Asia-Pacific

N. Korea test "provocative," "unprovoked"- U.S.

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-09 14:14

WASHINGTON - A North Korean nuclear test would constitute a "provocative act" and Washington expects the U.N. Security Council to take immediate actions, the White House said early on Monday.

"U.S. and South Korean intelligence detected a seismic event Sunday at a suspected nuclear test site in North Korea," White House spokesman Tony Snow said in a statement.

"North Korea has claimed it conducted an underground nuclear test. A North Korean nuclear test would constitute a provocative act, in defiance of the will of the international community and of our call to refrain from actions that would aggravate tensions in northeast Asia," said Snow.

"We expect the Security Council to take immediate actions to respond to this unprovoked act," he said.

North Korea said on Monday it had safely and successfully carried out an underground nuclear test, flying in the face of a warning from the Security Council.

The U.S. Geological Survey said it had detected a 4.2 magnitude quake in North Korea at 10:35 local time (0135 GMT) on Monday, confirming a similar report from South Korea.

"The United States is closely monitoring the situation and reaffirms its commitment to protect and defend our allies in the region," said Snow.