Obama deems North Korea nuclear test a 'grave threat' to 'international peace and stability'

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published 9 September 2016

Hours after North Korea announced its fifth successful nuclear test, President Obama issued a statement Friday morning condemning the test in "the strongest possible terms as a grave threat to regional security and to international peace and stability." He also warned of potential new sanctions against the nation for its actions. "To be clear, the United States does not, and never will, accept North Korea as a nuclear state," the statement read, calling North Korea's test evidence it has "no interest in being a responsible member of the international community."

Though Obama didn't offer many specifics as to what actions he may take against North Korea, he did emphasize that, as president, he has "a responsibility to safeguard the American people and ensure that the United States is leading the international community in responding to this threat and North Korea's other provocations with commensurate resolve and condemnation." Obama also said he has already consulted with allies about taking "additional significant steps."

North Korea confirmed the success of its latest test hours after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 5.3 magnitude earthquake nearby North Korea's test site. The test was its second this year. Read Obama's full statement below. Becca Stanek