LOC10:10
07:10 GMT
TOKYO, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- North Korea is capable of conducting another nuclear test at any time, the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday, citing a South Korean intelligence official.
North Korea appears to be fully ready to carry out a nuclear test at its Punggye-ri test site on short notice. We are closely watching for any moves indicating another test," an official familiar with the matter was quoted as saying.
On Friday, the North conducted its fifth nuclear test and warned it would continue to strengthen its nuclear capabilities despite the international community's efforts to use additional sanctions to stop it.
The North's remarks were interpreted by South Korea and the US as an indication of a sixth test within a short period of time. Some local North Korean watchers have said that Pyongyang could carry out another nuclear detonation within the year.
Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn warned on Monday that North Korea's pursuit of nuclear arms would hasten its demise, vowing to mobilize "all possible means" to pressure it into renouncing its nuclear program.
"I clearly warn North Korea that its fanatical development of nuclear arms and missiles would become the poison that would hasten the destruction of its regime rather than consolidate it," Hwang said. (end)
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