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Obama: DPRK nuclear test a 'grave concern'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-05-25 14:50

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama said on Monday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK's) nuclear and missile tests were a "matter of grave concern to all nations" and warranted action by the international community.

Related readings:  US 'gravely concerned' by DPRK test claim  UN Security Council to meet on DPRK test  SKorea, Japan pursue UN punishment against DPRK nuclear test  Russia says DPRK's nuclear test 'evokes concern'

Obama, in a statement after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test and reportedly fired a short-range missile, said: "The DPRK is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. The DPRK's behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia."

The United Nations Security Council would hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the reported nuclear test staged by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin was quoted as saying by Itar-Tass news agency.

Earlier, the Russian foreign ministry said the information about the DPRK nuclear test "evokes concern", but "before reaching any final conclusions it must be carefully checked."