South Korea: No sign of imminent North Korean nuclear tes

A North Korean nuclear test or missile launch does not appear to be imminent even though preparations are under way, Seoul's point man on Pyongyang said Wednesday.South Korea's Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae made the comment in a parliamentary session, responding to a question by an opposition lawmaker, according to South Korea's (Yonhap) News Agency.His comment came amid concerns that the communist country could try to escalate tensions with the outside world in efforts to strengthen internal unity following the execution of leader Kim Jong-un's uncle, Jang Song-thaek.North Korea has a track record of staging provocations at a time of its internal instability in an apparent attempt to divert people's attention and create cohesion. Ryoo also told lawmakers that he was not aware of any unusual movement in North Korea. North Korea conducted three nuclear tests in 2006, 2009 and February 2013, drawing international condemnation andtougher UN sanctions.Pyongyang has also carried out a series of long-range rocket launches in recent years. Last December, North Korea launched a satellite for what it claimed were peaceful purposes.