N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST: Countries condemn test

May 25, 2009

N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST

Countries condemn test

		The reported nuclear test by North Korea is 'very, very worrying', EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said on Monday. -- PHOTO: AFP

THE international community strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear test on Monday. Many countries also voiced their concerns and worries regarding the issue.

The United States has begun consultations with its allies in a bid to establish facts about North Korea's claim that it had conducted a new nuclear test, a State Department official said late on Sunday.

Reaction to N.Korea's nuclear test FOLLOWING is reaction from the international community and political analysts to North Korea's nuclear test. UNITED STATES President Barack Obama said North Korea's nuclear and missile tests were a 'matter of grave concern to all nations' and warranted action by the international community. 'North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. North Korea's behaviour increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia,' he said in a statement. ... more

'We are aware of the reports of a nuclear test by North Korea,' the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. 'We are consulting with our allies. Once we have established the facts, we will have more to say.'

The comments came after North Korea said it had staged a 'successful' underground nuclear test on Monday, which was more powerful than its previous test.

The Russian foreign ministry meanwhile, voiced 'concern' about North Korea's nuclear test but was still examining the situation, the RIA-Novosti state news agency reported.

'The information about the North Korean nuclear test evokes concern, but before reaching any final conclusions it must be carefully checked,' the ministry's press service was quoted as saying.

The reported nuclear test by North Korea is 'very, very worrying', EU external relations commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said on Monday.

'I have not had it confirmed yet so I am very cautious still, but if this is so, it would certainly be very, very worrying and should be condemned,' Ms Ferrero-Waldner told reporters during a visit to Thailand. 'This is a very concerning moment,' she added.

Britain called the nuclear test 'clear breach' of UN resolution. 'I think we need to send a very clear message to North Korea that they need to re-engage with the six-party process,' British junior foreign minister Bill Rammell said in Hanoi on the sidelines of a meeting of Asian and European foreign ministers.

'It's again a very clear breach,' Mr Rammell said, adding that Britain was 'very concerned' about the development. -- AFP

http://forums.delphiforums.com/sunkopitiam/messages?msg=29616.3