HELSINKI, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- Finland, the holder of European Union's current presidency, expressed in a statement Tuesday "deep concern" over the nuclear test plan announced by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

    The statement said the announcement is an irresponsible and escalatory step. It increases tension and undermines regional stability.

    The EU strongly urges the DPRK to return immediately to the six-party talks to take forward the areas of work agreed in the Joint Statement of September 2005, the statement said. Enditem