Norway condemns North Korea’s nuclear test

‘This is far larger than the previous tests. Furthermore, it is not long since the DPRK carried out its last missile test. This is an extremely serious development,’ said Mr Brende.

‘The DPRK’s nuclear tests and missile tests are a threat to peace and stability both in the region and globally, and are making it even more difficult to find diplomatic solutions to the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK’s actions are undermining the international norm against testing and proliferation of nuclear weapons, and are creating new obstacles in the efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.

‘It is important that the international community takes resolute action in response to the DPRK’s destructive and provocative behaviour. The UN Security Council should consider an appropriate response.

‘Today’s incident confirms once again how important it is that the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) comes into force. The Treaty is now 20 years old, but has not yet entered into force because eight countries, including the DPRK, have failed to ratify it. The test ban regime is a key pillar of the international disarmament and non-proliferation architecture,’ said Mr Brende.