UN Security Council vows action after North Korea test

The UN Security Council ton Tuesday "strongly condemned" North Korea`s third nuclear test and vowed to take "appropriate measures".

United Nations: The UN Security Council on Tuesday "strongly condemned" North Korea`s third nuclear test and vowed to take "appropriate measures" in response to Pyongyang`s action, which the world body said is a "grave violation" and threat to international peace and security.

The powerful UN body, which is currently under the Presidency of South Korea, held urgent consultations here today to discuss the "serious" situation arising from North Korea`s nuclear test. In a press statement issued after the meeting, the Council said its members will "begin work immediately on appropriate measures in a Security Council resolution" in line with the "gravity of this violation." The Security Council had last month unanimously adopted a resolution in which it had said it would take "significant action" in the event of any further nuclear test by Pyongyang. "The members of the Security Council strongly condemned this test, which is a grave violation" of Security Council resolutions and "therefore there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security," the press statement said. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also strongly condemned the "appalling" underground nuclear test saying Pyongyang`s "reckless and wanton act" shows outright disregard for the repeated call of the international community to refrain from further provocative measures. "I am profoundly concerned about the negative impact of this act on regional stability. It is deplorable that Pyongyang has chosen the path of defiance," Ban said in his remarks to a UNSC open debate on the protection of civilians in an armed conflict. Ban said the nuclear test is a direct challenge to the Security Council, adding that it is "absolutely essential" that the Council act and speak with one voice and engage with Pyonyang in a "unified manner." Ban said he has repeatedly called on the new leadership in Pyongyang to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons, address international concerns through dialogue and to start building confidence with neighbouring countries, particularly South Korea. "Regrettably, my appeals have fallen on deaf ears," he said. The UN Chief added that the third nuclear test by Pyongyang is a serious challenge to global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. Ban pointed out that North Korea is the only country that has carried out nuclear tests in the 21st century. "The authorities in Pyongyang should not be under any illusion that nuclear weapons will enhance their security. To the contrary, as Pyongyang pursues nuclear weapons, it will suffer only greater insecurity and isolation," he said. PTI