Japan Parliament Condemns N. Korea's Nuke Test

Tokyo, Jan. 8 (Jiji Press)--Both chambers of Japanese parliament adopted resolutions on Friday condemning the fourth nuclear test by North Korea as "an outrageous act that can never be tolerated." The moves followed Pyongyang's proclamation on Wednesday of a successful test of a hydrogen bomb. The resolutions noted that the nuclear test clearly violates a series of U.N. Security Council resolutions, the 2005 six-party joint statement on North Korea's nuclear programs and the 2002 Pyongyang declaration between Japan and North Korea. The resolutions pressed North Korea to abandon its nuclear programs, accept inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and work on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. In addition, the resolutions urged the Japanese government to lead discussions at the U.N. Security Council as a nonpermanent member to help the U.N. panel address the matter. After the House of Councillors adopted its resolution in the morning, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan will deal with North Korea in a firm and resolute manner by taking steps including its own sanctions while strengthening coordination with the United States and other countries in the international community. Tokyo will urge Pyongyang to act to bring a comprehensive settlement to a range of issues including its abductions of Japanese nationals and its nuclear and missile development, Abe said. END