CTBT members condemn N. Korea's nuclear test

SEOUL, Sept. 10 (Yonhap) -- Member countries of a global treaty prohibiting nuclear testing issued a statement on Friday condemning North Korea's latest nuclear test, expressing worries that the test poses a serious threat to international peace and security.

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) preparatory committee also urged North Korea to refrain from further tests and consider ratifying the treaty.

"Such actions clearly violate the established international norm against nuclear tests. They also present serious risks to international peace and security," the committee said in the statement posted on its website.

On Friday, North Korea conducted its fifth nuke test in a clear show of defiance against the international community's calls for it to halt its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea confirmed the test four hours after seismic waves from a magnitude 5 artificial earthquake were detected around 9:30 a.m. near the North’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site.

The North claimed that the test was not only a success, but the country has been able to standardize its nuclear warhead so that it can be put atop a ballistic missile.

Following the North's nuclear test, the U.N. Security Council strongly condemned Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test and pledged to begin work immediately to put together a new resolution of sanctions punishing the communist nation.

sam@yna.co.kr
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