Norway condemns North Korean nuclear test

“Norway condemns the nuclear test carried out by North Korea in the strongest possible terms. We are concerned about the implications this may have for regional security in Asia,” said Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. 

North Korea carried out a nuclear test just before noon local time on Tuesday. It took place in the north-east of the country, apparently at the same site as the nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.

“The nuclear test is a serious violation of the norms established in the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty,” the Foreign Minister continued.

The test is also clearly in conflict with the goal of achieving a negotiated political solution on North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme.

“North Korea has isolated itself. Aggressive action such as nuclear testing will not help either the country or the North Korean people,” Mr Eide stated.

“The international community must stand united in condemning the nuclear test and in insisting that North Korea must refrain from any further destabilising acts. I urge all the parties involved to resume the political dialogue as soon as possible. North Korea has a particular responsibility here.”

The UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday afternoon to discuss the situation.