TOKYO, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Wednesday strongly protested against a satellite launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), saying the launch was "unacceptable" and violates the United Nations' relative resolutions.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at an emergency press conference that the launch threatened regional peace and stability and violated UN resolutions, adding the launch was "regrettable" and "unacceptable."
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said his ministry has expressed protest through diplomatic channels to the DPRK and has asked the UN to adopt severe sanctions on the DPRK over the rocket launch.
Japan has also requested the UN to convene an emergency Security Council meeting on Wednesday.