From correspondents in Washington, United States, 12:30 AM IST

US President Barack Obama Monday said North Korea's apparent detonation of a nuclear device would deepen the country's isolation and called on the international community to take quick action in response.

Reading a brief statement to reporters at the White House, Obama said Pyongyang's actions endangered northeast Asia and the world.

'They are a blatant violation of international law and they violate North Korea's own previous commitments. Now, the US and the international community must take action in response,'he said.

North Korea's announcement that it had conducted a second successful underground nuclear test Monday triggered a wave of international criticism, with neighbours Japan and South Korea demanding an emergency session of the UN Security Council.

Pyongyang, which also appeared to have test-fired a short-range missile, made good on earlier threats issued after the Security Council criticized a rocket launch by the Stalinist state.

'It's actions have also flown in the face of UN resolutions, as a result North Korea is not only deepening its own isolation, but it is also inviting stronger international pressure,' Obama said, noting 'North Korea will not find security and respect through threats and illegal weapons.'

He vowed the United States would work with 'our friends and allies to stand up to this behaviour. We will redouble our efforts toward a more robust nonproliferation regime that all countries have responsibilities to meet. In this effort the US will never waiver from our determination to protect our people and the peace and

security of the world.'

(Staff Writer, © IANS)