In a strong warning to North Korea, the Group of Eight leaders who met in Cologne, Germany, earlier this month said in a declaration that they "are deeply concerned about recent missile flight tests and developments in missile proliferation, such as actions by North Korea."
The statement reflects the initiative taken by Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who asserted that North Korea's suspected nuclear weapons program and its missile development "present problems not only for the security of Northeast Asia but also for global nonproliferation."
The declaration also said nuclear and missile tests by India and Pakistan "have increased tension in the region" and urged the two feuding countries to join international efforts for nonproliferation and disarmament.