U.S. warns DPRK against nuclear test

The United States on Tuesday warned the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) against carrying out a "reckless" and "provocative" nuclear weapons test.

"The United States will continue to work with its allies and partners to discourage such a reckless action and will respond appropriately," national security spokesman Frederick Jones said.

"A provocative action of this nature would only further isolate the North Korean regime and deny the people of the North the benefits offered to them in the six party talks that they so rightly deserve," he said.

"We stand firmly with our allies in the region and reaffirm our commitment to their security," said the spokesman.

The DPRK announced earlier in the day that it would conduct a nuclear test in the future as a war deterrent against the U.S. hostile policy. However it did not give a specific date or location for the upcoming test.

Pyongyang declared in February 2005 it had nuclear weapons, but there have been no reports of a test.

On the six-party talks designed to resolve nuclear issues on the Korean peninsular, Jones said, "We continue to work with our six party partners to bring the North Koreans back to the talks, most recently offering a six party ministerial meeting in Malaysia to allow the North Koreans a high-level venue in which to express their concerns."

Source: Xinhua