The UN Security Council is to hold an urgent meeting this morning following an announcement by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that it has conducted a nuclear test, a UN diplomat told Xinhua yesterday.

Japan's UN Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, president of the Security Council for October, has informed the council members of his schedule, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Oshima has also been suggested by some ambassadors to postpone the formal vote for the next secretary-general, which is scheduled to be held on the same day, the diplomat said, adding that the president is considering the suggestion.

The DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency said on Monday that the DPRK has conducted a successful underground nuclear test.