No evidence of imminent N Korea nuclear test

Washington, Jan 5: The United States has no evidence to suggest North Korea is about to test a nuclear weapon, an intelligence official said.

The official was responding to an ABC News report that Pyongyang appeared to have made preparations for new nuclear test. North Korea conducted its first nuclear test on October 9.

''There's no reason to believe that a test is imminent,'' the US official said yesterday. Asked if there were signs of preparation for such a test, he said: ''There is not evidence to indicate that.'' Talks about North Korea's nuclear program between Pyongyang, the United States and four other countries broke down last month when the North refused to recommit itself to dismantle its weapons programme.

World powers condemned North Korea as recently as on Monday after it said it had conducted an underground nuclear test and Washington sought harsh UN sanctions that could further impoverish and isolate the communist state.

REUTERS

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