"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695 on the Launch of Missiles by North Korea

[Place]
[Date] July 16, 2006
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

1. Japan welcomes that the resolution 1695 on the Launch of Missiles by North Korea was adopted unanimously at the United Nations Security Council on Sun, 16 July (15 July EST). The resolution condemns the launch of ballistic missiles including so-called Taepodong II ballistic missile by North Korea on Wed, 5 July, and includes measures to be taken by each country, especially North Korea, thereby sending a resolute message by the international community.

2. The act by North Korea is directly related to the security of Japan and Asia, and deeply deplorable from the viewpoint of the peace and security of the international community and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In light of this, Japan submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council immediately after the missile launches, and has been working toward the adoption of the resolution in close coordination with countries concerned.

3. The present resolution demonstrates the will of the international community to demand ceasing of its missile-related programme, re-establishment of a moratorium on missile launching, a swift return to the Six-Party Talks without precondition, and efforts toward early implementation of the Joint Statement of the Six-Party Talks in September last year.

4. Upon the adoption of the Security Council resolution which shows the will of the international community, Japan intends to make its utmost effort toward steady implementation of the present resolution in coordination with the international community. Japan strongly urges North Korea to implement the measures based upon this resolution. At the same time, the Government of Japan will continue to strictly implement export control measures and take appropriate steps necessary to control the transfer of financial resources, for the purpose of non-proliferation of missiles and weapons of mass destruction to North Korea.

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