At an earlier news briefing, Kelly reiterated U.S.congratulations to Japan over the elections and said Washington's partnership with Tokyo will continue over a broad range of issues.

VOA: standard.2009.08.31

U.S.officials say the self-described satellite launch would only be a cover for a test of a long-range missile, perhaps a more advanced version of the one North Korea fired eastward over Japan in 1998.

VOA: standard.2009.03.25