N,Korean test would pose unacceptable threat-US

CAIRO, Oct 3 (Reuters) A nuclear test by North Korea would pose an ''unacceptable threat'' to peace and stability in the world and would further isolate the reclusive nation, the US State Department said today.

''A North Korea test would severely undermine our confidence in the North Koreans' commitment to six party talks and would pose an unacceptable threat to peace and stability in Asia and the world,'' State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement released in Cairo, where US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is meeting Arab officials.

A statement from the North Korean Foreign Ministry released earlier said Pyongyang would conduct its first-ever nuclear test, blaming a US ''threat of nuclear war and sanctions'' for forcing its hand.

''A provocative action of this nature would only further isolate the North Korean regime and deny the people of the North the benefits they so rightly deserve,'' McCormack said. ''The US will continue to work with its allies and partners to discourage such a reckless action and will respond appropriately.'' North Korea has refused to return to six-party talks with China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States that are designed to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

''We continue to work with our six-party partners to bring the North Koreans back to 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 grievances,'' McCormack added.

REUTERS LL BD2012