Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi warned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of "stern action" if it were to test-fire a long-range ballistic missile. Reacting to reports from Washington that North Korea had completed the loading of fuel for test-firing Taepodong-2 ballistic missile, Mr. Koizumi told journalists in Tokyo that Japan would "consult" its key ally, the United States, and other powers to initiate a "stern response" to any such testing by Pyongyang.