Japanese FM: Denuclearized DPRK has the right to run space program

www.chinaview.cn, Fang Yang, 2009-04-07 21:16:31

TOKYO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said Tuesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will be entitled to run a space program on condition that it has been denuclearized.

At a press conference for foreign correspondents in Tokyo, Nakasone said that if the DPRK comprehensively settles the nuclear, missile and abduction issues, Japan is willing to normalized relations with Pyongyang.

Concerning the DPRK's rocket launch on Sunday, he reiterated that it violated UN. Security Council resolutions 1695 and 1718, which prohibit the DPRK from engaging in any ballistic missile activities.

Nakasone urged the United Nations Security Council to adopt a fresh resolution to make the DPRK realize the "consequences of such a provocative act."

The DPRK says that it has the right to send up a satellite as part of its peaceful space program but countries such as Japan and the United States believe that the rocket launch constitutes a clear violation of UN. resolutions.