EU strongly criticises N Korea's nuclear test

HELSINKI, Oct 9 (Reuters) - The European Union today criticised North Korea's nuclear test as a ''provocative act'' that threatens world peace.

A statement from the Finnish EU presidency said: ''This test profoundly jeopardizes regional stability and represents a severe threat to international peace and security.'' ''The presidency strongly urges North Korea to announce immediately that it will refrain from any further tests of a nuclear device, publicly renounce nuclear weapons and return immediately and without preconditions to the six-party talks (with world powers),'' the statement said.

''The EU works in close cooperation with the international community for a decisive international response to this provocative act.'' REUTERS PDM VC1504