UN chief concerned about N Korea's nuke test

United Nations, Oct 4: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, voicing concern about the stated intention of North Korea to carry out a nuclear test, has warned such a move would be counterproductive and escalate tensions in that part of the world.

In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Annan said he 'shares the global concern' regarding Pyongyang's intent to conduct a nuclear test.

''Such action, if undertaken, would further aggravate tensions in the region,'' the statement said.

It would bring universal condemnation by the international community and will not help the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea as North Korea is formally known) achieve the goals expressed in its statement, particularly with regard to strengthening its security, it said.

The secretary-general urged Pyongyang to exercise utmost restraint and adhere to the international community's norm on nuclear testing and also observe the current moratorium.

North Korea, while announcing its intention to conduct the nuclear test, did not specify any date.

He called on the North Koreans to return to the Six-Party Talks -- comprising the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States -- to ensure that the nuclear issue and any other security concerns on the Korean peninsula are resolved through negotiations.

Earlier yesterday, the Security Council's President for October, Kenzo Oshima of Japan, said the issue of DPRK and its nuclear programme would be near the top of the Council's agenda this month.

UNI