President Bush responds to North Korean nuclear test

President Bush has issued a statement responding to North Korea's claim Monday to have carried out a nuclear test.

In the statement, given at 10am this morning, Bush confirmed North Koreas's claim, which is consistent with the seismological reports issued earlier today.

Bush called the action "unacceptable," and said that the United States remains committed to a diplomatic resolution. He also noted that the United States will protect itself and its interests in the region, and affirmed U.S. security commitments to its allies, South Korea and Japan.

The president also called North Korea a "leading proliferator of nuclear technology," citing its nuclear transfers to Syria and Iran. The North Korean experiment may serve as symbolic currency in U.S. rhetoric or actions against Iran, by emboldening U.S. claims that Iran is developing nuclear weapons.

Also see:

• Timeline of North Korea's nuclear program
• Globalization Guide Keith Porter's remarks and resources on North Korea's nuclear test today.
• Iran Sanctions Pro and Con