World Reacts To North Korean Nuclear Bomb Detonation
Alternative content
World Reacts To North Korean Nuclear Bomb Detonation...
In news around the world, reaction to North Korea's nuclear bomb detonation has been swift, and severe. But, as with past rogue actions by the North Koreans, harsh words are hard to turn into actions....
In news around the world, reaction to North Korea’s nuclear bomb detonation has been swift, and severe. But, as with past rogue actions by the North Koreans, harsh words are hard to turn into actions. ABC News’ Terry McCarthy has more from the South Korean capital of Seoul.
Published: May 25, 2009
Seoul, South Korea—Shortly before 10:00 a.m., in the morning, local time, South Korean monitors picked up a minor earthquake in North Korea. When it became clear that it was caused by an underground nuclear test, it sent tremors around the world, and the criticism was universal.
Japan’s prime minister Taro Aso called it a serious challenge to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a clear violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.
Taro Aso, Japanese Prime Minister: “We will not tolerate such activity.“
China said it “absolutely opposed” North Korea’s action, and European leaders also attacked the secretive nation’s nuclear test.
Just a month ago, the UN Security Council announced sanctions on North Korea after it tested a long-range ballistic missile with a range of almost 4,000 miles. This latest nuclear test was widely seen as an even more provocative act, perhaps intended to try to blackmail the international community into more concessions and a resumption of aid shipments that were suspended after the earlier missile test.
The North Korean’s also test-fired three short-range, ground-to-air missiles, Monday. In an official statement, North Korea’s official news agency called Monday ‘s test “part of measures to bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defense.“ But, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said it would have a negative impact on nuclear disarmament talks.
Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General: “I’m deeply disturbed by report of nuclear testing by DPRK.“
And in an official statement from the White House, President Obama said North Korea is “directly and recklessly challenging the international community”, and added it would only serve to “deepen North Korea’s isolation.“
Terry Mccarthy, reporting: “Here in South Korea, the government said the test posed a serious threat to peace and stability and urged the United Nations Security Council to take what it called ‘appropriate measures.‘
Advertisement
Advertisement