BRUSSELS – North Korea has tested a nuclear device. “It was confirmed that the nuclear test, that was carried out at a high level in a safe and perfect manner using a miniaturized and lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than previously, did not pose any negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment,” reported the state-run Korean Central News Agency.
North Korea nuke test condemned by NATO
In a statement, NATO says, “We condemn in the strongest terms the test by North Korea of a nuclear weapon, conducted in flagrant violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
This irresponsible act, along with the December missile launch, poses a grave threat to international and regional peace, security and stability. North Korea’s pursuit of weapons of mass destruction represents continued defiance of the UN Security Council and the broader international community”.
“We call on the North Korean authorities to cease immediately such provocative actions, to meet their obligations under international law and to comply fully with the decisions of the international community, as expressed by the United Nations Security Council”.
North Korea sees US as warmongering
The KCNA reports, “The recent saber-rattling of the U.S. imperialists is an expression of their intention to invade the DPRK by leaving no means untried in the event of “contingency” on the Korean Peninsula. It was an open threat and military blackmail against it. Timed to coincide with this, a nuclear-powered carrier belonging to the U.S. 7th Fleet is operating in the waters off the peninsula”.
The KCNA concluded, “The situation goes to clearly prove that their dangerous scenario to ignite a nuclear war on the peninsula at any cost is being put into practice”.
British Government quick to condemn North Korea
British Foreign Secretary The Rt Hon William Hague MP stated, “It appears that North Korea carried out a nuclear test at 11.57KST today. I strongly condemn this development, which is a violation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874 and 2087. North Korea’s development of its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities poses a threat to international and regional security. Its repeated provocations only serve to increase regional tension, and hinder the prospects for lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula”.
United Nations -Grave violation
The Secretary-General condemns the underground nuclear weapon test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) today. It is a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
It is deplorable that Pyongyang defied the strong and unequivocal call from the international community to refrain from any further provocative measures. The Secretary-General had repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to address international concerns and start building confidence with neighbouring countries and the international community.
The Secretary-General is gravely concerned about the negative impact of this deeply destabilizing act on regional stability as well as the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation. He once again urges the DPRK to reverse course and work towards de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
