WORLD> Asia-Pacific
World concerned over DPRK's nuclear test
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-25 21:54

BEIJING -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it successfully conducted a nuclear test on Monday, arousing immediate concerns and various responses from the world community.

World concerned over DPRK's nuclear test
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso speaks to reporters at his official residence in Tokyo May 25, 2009. Aso said Tokyo would seek a new United Nations resolution to condemn a DPRK nuclear test at a Security Council meeting expected to be convened on Monday. [Agencies]
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in Copenhagen that he was "deeply disturbed" by the nuclear test, telling reporters that he was closely following the events.

The UN Security Council would hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the nuclear test.

South Korea's Defense Ministry said Monday it launched a "crisis management team" of general-level officers.

"The team will come up with measures to respond to the nuclear test," said Lee Bung-woo, a spokesman at the Ministry of National Defense, adding the military is yet to put its troops on heightened alert.

Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso said Monday that the DPRK nuclear test is a "grave challenge" to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime and a "clear violation" of a UN Security Council resolution banning the country from nuclear activity.

The Japanese government has set up a special task force at the emergency management center of Prime Minister Aso's office.

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US President Barack Obama condemned the test as a "threat to international peace and security."

The behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia, said Obama in an immediate statement, adding that such provocations will only serve to deepen the DPRK's isolation.

The Russian Foreign Ministry voiced concern about the test, saying that the nuclear test threatens regional stability, violates the will of the UN Security Council and is a blow to non-proliferation efforts.

The European Union (EU) also expressed concerns about the development.

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana branded Monday the nuclear test as "irresponsible acts," and called for a tough response from the international community.

These irresponsible acts by the DPRK warrant a firm response by the international community, Solana said in a statement, adding the EU will be in contact with its partners to discuss appropriate measures.

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