Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Kozhakhmetov K.K.,  Rakhymzhan G.R.

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

North Korean underground nuclear tests.

October 14, 2006 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1718, providing for an embargo on North Korea of certain weapons, materials, and equipment that could facilitate the implementation of programs related to nuclear weapons, ballistic missile-related or other weapons of mass destruction.

Despite these sanctions, North Korea has conducted several tests. Underground tests have started in 2006, following experienced in 2009 and the last this year.

In October 2006, North Korea successfully conducted its first underground nuclear test (blew up the charge capacity of not less than 1 kiloton). A few days later, the UN Security Council demanded an end to missile and nuclear tests and tightened sanctions against the DPRK [1].

May 25, 2009 North Korea conducted its second nuclear test, "as part of measures to comprehensively strengthen independent nuclear deterrent." A number of independent experts assessed the explosive power of about 4 kilotons. June 12, 2009 The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1874, aimed at tightening sanctions against the DPRK. The Security Council has demanded that Pyongyang not to conduct any further nuclear tests or launches using ballistic missile technology and urged the authorities to carry out a number of specific requirements. The document called for tough measures, including inspections of suspicious vessels, the embargo on the export and import of North Korean weapons. In response to the resolution, Pyongyang said it would not give up its nuclear weapons and launching a program to enrich uranium [2].

As we know, February 12, 2013 North Korea conducted an third underground nuclear test [3]. The official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday announced an underground test "a miniature nuclear device" high explosive power. This is the most powerful explosion ever produced on the territory of the DPRK.

South Korea has confirmed that North Korea had made ​​an underground nuclear explosion in the same area where the DPRK conducted the previous test. Armed forces stationed in South Korea and in the south of the peninsula American troops led his troops on high alert [4].

Proof of this was recorded earthquakes of magnitude on average 5 points. The epicenter was located in the north of North Korea, in 378 kilometers from Pyongyang [5]. At the same range were conducted early tests.

Power alleged nuclear explosion in North Korea could be around 6-7 kilotons, said on Tuesday, Reuters reports with reference to the Ministry of Defense of South Korea [6].

North Korea to conduct nuclear tests notified the U.S., Reuters reports citing the press-secretary of the U.S. State Department Victoria Nuland. "The DPRK informed the State Department of its intent to atomic test, without calling any specific time" - said V.Nuland. According to her, the notice came through normal channels at the same time, she refused to tell the time when the information was received by Washington [7].

After receiving information about the nuclear tests, the international community almost immediately issued a statement condemning this move North Korea.

The night before the Security Council of the United Nations firmly condemned the nuclear tests conducted by North Korea, finding their flagrant violation of UN resolutions.

Condemned the actions of the northern neighbors immediately came forewarned about the trials South Korea, calling them provocative, "unacceptable threat to peace in the region" and "a direct challenge" the international community. Foreign Minister of South Korea Kim Sung-hwan during a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry agreed on the need for "swift and united action" in the UN Security Council, which will discuss the test for a meeting on Tuesday.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the blast, calling it a violation of previous UN resolutions and actions of Pyongyang "destabilizing." According to him, the DPRK made ​​a "clear and serious violation" of the ban on nuclear and missile tests.

NATO said the nuclear test, in conjunction with the December launch missile North Korea is "a serious threat to international peace, security and stability."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that Tokyo does not rule out the possibility of new sanctions against North Korea in connection with the trial, which he described as "extremely regrettable."

The European Union described the trial as a "blatant challenge" to non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The head of European diplomacy, Catherine Ashton said in a statement stressed that North Korea should refrain from further provocations.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said his country would seek a "hard" international reaction to the DPRK.

French President Francois Hollande said he was "the strongest terms" condemns the test and promised to support the "decisive action" the UN Security Council.

 German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said that the international community in response to provocation should take a "clear position", adding that it is necessary to consider toughening sanctions.

The Ministry of External Affairs said that testing is a "serious concern."

North Korea's main ally, China, has expressed "strong protest" against the test. Chinese Foreign Ministry called on Pyongyang to fulfill its obligations in the nuclear field, noting that the solution of the existing problems should be in the six-party talks [8].

Even Iran, which, according to the United States, developing its own nuclear weapons program, has condemned the test. The Iranian Foreign Ministry said that although all states have the right to use nuclear energy "for peaceful purposes", Tehran hopes that all stocks of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arsenals will be destroyed.

In this regard, the Republic of Kazakhstan is also condemned: "The testing of nuclear weapons have a negative impact on the process of nuclear disarmament and security risks in both regional and global scales. Our country, which has experienced devastating effects of nuclear testing, the initiator of establishing a UN International Day against nuclear testing", says the statement.

Kazakhstan calls for the immediate resumption of talks on North Korea's nuclear problem in Six-Party Talks and encourages Pyongyang to give up any steps that could lead to an escalation of tensions [9].

After it became known about the trial in New York on February 12 on the initiative of South Korea convened an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on the holding of North Korea's nuclear test [10].

Security Council firmly condemned the DPRK's nuclear test, calling it a flagrant violation of UN resolutions. In connection with this plan to develop appropriate responses. Security Council sanctions prohibit the DPRK to conduct the development of nuclear weapons [11].

In conclusion, I want to stress that international community try to keep international peace, security and stability. After North Korea's underground tests, nobody will not support his actions in this direction.  Even his allies against him.

Literature:

1.     (http://www.golos-ameriki.ru/content/world-north-korea-nuclear-history/1602526.html)

2.     (http://www.itar-tass.com/c339/647026.html)

3.     Егемен Қазақстан, №66 (28005), 13 ақпан 2013 жыл, Үшінші рет ядролық сынақ жасады

4.     (http://www.amur.info/news/2013/02/12/30.html)

5.     (Комсомольская правда Казахстана, 13 февраля 2013 года, № 21 (26031), Северная Корея послала миру ядерный толчок, Дмитрий Надеждин) 

6.     (http://i-news.kz/news/2013/02/12/6877391.html)

7.     (http://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/20130213031837.shtml)

8.     (Экспресс К, 13 февраля 2013 года, №26 (17626), КНДР устроила ядерный взрыв, 4 стр)

9.     (http://news.nur.kz/249942.html)

10. (http://censor.net.ua/news/232899/sovet_bezopasnosti_oon_ekstrenno_zasedaet_izza_yadernogo_ispytaniya_v_kndr)

11. (http://www.tvc.ru/AllNews.aspx?id=c43c161b-1983-4ff1-abad-5e0de447e904)