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Finland condemns North Korea’s claimed nuclear test

Finland’s Foreign Minister Timo Soini has condemned North Korea’s claim that it has developed and tested a hydrogen bomb. The claim has brought strong condemnation from many governments around the world.

Timo Soini.
Ulkoministeri Timo Soini. Image: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva

Foreign Minister Timo Soini condemned North Korea on Wednesday, saying that the country’s claim to have detonated a hydrogen bomb breaks several international agreements on non-proliferation.

North Korea announced earlier on Wednesday that it had tested a hydrogen bomb, a more powerful weapon than the atomic devices it has previously exploded. Experts are sceptical about the North’s claim, as it would be a major leap forward in technological expertise and seismological data from the region shows a lower level of activity than could be expected from a hydrogen bomb explosion.

"Let the world look up to the strong, self-reliant nuclear-armed state," read a note purportedly from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which was displayed on North Korean television.

The announcement was condemned by the EU, US and Russia, as well as many other nation states. Finland urged the North to avoid further actions that might destabilise the region, and echoed EU high representative on Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini’s statement on the issue.

Sources: Yle