North korea Goes Nuclear

North Korea goes nuclear, claims its first nuke test


New Delhi: North Korea claimed on Monday that it has performed its first-ever nuclear weapons test.
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test had been performed successfully and that there had been no radioactive leakage from the site.
"The nuclear test is a historic event that brought happiness to the our military and people. The nuclear test will contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and surrounding region," said KCNA.
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun convened a meeting of security advisers over the issue, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported and intelligence over the test has been exchanged between concerned countries.
Full text of the official announcement
The field of scientific research in the DPRK (North Korea) successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, Juche 95 (2006) at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great prosperous powerful socialist nation.
It has been confirmed that there was no such danger as radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test as it was carried out under a scientific consideration and careful calculation.
''The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 per cent. It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA (Korean People's Army) and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.
It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the area around it.The news agency reported that North Korea nuclear test was conducted at 1036 hrs (local time) (0706 hours IST) in Hwaderi near Kilju city, citing defense officials.
North Korea had said last week that it would conduct a test, sparking regional concern and frantic diplomatic efforts aimed at dissuading Pyongyang from such a move.
It had said that it would conduct a nuclear test as part of its deterrent against a possible US invasion.
North Korea has long claimed to have nuclear weapons but had never before performed a known test to prove its arsenal.
India silent
India has not reacted to North Korea's move as yet and is likely to go through the usual route of approaching UNSC.
"This nuclear test does change the power equation in the world. But we all knew this was coming. Now the situation changes for South Korea, Japan and that part of the world. But India should learn that we should not jump into any deal that changes our programme that could lead to our other tests being marred," former chairman of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India, Dr A Gopalakrishnan told CNN-IBN.
"This move by North Korea will make Japan rethink it’s nuclear and defense policy. Secondly, it will help Bush strengthen his efforts in building defense against North Korea. Thirdly, this means that US can be now subjected more to nuclear attacks. Lastly, Pakistan has nuclear arsenal but they are not willing to give access to Osama. North Korea has followed the Pakistan example,” said Defence Analyst, K Subramaniam.
North Korea’s nuclear quest: A chronology
North Korea is one of the world's most authoritarian and secretive nations, with an economy in dire straits after decades of mismanagement
Following World War II, the Korean peninsula was split, with the north coming under Communist domination and the south portion eyeing Western ways.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established as an authoritarian socialist government in 1948.
Kim Jong Il has led North Korea since 1994 after the death of his father, Kim Il Sung, the country's first leader.
The North relies heavily on international aid to feed its people and fuel resources for its one million-man army.