NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST: North to test more missiles

May 26, 2009

NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST

North to test more missiles

		North Korea is preparing to test-fire short-range missiles in the Yellow Sea, one day after it staged a nuclear test. -- PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL - NORTH Korea is preparing to test-fire short-range missiles in the Yellow Sea, one day after it staged a nuclear test, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said on Tuesday.

'North Korea has declared an off-limits area for vessels in the Yellow Sea off Jungsan county in South Pyongan province,' it quoted a Seoul government source as saying.

'The North is likely to fire short-range missiles today or tomorrow.' Jungsan is about 40km west of Pyongyang.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said it could not comment on intelligence matters.

The North on Monday staged its second underground nuclear test, with an explosive force much larger than the first in October 2006.

It also fired three short-range ground-to-air missiles from locations near its east coast, Seoul's military said.

Several times in recent years, the North has test-fired ground-to-ship or ship-to-ship missiles in either the Yellow Sea or the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The launches are often staged to coincide with periods of regional tension.

Yonhap said the North is preparing to launch ground-to-ship missiles with a range of 160 km (100 miles), which use technology based on China's Silkworm missiles.

The South summoned an emergency meeting of top military commanders to review its defence posture, a Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesman said.

The meeting would stress the need to heighten vigilance against the North's 'militarily provocative acts,' the spokesman told AFP. -- AFP

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UN: It's a 'clear violation'

May 26, 2009

NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST

UN: It's a 'clear violation'

The United Nations Security Council meeting on North Korea's missile launch at the UN headquarters Monday, April 13, 2009. -- PHOTO: AP

LATEST: US President Barack Obama spoke by phone on Monday with his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso to 'coordinate' reaction to North Korea’s nuclear test, the White House said.

VIDEO N. Korea holds nuclear test (2:10) World reactions SOUTH Korea put its military on alert and world powers frustrated by failed diplomatic efforts to rein in Pyongyang demanded a firm response. Even China, the secretive North's closest international ally, expressed 'resolute opposition.' Compounding the frustration among world leaders, the nuclear detonation came amid reports that Pyongyang also tested a short-range missile. ... more What does a resolution mean? CLOSED-DOOR negotiations on a resolution will begin on Tuesday and can be expected to take at least several days before the 15-nation council has a draft ready to vote on. WHAT IS A RESOLUTION? A Security Council resolution is a decision by the council that is generally considered to be legally binding. In order to be approved, it must have nine or more votes in favour and no vetoes by the five permanent members - the United States, Britain, China, France and Russia. ... more

UNITED NATIONS - THE UN Security Council on Monday unanimously condemned North Korea for violating the world body's resolutions by testing a nuclear bomb, council president Vitaly Churkin of Russia said.

'The members of the Security Council voiced their strong opposition and condemnation of the nuclear test conducted on 25 May 2009 by North Korea, which constitutes a clear violation of (UN) Resolution 1718,' Mr Churkin told reporters following an emergency meeting of the 15-member council.

Member states also decided to immediately begin working on a Security Council resolution to address North Korea's latest test, Mr Churkin said.

The US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, said 'the US thinks this is a grave violation of international law, and a threat to regional and international peace and security.

'And therefore, the United States will seek a strong resolution with strong measures,' she added. 'We believe it ought to be a strong resolution with appropriately strong contents, but obviously unless and until we complete the negotiation process, it is premature to say what its contents will be.'

The emergency meeting began around 4.30pm (4.30am Singapore time), half an hour behind schedule.

It was preceded by a 'P5 + 2' session between the five permanent veto-wielding members of the Security Council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - plus Japan and South Korea, two of the countries involved in six-party talks aimed at shuttering Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Hours earlier, North Korea conducted its test - an underground blast far bigger than its first nuclear test in 2006 - drawing stern rebukes from global leaders, with US President Barack Obama warning of 'grave' danger and Israel stressing 'negative implications' in the Middle East.

The main powers on the Security Council all strongly condemned North Korea with France urging sanctions against Kim Jong-Il's Stalinist administration, as foreign ministers from Asia and Europe began two days of talks. -- AFP

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Nuke test a 'threat': Obama

May 25, 2009

N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST

Nuke test a 'threat': Obama

Obama says tests 'recklessly challenge international community'

Second nuclear test follows one in Oct 2006

Pyongyang says needs nuclear arsenal in hostile world

		Mr Obama (left) said: 'North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community.' --PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON - US PRESIDENT Barack Obama said on Monday that North Korea's nuclear and missile tests were a 'matter of grave concern to all nations' and warranted action by the international community.

Mr Obama, in a statement after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test and reportedly fired a short-range missile, said: 'North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. North Korea's behaviour increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia.'

VIDEO N. Korea holds nuclear test (2:10)

The nuclear test was Pyongyang's second - its first was in Oct 2006 - and came just two months after North Korea launched a rocket believed to be a test of its long-range missile capability. Pyongyang said it had put a communications satellite into space.

