TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said on Saturday that the United Nations should swiftly adopt "stern measures" if North Korea goes ahead with its planned nuclear test.
"Japan welcomes the statement by the president of the UN Security Council ... which expresses deep concern" over Pyongyang's threat to test a nuclear bomb, Aso said in a statement.
"Upon the issuance of the statement, Japan strongly urges North Korea to refrain from conducting a nuclear test. Should North Korea carry out a nuclear test despite the common concern expressed by the international community, Japan believes the Security Council should swiftly adopt a resolution that contains stern measures," he said.
The Security Council unanimously adopted a Japanese-drafted statement on Friday which made no explicit threat of sanctions but expressed "deep concern" over the North's announcement that it planned to test a nuclear device.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said he will be seeking common ground with his counterparts from China and South Korea during his first foreign trip starting Sunday.
Abe has taken a hardline stance on North Korea, while the leaders of China and South Korea have favoured a more conciliatory approach.
