Telephone Talks between Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, and Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, US Department of State, on the Launch of a Missile by North Korea

December 12, 2012
Japanese

On December 11, from 9:55 pm (local time) (11:55 am, December 12 Japan Time) for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, held telephone talks with Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, the U.S. on North Korea’s launch of a missile, which it calls a "satellite."
Both sides shared the recognition that North Korea’s launch despite strong urges for self-restraint from the international community was a grave provocation which undermines peace and stability of the region including Japan and the United States as well as of the international community, and also a clear violation of relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions, and that therefore such an act is intolerable. Also, in light of the action by North Korea, Ambassador Sherman stated that she would reaffirm the strong commitment of the United States for the defense of its allies.
Moreover, both sides concurred that they would continue close coordination between Japan and the United States concerning responses to be taken, including responses at the UN Security Council, also through the New York channel.

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