North Korean official statement in full
North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency ran a government announcement on Monday, describing the nuclear test as part of the country’s “great leap forward”.
This is the statement in full:
“The field of scientific research in the DPRK [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea] successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9, 2006, at a stirring time when all the people of the country are making a great leap forward in the building of a great, prosperous, powerful socialist nation.
“It has been confirmed that there was no such danger from radioactive emission in the course of the nuclear test, as it was carried out under scientific consideration and careful calculation.
“The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology, 100 per cent.
“It marks a historic event as it greatly encouraged and pleased the KPA [Korean People’s Army] and people that have wished to have powerful self-reliant defence capability.
“It will contribute to defending the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the area around it.”