'North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile programme, constitute a threat to international peace and security,' said Mr Obama, adding that Washington would work through the UN Security Council and the six-party talks on North Korea to address the issue.

'North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile programme, constitute a threat to international peace and security,' he said.

A US State Department official said earlier the United States was still analysing data from the test. The (US) Geological Survey confirmed that a seismic event took place consistent with a test, the official said on condition of anonymity.

'We are consulting with our six-party and UN Security Council partners on next steps,' the official added. Under the so-called 'six-party' talks among the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, North Korea committed in 2005 to abandon all its nuclear programmes.

North Korea said it successfully conducted a nuclear test on Monday, a move certain to further isolate the prickly state, which argues it has no choice but to build an atomic arsenal to protect itself in a hostile world.

The latest test follows years of on-off negotiations with regional powers, which have been pressing the impoverished state to give up its nuclear ambitions in return for massive aid and an end to the country's pariah status. -- REUTERS

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N.Korea conducts nuclear tests: Security Council to meet

May 25, 2009

N.Korea conducts nuclear tests

Security Council to meet

		The meeting was requested by Japan's UN Ambassador Yukio Takasu following a North Korean claim that it had conducted a nuclear test. --PHOTO: AP

UNITED NATIONS - THE UN Security Council will meet on Monday to discuss North Korea's claim of a nuclear test, the Japanese UN mission said.

'The time of the urgent meeting is planned tomorrow afternoon,' the mission said in a statement released late on Sunday in New York.

The meeting was requested by Japan's UN Ambassador Yukio Takasu following a North Korean claim that it had conducted a nuclear test.

Pyongyang said it staged a successful underground nuclear test which was more powerful than its previous test in 2006, followed later by an apparent short-range missile launch.

'It is absolutely unacceptable,' said Japan's top government spokesman Takeo Kawamura, as Prime Minister Taro Aso set up a special crisis task force. 'Japan will take stern action against North Korea.'

Added Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone in Hanoi after meeting South Korean counterpart Yu Myung Hwan. 'It is an act that we can never tolerate... We, as the only atomic-bombed nation, need to take stern action.'

Japan quickly asked UN Security Council chair Russia to open an emergency meeting, and the Japanese UN mission said later a meeting had been scheduled for Monday afternoon local time in New York.

In Vienna, a UN-backed international committee preparing a nuclear test ban treaty said on Monday that North Korea's announcement that it carried out a nuclear test should be 'universally condemned'.

'Today's nuclear test claimed by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) constitutes a threat to international peace and security and to the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime,' Tibor Toth, executive secretary of the preparatory committee for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation said in a statement.

'I am gravely concerned by this action. In particular, it is a serious violation of the norm established by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and as such deserves universal condemnation.'

The CTBT has been signed by 180 countries, but to come into effect it still needs ratification by nine key holdouts including China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States. -- AFP

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N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST: Warns of more tests

May 25, 2009

N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST

Warns of more tests

		North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear complex near Pyongyang. -- PHOTO: KOREA HERALD

MOSCOW - NORTH Korea could carry out more nuclear tests if the United States continues attempts to intimidate Pyongyang, Itar-Tass news agency quoted an unidentified official in North Korea's embassy in Moscow as saying.

The source said new nuclear tests would take place 'if the United States and its allies continue the policy of intimidation against North Korea', Tass reported.

VIDEO N. Korea holds nuclear test (2:10) S.Korea military forms crisis team after nuke test report SEOUL - SOUTH Korea's military on Monday formed a 'crisis management' team of general-level officers after North Korea announced it had carried out a nuclear test, the defence ministry said. 'Top military officials led by the defence minister are holding an emergency meeting after forming a crisis management team,' a ministry spokesman said. ... more S.Korean markets hit SEOUL - SEOUL stocks fell sharply and the won slipped against the dollar on concerns North Korea's nuclear test early on Monday could sap investor confidence in the South Korean markets and economy. The main Seoul stock market's benchmark KOSPI fell 2.22 per cent by 0326 GMT (1126 Singapore time), although recouping much of its early more than 6 per cent dip. The won was down 1 per cent on the day at 1,259.9 per dollar. ... more

North Korea said it successfully conducted a nuclear test on Monday, a move certain to further isolate the prickly state, which argues it has no choice but to build an atomic arsenal to protect itself in a hostile world.

It also defiantly declared that it carried out a powerful underground nuclear test - a major provocation less than two months after launching a rocket widely believed to be a test of its long-range missile technology.

North Korea, incensed by UN Security Council condemnation of its April 5 rocket launch, had warned last month that it would restart it rogue nuclear programme, conduct an atomic test and carry out long-range missile tests.

On Monday, the country's official Korean Central News Agency said the regime 'successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defence'.

The regime boasted that the test was conducted 'on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control' than one carried out in 2006.

Russia, which shares a short border with North Korea, confirmed its facilities detected a nuclear test in northeastern North Korea, the ITAR-Tass news agency said, citing an unnamed Russian Defense Ministry official.

