DPRK says has conducted nuclear test

Source: Xinhuanet

10-09-2006 11:34

·China resolutely opposes DPRK´s nuclear test

·UN Security Council to hold urgent meeting on DPRK´s nuclear test

PYONGYANG, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK) said on Monday that it has conducted a successful nuclear test, according to the official Korean Central News Agency(KCNA).

"The test is 100 percent safe," said the KCNA, adding that there was "no radioactive leak."

The move came about a week after the country announced it would undertake an unprecedented nuclear test under the condition where safety is firmly guaranteed.

In a statement issued last Tuesday, the DPRK Foreign Ministry said it "will never use nuclear weapons first."

The Oct. 3 announcement drew deep concerns of the international community.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a presidential statement, urging the DPRK to return immediately to the six-party talks.

"The Security Council urges the DPRK to return immediately to the six-party talks without precondition, and to work toward the expeditious implementation of the Sept. 19, 2005, Joint Statement, and in particular to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs," the statement said.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Tuesday that a nuclear test by the DPRK would be a "very provocative" act.

Washington on Friday warned that it would be the "most incendiary" event if the DPRK undertakes a nuclear test.

"It would be destabilizing to the region and could lead to further escalation of tensions," White House deputy spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

China urged for calm and restraint on the nuclear test issue.

"We... hope that all relevant parties must address their concerns through dialogues and consultations instead of taking actions that may intensify the situation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said in a statement on Wednesday.

Pyongyang declared in February 2005 it had nuclear weapons.

Editor:Sun Luying