N Korea: UN chief wants action
2009-05-26 14:06
Helsinki - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the UN Security Council on Tuesday to take "the necessary measures" against North Korea after it carried out a second nuclear test.
"I sincerely hope that the Security Council will be able to take the necessary measures corresponding to the gravity of the situation," Ban said in a speech to the Finnish parliament.
Pyongyang tested a nuclear bomb on Monday, violating UN resolutions. It carried out its first nuclear test in 2006.
"This North Korean action runs counter to the ongoing international efforts to curb proliferation of nuclear weapons," Ban told Finnish lawmaker.
"We must all stand resolute in the face of these serious violations which threaten to undermine peace and security in our world," he added.
Earlier on Tuesday after meeting with Finnish president Tarja Halonen, Ban urged North Korea to return to the negotiation table, but declined to comment what kind of measures should be taken against North Korea.
"I will leave it to the Security Council to decide," Ban told reporters.
The 15-member council unanimously condemned North Korea for testing a nuclear bomb on Monday and was set to discuss further measures to punish the reclusive Communist state.
The UN secretary general was in Helsinki as part of a two-day official visit to the Nordic country.
- SAPA
