Japan disappointed with Iran missile tests, urges peace efforts

TOKYO, July 11 Kyodo - Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura expressed disappointment Thursday over Iran's test-firing of missiles the previous day, coinciding with the final day of the three-day Group of Eight summit of major industrialized nations in Hokkaido.

The top Japanese government spokesman also urged all parties concerned to hold ''sincere efforts'' to build peace in the Middle Eastern region which wouldlead to peace throughout the world.

''I wonder what kind of international sense they have in launching (the missiles) purposely on the last day of the summit, and I feel trulydisappointed,'' Machimura told a press conference.

''It is because they take this kind of action that discussion about imposing sanctions (on Iran) becomes intensified and enhanced, and I believe such an action would certainly not be beneficial for realizing the peace and stabilityof the international community,'' he said.

Iran on Wednesday successfully test-fired nine long- and mid-range missiles, including the Shahab 3 missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers, Iraniantelevision reported.

Press TV reported that the launches were carried out by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps on the second day of a military exercise ''in response to threats coming from (the) U.S. and Israel.'' ==Kyodo