North Korea missile launch: a chorus of protest

5 Jul, 2006 06:14 / Updated 18 years ago

Widespread international condemnation followed a missile launch by North Korea. The exact number of firings remains unclear.

The U.S and Japan reported six in the air, while a South Korean news agency said ten missiles, some of them long-range, had been tested. One is assessed capable of reaching the United States. Japan is expected to ask for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council in protest. Russia’s foreign ministry said the tests would heighten concern over North Korea's nuclear programme.