DPRK NUCLEAR TEST: PROTEST SCHEDULED IN VLADIVOSTOK

UNCLAS VLADIVOSTOK 000062 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG SENV RS SUBJECT: DPRK NUCLEAR TEST: PROTEST SCHEDULED IN VLADIVOSTOK ¶1. Though the North Korean nuclear test took place less than 180 miles from Vladivostok, reaction in the city has so far been fairly muted. Professors at the Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service announced plans to conduct a small demonstration at noon on May 27 to protest the North Korean nuclear tests. ¶2. The Primorye Meteorological Service also announced a change in operations, increasing the frequency of radiation test readings from twice to eight times daily. Monitoring stations in Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and a few other settlements will continue the increased monitoring until May 31. ¶3. The radiation level since the nuclear test has remained around 12 micro roentgens per hour, well below the maximum naturally-occurring level of 30 MR per hour. The test registered as a 4.5 magnitude earthquake at a seismic observation station in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk according to local news reports, though no tremors were felt in the Vladivostok area. ¶4. All other government agencies are reporting business as usual. A Primorye Kray Emergency Committee spokesperson responded to the media by saying "there is nothing for us to react to" and the Pacific Fleet press service reports that it has not called for increased combat readiness. ¶5. Comment: There is a fair amount of goodwill for North Korea in the area due to the large number of North Koreans working in the forestry, fishing, and construction industries. However, residents remember that debris from a previous rocket launched by North Korea fell in the Primorye district and there is certainly a limit to the feelings of neighborliness even here near the border. ARMBRUSTER