US warns NKorea against conducting 2nd nuke test

Washington, Oct 18: Amidst flurry of media reports, the Bush administration has warned North Korea against conducting a second nuclear test.

White House spokesman Tony Snow issued the warning during his daily press briefing yesterday, saying it was not unreasonable to expect the North Koreans to carry out another nuclear test, but said such a development would ''not be a good thing for them.'' He said North Korea has made no secret of its desire to be provocative.

Meanwhile, US television reports say American spy satellites have detected vehicle movements in the North that may signal preparations for another test. South Koreans have received similar reports.

United States and China were working more closely together than ever before in the case of the first test.

Asked about the possible consequences, should North Korea conduct another test, Mr Snow said, ''I dare say that they would become even closer as strategic partners in trying to guarantee safety in the Korean peninsula.'' Mr Snow said the North Koreans might act to test the cooperation of the five counties that have been engaged in talks with Pyongyang on its nuclear ambitions: the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Russia. In that case, North Korea will be severely disappointed.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has left for her Asian tour that will take her to Japan, Beijing and Seoul where she will meet South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon, who was recently chosen Secretary-General of the United Nations.

She will discuss with leaders of these countries the ways to effectively implement UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea.

Mr Ban Ki Moon called on President George W Bush at the White House yesterday.

The White House spokesman said their meeting was brief during which they exchanged views on the North Korean situation. President Bush vowed that North Korea will not be permitted to disrupt the region, Mr Snow said.

UNI