Pyongyang urged to refrain from nuclear test | Albuquerque Express

Pyongyang urged to refrain from nuclear test

Albuquerque Express Thursday 3rd May, 2012

• North reported to be in final stages of preparations for third nuclear test

• Pyongyang on April 13 test-fired long-range rocket that failed

• UN has imposed sanctions on three North Korean state-owned companies

VIENNA/SEOUL - The five permanent members of the UN Security Council urged Pyongyang Thursday to refrain from any new nuclear tests even as the UN slapped sanctions on three North Korean state-owned companies in response to its failed rocket launch last month.

North Korea, which conducted nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, is reported to be in the final stages of preparations for a third nuclear test.

In a joint statement, the US, France, Russia, China and Britain said at a nuclear meeting in Vienna: "We call on [North Korea] to refrain from further actions which may cause grave security concerns in the region, including any nuclear tests."

Pyongyang on April 13 test-fired a long-range rocket in defiance of its neighbours and global powers who warned it against conducting the test. The rocket test failed.

In the statement, the five also reaffirmed their "firm support" for the resumption of six-party talks "at an appropriate time".

The six-party disarmament talks involving the two Koreas, the US, Japan, Russia, and China, have been stalled since 2008.

Meanwhile, the UN has imposed sanctions on three North Korean state-owned companies Green Pine Conglomerate, Amroggang Development Banking Corporation and Korea Heungjin Trading Company.

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