Reaction

China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei:

"We have noticed the statement made by the DPRK and feel regretful about it.

China has constantly advocated denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and maintaining peace and stability in the peninsula and northeast Asia.

We are calling for all parties concerned to remain calm and restrained, return to dialogue and consultation as soon as possible and jointly seek ways to appropriately resolve the issue."

Republic of Korea, Foreign Ministry spokesman Choi Tai-young:

"I watched KCNA's report. It would be very regrettable if the news report is true.

We urge North Korea to live up to the promises it has made in the past and sustain denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula."

Russia, Senior Foreign Ministry official Grigory Logvinov:

"Moscow believed talks with North Korea over its nuclear program were still a possibility.

Russia has urged all sides in the region to remain calm and has warned of the prospect of spiraling tensions."

Japan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga:

"If North Korea were to restart its Yongbyon plant, it would be in violation of the Six-Party Talks and the UN Security Council Resolution It would be a grave concern for Japan."

China Daily

(China Daily 04/03/2013 page12)