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ROK envoy urges DPRK to refrain from launch

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-16 13:50

TOKYO -- Wi Sung Lac, chief delegate of the Repulic of Korea (ROK) at the six-party talks, on Monday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to refrain from the planned launching action.

Related readings:  DPRK reopens border for South Korean workers  Japan, ROK warn DPRK on missile launch  Yonhap: DPRK likely to fire a rocket from April 4-8  DPRK Premier to visit China

The visiting ROK envoy renewed the call after talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone.

Wi told reporters that ROK and Japan will take appropriate measures and raise the issue at the UN Security Council if the DPRK launches a satellite or test-fires a missile.

The two sides also discussed efforts to be made for the early resumption of the stalled six-party talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, said Wi.

The DPRK declared on February 24 that it plans to launch a communications satellite as part of a peaceful space program, but countries such as the United States, Japan and ROK believe that it may in fact plan to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile "Taepodong-2".