The government May 26 welcomed the U.N. Security Council's quick opposition to North Korea's nuclear test but continued to scramble for a fresh response to Pyongyang's latest provocation.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura JAPAN TIMES PHOTO

Prime Minister Taro Aso and U.S. President Barack Obama agreed during a phone conference May 26 that Pyongyang's nuclear test was "a serious threat to the peace and stability of Northeast Asia and the international community," and that a swift adoption of a U.N. resolution against the reclusive state is necessary.

They also confirmed that Japan, the United States and South Korea will cooperate more closely over North Korea, and stressed the importance of coordinating with China and Russia.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said the government was considering the possibility of holding phone conferences with Chinese and Russian leaders.

He said he had not received word on whether Japan would draft a U.N. resolution but refused to rule out the possibility.

"Considering that we asked for a Security Council (meeting), I believe that Japan is fully capable of playing a central role in the discussions."

The government's top spokesman added that Japan would focus on crafting an effective resolution, rather than becoming preoccupied with slapping additional sanctions on the North.

"Discussions must be on how to make the resolution effective because the fact is North Korea did not follow the presidential statement nor the statement issued by the six-party talks," Kawamura said.