North Korea: no nuclear test planned at present

PYONGYANG, North Korea – North Korea says it has no current plans to conduct a nuclear test despite what it calls South Korean provocation.

The statement Saturday from an unnamed Foreign Ministry spokesman comes amid worry that a third test could follow North Korea's long-range rocket launch in April.

South Korean intelligence officials have said satellite images suggested the North was making nuclear test preparations.

But the North's statement says Seoul's recent criticism of a children's festival and other important events is meant to rattle North Korea into a nuclear test or military action so Seoul and others can increase sanctions.

Seoul called a North Korean threat Monday against specific news agencies critical of the festival a "grave provocation."