NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer expressed concern over plans of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to conduct a nuclear test.

"I am gravely concerned by reports that North Korea (DPRK) plans to test a nuclear weapon," said de Hoop Scheffer in a statement.

Such a test would pose a threat to peace and security in Asia and the world, he said.

"I strongly urge North Korea to return to the Six Party Talks, which seek the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through peaceful, diplomatic means," he added.

Source: Xinhua