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Report: DPRK issues ship ban in coastal waters

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-08 13:40

TOKYO -- Pyongyang issued a message banning ships from operating in part of the Sea of Japan, the Kyodo News reported on Monday.

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The move could suggest the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) plan to launch more short-range missiles, said the report.

According to the message, vessels should not pass through or operate in an area that covers 60 km of the coast of Wonsan in the eastern part of the DPRK and 100 km of the sea from the shore.

It is possible that the DPRK will fire missiles, including ballistic missiles, in response to developments of the UN Security Council and other moves, said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura.

The top government spokesman said Japan urges the UN Security Council to adopt a strong resolution that includes additional sanctions and calls on Pyongyang to comply with the Security Council Resolution 1718.

Before launching six short-range missiles from May 25 to 29, the DPRK warned vessels not to operate in areas off the DPRK's ports of Wonsan and Kimchaek.