"President Obama on Tuesday called North Korea's third successful nuclear test a 'highly provocative act' that 'undermines regional stability' and threatens action by the international community."
"He said North Korea's nuclear program constitutes 'a threat to U.S. national security.'
The White House released the statement early Tuesday after North Korea detonated a miniaturized nuclear device at a northeastern test site, state media said, defying U.N. Security Council orders to shut down atomic activity or face more sanctions and international isolation.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the test, saying it was 'deplorable that Pyongyang defied the strong and unequivocal call from the international community to refrain from any further provocative measures.'"
USA TODAY had the story from staff and wires February 11, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"North Korea Confirms It Conducted 3rd Nuclear Test" (New York Times)
"China Joins U.S., Japan in Condemning North Korea Nuclear Test" (Reuters)
"U.N. Security Council To Meet Tuesday on North Korea's Nuclear Test" (Reuters)