Japan warns N Korea of stern int'l response if it conducts nuclear test

Japan again urged North Korea on Wednesday to abolish its nuclear programs and warned Pyongyang of a stern international response should the North go ahead with a nuclear test it declared Tuesday.

"A nuclear test will be unacceptable and Japan strongly demands that North Korea observe the U.N. Security Council resolution" reached in July, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in a parliamentary session. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hakubun Shimomura described North Korea's actions as "deplorable." He added that if a nuclear test is carried out, it would be an "unacceptable" and "serious threat" to the peace and safety of Japan and the rest of the world.