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Obama: DPRK 'recklessly challenging' world

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-25 23:28

WASHINGTON -- US President Barack Obama on Monday accused the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of "recklessly challenging the international community" with its latest underground nuclear test.

The DPRK "conducted a nuclear test in violation of international law," Obama said in a statement.

"North Korea (DPRK)'s attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile program, constitute a threat to international peace and security," Obama said.

Related readings:  DPRK Conducts Nuclear Test Related readings:  Obama: DPRK nuclear test a 'grave concern'  World concerned over DPRK's nuclear test  Russia urges DPRK to demonstrate responsibility  China 'resolutely opposes' DPRK's nuclear test  UN Security Council to meet on DPRK test

The DPRK "is directly and recklessly challenging the international community," he said, adding its behavior "increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia."

"Such provocations will only serve to deepen North Korea (DPRK)'s isolation. It will not find international acceptance unless it abandons its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," he said.

Noting "the danger posed by North Korea (DPRK)'s threatening activities warrants action by the international community," Obama said the United States will hold consultations with its allies and members of the UN Security Council on the DPRK test and a subsequent series of test-firings of short-range ground-to-air missiles.

The DPRK announced earlier in the day that it has successfully conducted "one more" underground nuclear test, but it did not give any details about the test, including the location.

The DPRK conducted its first nuclear test in 2006.

The latest nuclear test by Pyongyang came after the UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement in late April. The statement condemned the April 5 rocket launch by the DPRK and demanded the country "not conduct any further launch."