US, South Korea, Japan hold talks amid fear of another North Korean nuke test

Seoul, May 21 (ANI): Senior officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan are reportedly holding talks on North Korea and other issues in the wake of concerns that the communist nation could be planning to conduct another nuclear test.

Concerns over a third atomic test by Pyongyang have grown since the United Nations Security Council condemned North Korea's failed long-range rocket launch on April 13 and tightened existing sanctions.

Pyongyang claimed that its aim was only to put a peaceful satellite into orbit, but the UN said it breached a ban on testing ballistic missile technology.

According to The Herald Sun, Glyn Davies, the US special envoy for North Korea policy, would be meeting with Lim Sung-Nam, South Korea's top nuclear envoy, and his Japanese counterpart Shinsuke Sugiyama in Seoul to discuss the matter.

"In response to the failed launch, the international community has been able to send a clear and consistent message to Pyongyang that North Korea should refrain from any further provocations," Lim told the state-run media.

"There will be a different path for them if they make the right decision," Lim said, adding he hoped talks could 'lead North Korea to the right side of peace'.

Meanwhile, Group of Eight leaders expressed 'deep concerns' on Saturday over North Korea's 'provocative actions' and condemned the rocket launch. (ANI)