NATO's governing body is harshly criticizing North Korea's recent nuclear test, calling it "irresponsible" and a flagrant violation of U.N. Security council actions. "This irresponsible act, along with the December missile launch, poses a grave threat to international peace, security and stability," said a statement from the North Atlantic Council. "North Korea's pursuit of weapons of mass destruction represents continued defiance of the UN Security Council and the broader international community." The statement called on North Korea to immediately cease such "provocative actions." The NATO alliance considers an attack on one of its 28 members as an attack on them all, according to a report of the Associated Press.