Russia "unconditionally condemns" N Korea test -Putin

MOSCOW, Oct 9 (Reuters) President Vladimir Putin condemned North Korea today for carrying out a nuclear test, Russian news agencies reported.

''Russia unconditionally condemns tests conducted by North Korea,'' Putin told a meeting of top government ministers.

''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.'' Separately, RIA news agency quoted Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov as saying that the nuclear device tested by North Korea ranged between 5 and 15 kilotons.

Interfax news agency said Putin told Russia's foreign ministry to hold consultations on the North Korean nuclear test at the UN Security Council.

REUTERS PDM PM1524