Moscow  - Russia called on Friday for North Korea to hold back from testing a long-range missile, warning Pyongyang against an "unnecessary fanning of emotions" in the region.

"The situation now in the North-East Asia region is tense, and it would be better for our partners in North Korea to hold back from this launch ... there is no need for an unnecessary fanning of emotions," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Borodavkin told journalists.

Pyongyang announced its aim to launch a communications satellite next week, but other powers in the region see the launch as a cover for military plans to test a long-range missile.

Japan ordered its military Friday to destroy to any fragments that might fall on its territory if the launch goes wrong.

"We urge all parties to evaluate the situation calmly, sensibly, and without agitation and mutual threats," Borodavkin was quoted by news agency Itar-tass as saying.

Tension surrounding the launch "must be resolved through dialogue and consultations with all the parties involved," he added. (dpa)