In Washington, a US counter-proliferation official said there was reason to believe North Korea had conducted a nuclear test. The official spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Monday's tests raise the stakes in the tense international standoff over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

'If North Korea carried out a nuclear test, it would clearly violate UN Security Council resolutions,' chief government spokesman Takeo Kawamura told reporters in Tokyo. 'We will definitely not tolerate it.'

Japan will request an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss North Korea, Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka said, according to the Kyodo news agency. -- AP

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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

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China opposes nuke tests

May 25, 2009

N.Korea conducts nuclear tests

China opposes nuke tests

		As the test has angered China, it is unlikely to back stronger sanctions as part of any new UN Security Council resolution. --PHOTO: AFP

BEIJING - CHINA'S government says it is 'resolutely opposed' to the nuclear weapons test carried out by communist neighbour and ally North Korea.

A Foreign Ministry statement says the North carried out Monday's test in defiance of the international community and its own commitments to denuclearise the Korean peninsula.

Japan vows 'stern action' TOKYO - JAPAN on Monday vowed 'stern action' against communist North Korea over its latest nuclear test and said it would seek an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. 'If North Korea conducted a nuclear test, it is a clear violation of UN resolutions,' said top government spokesman Takeo Kawamura as Prime Minister Taro Aso set up a special crisis task force. ... more

The statement on the ministry's website says Pyongyang should avoid actions that would sharpen tensions and return to the six-nation process to dismantle its nuclear programmes.

China is the North's main source of diplomatic support and opposed additional United Nations' sanctions after Pyongyang tested a long-range missile earlier this year. It also provides food and fuel aid to North Korea.

While the test has angered China, it is unlikely to back stronger sanctions as part of any new UN Security Council resolution, Chinese analysts said on Monday.

As a permanent member of the council, China has the power to veto any such resolution. But it is likely to face pressure from Washington and other regional capitals to support measures punishing the North for its test.

Pressure was already building on China to take a firmer stand as host of the now-stalled six-party talks among regional powers that aim to dismantle North Korea's nuclear programme.

Beijing condemned North Korea's first nuclear test blast in 2006 as a 'brazen' slap in the face for Chinese leaders, who give the North crucial economic and diplomatic protection.

This time, China's leaders will probably be more careful to balance their anger against worries that Pyongyang could make the six-party nuclear disarmament talks unsalvageable, said Xu Guangyu, a nuclear expert at the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association. Already, however, pressure is building on Beijing.

'The Chinese must use their influence to help bring North Korea to the table for the six-party talks,' US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was visiting China, said in a statement issued through the US Embassy in Beijing.

Ms Pelosi was in Shanghai. 'Today's announcement makes that need all the more urgent.' -- AP, REUTERS

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North Korea: 3 missiles test-fired

May 25, 2009

N.KOREA CONDUCTS NUCLEAR TEST

3 missiles test-fired

		This Jan 5, 2009 photo shows a missile-firing drill in North Korea. North Korea seems to have test-fired a short-range missile on Monday. -- PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL - NORTH Korea test-fired three short-range missiles on Monday, the same day it conducted an underground nuclear test, South Korea's military said.

'North Korea (test)fired a short-range missile from Musudan at around 12pm (11am Singapore time) and two more short-range missiles from Wonsan at around 5pm,' a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff told AFP. He gave no more details.

VIDEO N. Korea holds nuclear test (2:10) N.Korean test near 2006 test site VIENNA - THE 'event' North Korea says was a nuclear test on Monday measured 4.5 on the Richter scale. It was also within a couple of kilometres of a previous test in October 2006, a UN-backed group said on Monday. ... more SEOUL - THE following is the full text of the report released on Monday by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It was released after what the North said was its second nuclear weapons test. ... more

Yonhap news agency quoted sources as saying the North fired three ground-to-air missiles with a range of 130km.

MSingapore, Singapore Kopitiam, sunkopitiam, Singapore Forum, Singapurakini, missile test, nuclear test, North Koreausudan-ri on the northeast coast is where the North fired a long-range Taepodong-2 rocket on April 5. Wonsan is a city on the southeast coast, where another missile base is located.

Yonhap quoted one official as saying the North may have been trying to deter US aerial surveillance efforts following the nuclear test.

Japan's coast guard said last week the communist state was warning ships not to pass through waters within a 130km radius of the town of Kimchaek on its northeast coast.

The North says its April 5 launch put a satellite into orbit but other nations said it staged a disguised missile test. The UN Security Council condemned the launch and tightened sanctions on Pyongyang firms.

In response the North threatened more nuclear and missile tests. It announced on Monday it had conducted a second nuclear test, more powerful than the first in October 2006. The test was conducted in the Kilju region not far from Musudan-ri.

Countries around the world condemned the tests, with some saying they are considering imposing sanctions against Pyongyang. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said on Monday he was 'deeply disturbed' by North Korea's nuclear test and was closely following events.

The UN chief called on Pyongyang to respect UN Security Council resolution 1718, which demands that North Korea refrain from nuclear testing. The resolution was passed afte the regime's first nuclear test in 2006. -- AFP

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