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South Korea says no definite signs of imminent test

(AP)
Updated: 2006-10-04 16:45

Seoul - A top South Korean security official said Wednesday there are no definite signs of an imminent nuclear test by North Korea after the country announced its plan to test its atomic bombs.

"Currently, there are no definite signs that (North Korea) is moving to conduct a nuclear test," Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok told lawmakers Wednesday.

Lee, however, warned "there is a high possibility of a nuclear test if efforts to resume the six-party talks fail."

North Korea announced Tuesday it would conduct its first nuclear test as part of measures to bolster its defense against US aggression.

The North's announcement comes as multilateral talks on its nuclear program remain stalled for almost a year.

Pyongyang has been boycotting the six-nation disarmament talks in anger at US financial restrictions for alleged illegal activity, including money laundering and counterfeiting. Washington says the issues are separate and urged Pyongyang to return to the nuclear talks without conditions.

The North's threat of a nuclear test is believed to be "aimed at pressuring the US to change its stance" toward the country, Lee said Wednesday.

Negotiators from the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the US last met in November, when they failed to make progress toward implementing a September 2005 agreement when the North pledged to give up its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees.