is this missile launch a clear violation of successive United Nation Security Council resolutions, but it also takes place as the international community considers whether to implement new measures against North Korea with regard to the recent nuclear test. This is nothing less than a blatant challenge to the international community and international order. The Japanese government must continue to engage in patrol and surveillance activities, and information gathering and analysis, ensuring that the Japanese people are kept safe and provided with information, as well as working to prevent North Korean nuclear development and missile launches that violate UN resolutions, by cooperating and liaising closely with the United States, the Republic of Korea and China, and realizing the adoption of a new effective UNSC resolution. We also call upon the government to do their utmost toward solving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.