Japan strongly protested the launch of the North Korean rocket over its territory on April 5, branding Pyongyang's move "extremely regrettable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura stated that even if the object launched was a satellite, it was in violation of UN resolutions1. He also stated that Tokyo will decide on new sanctions, to be decided at the cabinet meeting on April 10, to punish North Korea.

In other developments, President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, currently on a state visit to Japan, stated that he will be seeking Japanese investments in the country and take steps to promote energy cooperation and establish a strategic alliance between the two countries2.

• 1. “Japan protests "regrettable" N.Korean rocket launch,” Reuters, April 4, 2009, at http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSTKE004254
• 2. “Chavez visits Japan to boost energy cooperation,” Xinhua, April 6, 2009, at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-04/06/content_11137411.htm