Tokyo, May 8 (UNI) Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea in connection with a missile launch, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters.
"We continue to analyze the data regarding the launch of a ballistic missile, which, as we believe, was launched at about 09:20 a.m. and flew about 800 kilometers, reaching a maximum flight altitude of 100 kilometers. The missile's flight took place along an unusual trajectory... These launches of ballistic missiles violate the provisions of UN Security Council resolutions and pose a serious problem for ensuring the security of our citizens. We have sent a strong protest to North Korea and expressed strong condemnation of these actions," the minister told reporters.
He said the protest was sent through diplomatic channels.
The press conference was broadcast by the NHK television channel.
Earlier reports said North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles from the city of Wonsan toward the Sea of Japan.
UNI SPUTNIK GNK