UN's Ban urges N.Korea to refrain from nuclear test

North Korea has almost completed preparations for a third nuclear test, a senior source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing has said, an act that would draw further international condemnation following a failed rocket launch.

The isolated and impoverished state sacrificed the chance of closer ties with the United States when it launched the long-range rocket on April 13 and was censured by the UN Security Council, which includes the North's sole major ally, China.

"Myself, in a statement as secretary general, have clearly urged them (North Korea) not to take any further provocative action, including nuclear tests," Ban Ki-moon said on a visit to New Delhi.