Russia condemns N Korea nuclear test

Moscow, Oct 9 (UNI) Russia today strongly condemned North Korea's maiden nuclear test and called on Pyongyang to return to the non-proliferation regime immediately.

Pyongyang today conducted a underground nuclear test defying calls by the international community for a non-nuclear Korean peninsula.

''Russia unconditionally condemns tests conducted by North Korea,'' the Russian President was shown on national television telling his top ministers gathered for a traditional weekly meeting.

''It's not only about Korea, it's about the huge damage which has been done to the process of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons,'' he noted.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry said that Russia had repeatedly stated its opinion that'' no matter what the motivation, such a step would only aggravate problems in the Korean peninsula. It is a threat to the world, as well as to the security and stability of the region in undermining the non-proliferation regime." "We demand that North Korea immediately takes steps to return to the nuclear non-proliferation regime and resume the six-nation talks," he said, adding, "We will take the same position when we address the UN Security Council," Ministry spokesman Mikhail KKamynin said.

"We are conducting a scrupulous analysis of the situation and are holding close consultations with all interested parties. The Russian Foreign Ministry also urges self-control and restraint from all the countries involved in the complicated situation", he added.

Mr Kamynin said the North Korean Ambassador to Moscow, Pak Ui Chun was summoned to the Foreign Ministry today.

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