Japan condemns N Korea's nuclear programme plan

Japan today condemned North Korea for its plan to start a new nuclear weapons program using enriched uranium and plutonium in response to the latest UN resolution against the reclusive country.

"It is very regrettable that North Korea is taking action that poses a serious challenge to the UN Security Council," Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said, adding North Korea has ignored the voices of the international community.

Full compliance with the UN resolution would benefit North Korea, Kawamura said, requesting the communist country not to pursue isolation.

On Friday, the Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution expanding sanctions against the North for its nuclear test last month.