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Shots fired amid Korean tension | Shots fired amid Korean tension |
(10 minutes later) | |
South Korean troops have fired warning shots at soldiers from the North amid rising tension over North Korean plans to test a nuclear weapon. | South Korean troops have fired warning shots at soldiers from the North amid rising tension over North Korean plans to test a nuclear weapon. |
Early reports suggest that about 40 shots were fired when soldiers crossed into the demilitarised zone. | Early reports suggest that about 40 shots were fired when soldiers crossed into the demilitarised zone. |
Meanwhile, South Korea has welcomed a statement by the United Nations Security Council urging North Korea to abandon plans to test a nuclear weapon. | Meanwhile, South Korea has welcomed a statement by the United Nations Security Council urging North Korea to abandon plans to test a nuclear weapon. |
Seoul joined in calling on the North to return to six-party talks. | Seoul joined in calling on the North to return to six-party talks. |
Some observers have warned that a nuclear test could come as early as this weekend. | Some observers have warned that a nuclear test could come as early as this weekend. |
After intruding some 30 metres (yards), the Northern troops returned to their side of the military demarcation line, it added. | After intruding some 30 metres (yards), the Northern troops returned to their side of the military demarcation line, it added. |
One Southern military source, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, said it was unclear whether the intrusion was "intentional or whether it was to catch fish". | One Southern military source, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, said it was unclear whether the intrusion was "intentional or whether it was to catch fish". |
'No pre-conditions' | 'No pre-conditions' |
In its statement, the Security Council warned of unspecified action against North Korea if it went ahead with a test explosion. | In its statement, the Security Council warned of unspecified action against North Korea if it went ahead with a test explosion. |
KOREAN NUCLEAR CRISIS Sept 2005:At first hailed as a breakthrough, North Korea agrees to give up nuclear activitiesNext day, N Korea says it will not scrap its activities unless it gets a civilian nuclear reactorUS imposes financial sanctions on N Korea businessesJuly 2006: N Korea test-fires seven missilesUN Security Council votes to impose sanctions over the testsOct 2006: N Korea threatens nuclear test Watching for a test N Korea nuclear timeline | |
A nuclear test would "jeopardise peace, stability and security in the region and beyond" and, in the event of a test, the Security Council would "act consistent with its responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations". | A nuclear test would "jeopardise peace, stability and security in the region and beyond" and, in the event of a test, the Security Council would "act consistent with its responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations". |
South Korea said it supported and welcomed the "UN Security Council's clear and strict position" against the threatened test. | South Korea said it supported and welcomed the "UN Security Council's clear and strict position" against the threatened test. |
"North Korea must scrap its plan for a nuclear test and return to the six-party talks immediately and without any pre-conditions," its foreign ministry said. | "North Korea must scrap its plan for a nuclear test and return to the six-party talks immediately and without any pre-conditions," its foreign ministry said. |
The BBC's Charles Scanlon reports from Seoul that a nuclear test could raise regional tension and even spark an arms race, as well as affecting the South's policy of reconciliation. | |
South Korea is sending its top delegate to the six-party negotiations, Chun Yung-Woo, to Beijing on Monday for talks with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei. | |
North Korea has been boycotting the six-party talks - which involve the two Koreas, the USA, China, Russia and Japan - in protest at US sanctions against it. | North Korea has been boycotting the six-party talks - which involve the two Koreas, the USA, China, Russia and Japan - in protest at US sanctions against it. |
Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi told Japanese TV after talks with US officials in Washington that it was possible a test could come this weekend. | Japanese Vice-Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi told Japanese TV after talks with US officials in Washington that it was possible a test could come this weekend. |
"Based on developments so far, it would be best to view a test as possible this weekend," he told Japan's Asahi TV channel. | "Based on developments so far, it would be best to view a test as possible this weekend," he told Japan's Asahi TV channel. |