North Korea tests another nuclear weapon that is said to rival the power of "the atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima," and the typical outrage has followed with Obama giving his typical outraged speech, yet nothing ever gets done.
Officials in South Korea said they had detected a tremor consistent with those caused by an underground nuclear explosion. The country's Yonhap news agency reported that the north had test-fired three short-range missiles from a base on the east coast immediately after the nuclear test.
The underground atomic explosion, at 9.54am local time (0154 BST), created an earthquake measuring magnitude 4.5 in Kilju county in the country's north-east, reports said.
Here is Obama's statement:
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.
Yeah bet they are shaking in their boots.
From the New York Times and the reason why North Korea waves off the outrage....because they know nothing will be done.
A month ago, North Korea threatened to conduct nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, citing a statement by the United Nations Security Council on April 13 that called for tightening sanctions after the North launched a rocket. That launch was in violation of a previous United Nations resolution barring North Korea from ballistic missile tests.
North Korea, deeply impoverished and isolated, has long relied on its nuclear program and missile tests as bargaining chips. The country been grappling with succession concerns since its leader, Kim Jong-il, suffered a stroke last August. Its public statements have grown increasingly bellicose, suggesting to analysts that North Korea was signaling that the country was in no way vulnerable. The test comes at a time of heightening tensions between North Korea and the United States.
Around the world, news of the test drew condemnation and criticism, and some governments threatened to press for tighter sanctions at a special meeting of the Security Council on Monday. But many of the provisions of the 2006 resolution were never enforced, putting into question the effectiveness of another Security Council statement would be, no matter how harsh.
Expect a lot of hyperbole from people with nothing , not even a slap on North Korea's wrist.
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