N.Korea nuclear test needs ‘adequate’ UN response: Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday he expected the UN Security Council to agree on “an adequate response” to North Korea’s controversial nuclear test.

“I know that the UN Security Council is to be discussing this issue in the next few hours and (will) make relevant agreements and decisions on that,” he said via a translator on a visit to Pretoria.

“Such actions that are worth condemnation require an adequate response.”

World powers have voiced a chorus of condemnation after the reclusive communist state carried out a third nuclear test in defiance of stark international warnings.

Russia — a nuclear power and a permanent member of the top UN council — has joined the criticism.

“North Korea should stop its nuclear programme and should get back onto the non-proliferation treaty,” Lavrov said.

“Then it will stop its international isolation.”

The Security Council is due to hold an emergency session on the issue at 9:00 am in New York (1400 GMT).