Macron ready for new initiative against North Korea's missile programme

French President Emmanuel Macron addresses a speech during the annual gathering of French Ambassadors at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, August 29, 2017. REUTERS/Yoan Valat/Pool

PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday France would continue to push for intransigent policies towards North Korea's ballistic programme and was ready to undertake new initiatives after its latest "irresponsible" ballistic missile launch. North Korea fired a ballistic missile over Japan's northern Hokkaido island into the sea early on Tuesday, prompting warnings to residents to take cover and drawing a sharp reaction from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. [nL4N1LE5RK] (Reporting by John Irish; writing by Michel Rose)