The U.N. Security Council on Friday adopted a statement urging North Korea to discontinue its planned nuclear test and return to talks aimed at resolving the country's nuclear weapons ambitions.
The non-binding statement read by Kenzo Oshima, the council's president and Japan's U.N. ambassador, warned the communist nation that a nuclear test would threaten world security.
"The test world jeopardize peace, stability and security in the region and beyond," the statement said.
It added such a move would result in serious consequences and bring universal condemnation by the international community. No details on what actions might be taken were mentioned.
The warning follows a formal announcement by North Korea's foreign ministry on Tuesday that outlined Pyongyang's intention to conduct a nuclear test. The communist country did not disclose the timing of the test, and claimed the United States must be held responsible for future actions because it had threatened nuclear war and sanctions.
The 15-member council then called on Pyongyang to return immediately to the six-party talks and follow through on its pledge made on September 19, 2005 to give up all of its nuclear development projects. The six-party talks participated by the two Koreas, the United States, Japan, China and Russia are designed to put an end to North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
The statement adds that a nuclear test would not help Pyongyang address its concerns and, in particular, would not contribute to its security.
The White House, meanwhile, said its position on a nuclear test is clear and stressed that North Korea should halt its plan. A spokesperson said a North Korean nuclear test cannot be tolerated and that this sentiment has been conveyed to Pyongyang through both official and informal channels.
Related to when Pyongyang may conduct a nuclear test, a senior Japanese diplomat and a U.S. defense department official told the media that North Korea may test its first nuclear weapon as early as Sunday.
Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi and U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman, did not provide evidence to back their predictions.
Sunday marks the anniversary of the North Korean leader becoming the head of the (North) Korea Worker's Party. Another date being mentioned is October 10, the day that the Worker's Party was founded in 1945.
New York, Oct. 6 (Yonhap News)
Security Council formally urges N. Korea to scrap nuclear test plans |
