Japan to respond if NKorea conducts third nuke test

Japan is prepared to give a "necessary response" if North Korea conducts a third nuclear test Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone said today.     

The remarks came after the US media reported yesterday that North Korea is preparing to conduct another nuclear test, following its second nuclear test last month.     

Commenting on the reports, Nakasone said that Japan is collecting the necessary information on the matter.     

"If, by chance, such a thing happens (nuclear test by North Korea), I think we have to make a necessary response and especially be in close contact with concerned countries," Nakasone said.     

Meanwhile speaking at a conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said, "complying with a Security Council resolution is the only way for North Korea to survive in the international community in the future."     

Fox Television reported that Pyongyang is ready to conduct another nuclear test if the UN Security Council adopts a new resolution which would impose additional sanctions on the country.