(NSI News Source Info) TOKYO - April 3, 2009: The Japanese government was tight-lipped April 2 about North Korea's latest threat to "deal deadly blows" to the country if it intercepts Pyongyang's planned rocket launch.
"An interception would be made only if the flying object directly threatens the lives and assets of Japanese people," a Japanese defense ministry spokeswoman said, reading from a prepared statement. 
A North Korean soldier stands guard at his a post on a foggy day in this picture taken from the Dora observation post near the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas in Paju, about 55 km (34 miles) north of Seoul, Apri 2, 2009. Pyongyang has said it will send a satellite into orbit between April 4-8 but the United States, South Korea and Japan say the launch is a disguised test of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile, which is designed to carry a warhead to U.S. territory.
However, top Japanese government leaders and officials Thursday remained quiet on North Korea's threats to "mercilessly deal deadly blows" to Japan if it tries to shoot down what Pyongyang says is a satellite it intends to launch as soon as April 4.
Washington, Seoul and Tokyo believe the launch, which is set to cross northern Japan sometime between April 4 and 8, is a cover for testing a long-range ballistic missile that could - in theory - reach Alaska.
Japan has deployed land- and sea-based defense systems with guided interceptor missiles to destroy the rocket or its debris if it deviates from its expected course and threatens to fall on Japanese territory.
In northern Japan, meanwhile, officials held a briefing April 2 for local administrative officials on emergency readiness for the launch.
"Local municipalities should be on standby only as a precaution for an unexpected situation," said Cabinet Secretariat official Shuichi Sakurai. "We ask the Japanese people to conduct their business and activities as normal."
Japanese leaders have called for calm among the public, saying Tokyo believes the North Korean rocket is likely to follow its projected course.
The Japanese government would not attempt to shoot down the rocket if it follows its planned trajectory, top leaders have said.
A North Korean soldier stands guard at his a post on a foggy day in this picture taken from the Dora observation post near the demilitarised zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas in Paju, about 55 km (34 miles) north of Seoul, Apri 2, 2009. Pyongyang has said it will send a satellite into orbit between April 4-8 but the United States, South Korea and Japan say the launch is a disguised test of the long-range Taepodong-2 missile, which is designed to carry a warhead to U.S. territory.
However, top Japanese government leaders and officials Thursday remained quiet on North Korea's threats to "mercilessly deal deadly blows" to Japan if it tries to shoot down what Pyongyang says is a satellite it intends to launch as soon as April 4.
Washington, Seoul and Tokyo believe the launch, which is set to cross northern Japan sometime between April 4 and 8, is a cover for testing a long-range ballistic missile that could - in theory - reach Alaska.
Japan has deployed land- and sea-based defense systems with guided interceptor missiles to destroy the rocket or its debris if it deviates from its expected course and threatens to fall on Japanese territory.
In northern Japan, meanwhile, officials held a briefing April 2 for local administrative officials on emergency readiness for the launch.
"Local municipalities should be on standby only as a precaution for an unexpected situation," said Cabinet Secretariat official Shuichi Sakurai. "We ask the Japanese people to conduct their business and activities as normal."
Japanese leaders have called for calm among the public, saying Tokyo believes the North Korean rocket is likely to follow its projected course.
The Japanese government would not attempt to shoot down the rocket if it follows its planned trajectory, top leaders have said.
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