Choe Sang-Hun at The New York Times writes:
North Korea Claims to Conduct 2nd Nuclear Test
North Korea announced on Monday it had successfully conducted its second nuclear test, defying international warnings and drastically raising the stakes in a global effort to get the recalcitrant Communist state to give up its nuclear weapons program.
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The North’s official news agency, KCNA, said the country had conducted an "underground" nuclear test.
The announcement came moments after the South Korean government’s geological sensors had detected an artificially triggered tremor emanating from Kilju, northeast North Korea, said Lee Dong-kwan, spokesman of the office of President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea.
The spokesman said "intelligence officials of South Korea and the United States are analyzing the data and closely monitoring the situation."
Word of the nuclear test sent a shudder through Asian financial markets, with Korea’s stock index plunging four percentage points within minutes.
Update: President Barack Obama's statement:
STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT REGARDING NORTH KOREA
Today, North Korea said that it has conducted a nuclear test in violation of international law. It appears to also have attempted a short range missile launch. These actions, while not a surprise given its statements and actions to date, are a matter of grave concern to all nations. North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile program, constitute a threat to international peace and security.
By acting in blatant defiance of the United Nations Security Council, North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. North Korea's behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia. Such provocations will only serve to deepen North Korea's isolation. It will not find international acceptance unless it abandons its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
The danger posed by North Korea's threatening activities warrants action by the international community. We have been and will continue working with our allies and partners in the Six-Party Talks as well as other members of the U.N. Security Council in the days ahead.
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