Washington: World powers on Tuesday expressed urgency in resolving the crisis over North Korea's nuclear test after government officials said there were signs that the North could be preparing for a second nuclear test.
US intelligence detected suspicious movement at a North Korean test site but could not confirm if it indicates a possible second test.
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said Tokyo confirmed the intelligence report but did not dislose details. The South Korean government also said it was analysing the report.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned that a second test by the North would "further deepen the isolation of North Korea and I hope they would not take such a provocative act".
Rice, who is set to meet with countries involved in negotiating with North Korea in six-party talks, said UN powers are under "obligation" to impose sanctions on the North.
South Korea said on Tuesday that sanctions against the North should lead to negotiations and must not provoke armed conflict.
Prime Minister Han Myeong-Sook said that "sanctions against the North should be carried out in a way to push North Korea back to the dialogue table."
The UN Security Council unanimously voted to sanction North Korea after it reported its first nuclear test on October 9.
