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EU: Korean nuclear test announcement 'bad news'

(AP)
Updated: 2006-10-04 17:12

Levi, Finland?- European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana reacted with dismay Tuesday to North Korea's announcement that it will conduct a nuclear test.

"That is always bad news," Solana told reporters.

He declined to discuss the issue further, saying he had only just heard the reports during a meeting of EU defense ministers in this Lapland ski resort.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said it will conduct a nuclear test to bolster its self-defense against "increasing US hostility". It did not give a date as to when a test might occur.

Later Tuesday, the EU expressed "deep concern" over North Korea's announcement.

"This announcement is an irresponsible and escalatory step," said the statement issued by Finland, which currently chairs the 25-member bloc. "It increases tension and undermines regional stability."

"The way ahead is through dialogue, not threats and confrontation," the EU said.

"The EU strongly urges the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to return immediately to the six-party talks," it said.

Six-party talks, including the United States, Japan, Russia, China and South Korea, on North Korea's nuclear activity have been stalled for almost a year. Pyongyang skipped the talks in protest over US financial restrictions imposed for alleged illegal activity, including money laundering and counterfeiting.