North Korea conducts third nuclear test

mangaloretoday.com/DHNS

Seoul, Feb 13, 2013: North Korea conducted its third nuclear test on Tuesday in defiance of UN resolutions. The move has angered the US and Japan and was likely to infuriate its only major ally, China.

The North said the test had “greater explosive force” than the 2006 and 2009 tests that were widely seen as small-scale. The KCNA news agency said a “miniaturised” and lighter nuclear device was used, indicating the use of plutonium.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the third of his line to rule the country, has now presided over two long-range rocket launches and a nuclear test during his first year in power, pushing policies that have propelled his impoverished and malnourished country even closer to becoming a nuclear power.

US President Barack Obama said the test was a “highly provocative act” that hurt the stability in the region. He called the nuclear programme a threat to the US and international security.

“The danger posed by North Korea’s threatening activities warrant further swift and credible action by the international community. The US will also continue to take steps necessary to defend ourselves and our allies,” Obama said in a statement.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the test was a “grave threat” that could not be tolerated. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the test was a “clear and grave violation” of the UN Security Council resolutions.

South Korea said the size of the seismic activity indicated a nuclear explosion slightly larger than the two previous tests at six to seven kilotons. The US Geological Survey said that a seismic event measuring 5.1 magnitude occurred on Tuesday. North Korea later confirmed the nuclear test.

“It was confirmed that the nuclear test that was carried out at a high level in a safe and perfect manner using a miniaturised and lighter nuclear device with greater explosive force than previously did not pose any negative impact on the surrounding ecological environment,” KCNA said.

The test prompted the UN Security Council to call for an emergency meeting later on Tuesday.