Turkey 'strongly condemns' North Korea nuclear test

Turkey has joined in the condemnation of North Korea over its fourth nuclear test, calling it "an unacceptable threat" to global peace and stability.

"Turkey is gravely concerned with this development which will be bound to affect peace and stability in the region and constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1718, 1874, 2087 and 2094," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a written statement released late Jan. 6.

"As a country that actively supports international efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, Turkey regards this test as an unacceptable threat to efforts toward international peace and stability and strongly condemns it. We call upon North Korea to fastidiously abide by its international obligations," the Foreign Ministry said.

Earlier on Jan. 6, North Korea said it had successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb, triggering international concern and anger from countries including the United States and Japan, and even its sole major ally, China.
 
The U.N. Security Council agreed on Jan. 6 to roll out new measures to punish North Korea and vowed to begin work on a new U.N. draft resolution that would contain "further significant measures." But Pyongyang is already under layers of sanctions imposed following its past missile launches and three nuclear tests, and analysts have questioned what real impact fresh penalties will really have.In Photos: Snow produces picturesque scenes across Turkey after days of stormsIn Photos: At least 27 refugees' bodies wash ashore on Turkey's Aegean coast In Photos: Greek Orthodox Christians dive into cold water to retrieve holy crossIn photos: Turkey commemorates Rumi with 'Night of Union' ceremony...