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François Delattre

XIAMEN/UNITED NATIONS. — BRICS leaders strongly deplore the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the Xiamen Declaration released at the ninth BRICS summit yesterday.

“We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasise that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned,” it said.

Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended the BRICS summit in the south-eastern city of Xiamen. The DPRK on Sunday successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile, DPRK’s Central Television announced. This was the sixth nuclear test the DPRK has undertaken. Meanwhile, several members of the UN Security Council have demanded firm reaction to the latest nuclear test by the DPRK.

French ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre yesterday called for “swift, firm and united action” of the Security Council, including the adoption of new sanctions, in response to DPRK’s nuclear test on Sunday. “Weakness or ambiguity is simply not an option,” Delattre told reporters before walking in for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

He also called for autonomous sanctions by the European Union against the DPRK. “Only a very firm position is able to change the equation for the better and open the door for a political settlement that we favor,” he said.

Japanese ambassador to the United Nations Koro Bessho told reporters that the Security Council needs to make the DPRK feel the pressure. He expressed the hope that all council members would make clear statements to condemn the DPRK and to stop the country from further action.

British ambassador to the United Nations Matthew Rycroft also called for “swift, robust and speedy” response from the council. After the nuclear test by the DPRK, US Defence Secretary James Mattis warned Pyongyang of “a massive military response — a response both effective and overwhelming.”

The DPRK said on Sunday it successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb capable of being carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile, according to the country’s official TV broadcaster. Enditem BRICS leaders “strongly deplore nuclear test conducted by DPRK.” — Xinhua.