Nth Korea nuclear test 'very disappointing': Key

Prime Minister John Key said today if North Korea had conducted a nuclear test it would be "a very disappointing move".

Speaking at his post-cabinet press conference, Mr Key said he had seen only brief reports.

"If it's true...that's a very disappointing move. It's particularly disappointing when it comes on the back of North Korea withdrawing from the six-party talks," he said.

Mr Key said any further comment would come from Foreign Minister Murray McCully.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency reported today a successful underground nuclear test had been conduct on May 25 "as part of the measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defence".

It added that the test was "safely conducted on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control."

- NZPA