N. Korea bans navigation of ships in Sea of Japan areas+

TOKYO, June 8 Kyodo -
The Japan Coast Guard issued an alert to ships Monday as North Korea has banned
vessels from passing through part of the Sea of Japan, a move that could
suggest Pyongyang plans to launch more short-range missiles.

The fresh navigation ban covers some 260 kilometers of the coast of Wonsan in
the eastern part of North Korea and 100 km of the sea from the shore. The coast
guard has received a warning issued by Pyongyang effective between 8 a.m. and 8
p.m. from June 10 to June 30.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said Japan ''cannot deny the possibility
that (North Korea) will fire missiles, including ballistic missiles, in
response to developments of the U.N. Security Council and other moves.''
Kawamura said Japan is seeking that the Security Council adopt a strong
resolution that includes additional sanctions as well as urging North Korea to
comply with Security Council Resolution 1718, which bans Pyongyang from
pursuing nuclear or ballistic missile programs.
In May, North Korea set a similar ban for vessels operating in areas off Wonsan
and Kimchaek, a northeastern coastal city, before launching six short-range
missiles from May 25 to 29, which was confirmed by the South Korean government.
On April 5, North Korea launched a long-range missile from Musudan-ri. The
first stage fell into the Sea of Japan and the second stage flew over Japan and
landed in the Pacific Ocean.
On May 25, North Korea fired three short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan
after conducting its second nuclear test.
==Kyodo