India has protested against the third nuclear test by North Korea. Criticizing North Korea for violating international commitments, New Delhi asked Pyongyang to refrain from such actions which adversely impact on peace and stability in the region. External Affairs Ministry sources stressed that if the test was found to have been conducted with enriched uranium, it would confirm Pakistani proliferation linkages. Sources said the test revealed significantly improved technical capabilities of the North Koreans, which in itself suggested heightened proliferation activities.
Pakistan yesterday yet again blocked moves to facilitate negotiations for a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the Conference on Disarmament. Official sources said both developments were inter-related. Pakistan had transferred the technology for enriching uranium to weapon grade in exchange for the know how for missile development from the Communist dictatorship as part of a deal negotiated by Benazir Bhutto and Kim Jong-il.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement condemned the test as a clear and grave violation of the relevant Security Council resolutions.
US President Barack Obama said, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs constitute a threat to US national security. In Tokyo, Japanese officials said they would deploy military jets to survey the radiation levels following the test.