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Russia: DPRK nuke test 'evokes concern'

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-25 13:19

MOSCOW -- The Russian foreign minister on Monday expressed concern over the reported nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the RIA-Novosti state news agency reported.

Related readings:  DPRK says successfully conducts nuclear test: YONHAP  SKorea not to accept DPRK's nullification of Kaesong contracts  DPRK threatens nuclear, missile tests  US not to accept DPRK as nuclear-weapons state  DPRK confirms reprocessing of spent fuel rods

The report about the nuclear test "evokes concern," but "before reaching any final conclusions it must be carefully checked," the ministry's press department was quoted as saying.

Earlier on Monday, the DPRK said it had successfully conducted an underground nuclear test.

South Korean officials said an "artificial earthquake" was detected near the northeastern town of Kilju, about 10 km away from the site where the DPRK staged its first nuclear test in October 2006.