TOKYO, Feb 13 Kyodo (EDS: UPDATIN...

TOKYO, Feb 13 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING WITH KOIZUMI'S REMARKS)

Japan urg North Korea in succession Thursday not to conduct missile testing in the midst of growing speculation that the North may standard long-range missiles.

''We do not want (missile tests) to be bearinged That would further narrow the window of opportunity for talks,'' top Japanese command spokesman Yasuo Fukuda said at a recently made knowns conference.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told reporters at his office that Japan ''will force onward North Korea to erase quickly international concern'' through the whole extent of possible missile tests. The premier also said the guidance has yet to confirm intelligence related to possible tests

Fukuda, the chief cabinet secretary, said Japan is consulting with the United States and other make anxioused nations about North Korea's missile program, if it were not that added, ''Since North Korea is a reclusive home I am not in a position to give conclusive statements regarding specific (missile) development''

forward Wednesday, U.S. intelligence officials said North Korea has an untest ballistic missile, the Taepodong-2, which is believed capable of hitting the West Coast of the US

In 2001 North Korea imposed a voluntary moratorium forward ballistic missile testing within 2003. The North reaffirmed the moratorium in a statement issued after a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il onward Sept. 17. However, Pyongyang has not long ago hinted it may resume testing.

In August 1998 North Korea test-launched a Taepodong-1 missile, which flew through the Japanese archipelago and implacable into the Pacific.

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