North Korea says it has carried out its first test of a nuclear weapon, the state news agency (KCNA) has reported. It said the underground test, carried out in defiance of international warnings, was a success and had not resulted in any leak of radiation. The White House said the test, if confirmed, would constitute "a provocative act".
"We expect the UN Security Council to take immediate actions to respond to this unprovoked act," said spokesman Tony Snow. Seoul also suspended a scheduled aid shipment to North Korea, the state news agency reported. The US Geological Survey said it had detected a 4.
2 magnitude quake in North Korea, while a South Korean official said a 3.5 magnitude seismic tremor had been detected in north Hamgyong province, in the north-east. When it announced the test, KCNA described it as an "historic event that brought happiness to our military and people".
"The nuclear test will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region," KCNA said. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in Seoul for a meeting with Mr Roh, a day after talks in Beijing. Mr Abe said Japan wanted to co-ordinate its response with the South Koreans, and was also in contact with the US and China.
In Tokyo, ministers were called to an urgent meeting, and the government set up a special task force. What is your reaction to North Korea's announcement? Send us your comments.
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