The Dagestan Association for the Study of the Juche Idea and Songun Policy in its letter on Feb. 13 extended sincere congratulations to the leadership and the people of the DPRK on their successful nuclear test, saying:

It is the right of the DPRK to shape and carry out its nuclear program.

Russia has great interests in peace and stability in the Far Eastern Region.

However, such peace and stability are possible only when the DPRK accesses nuclear deterrence as the U.S. and forces following it pursue the policy of aggression and double standards.

The letter wished the DPRK greater success in bolstering its nuclear deterrence.

On the same day Viktor Yegorov, chairman of the Karelia-DPRK Friendship Association, made public the following statement:

The DPRK's nuclear test serves as a substantial countermeasure to protect its security and sovereignty from the vicious moves of the U.S. and its followers who wantonly encroached upon the DPRK's legitimate right to launch satellite for peaceful purposes.

The nuclear test demonstrated to the world the will and might of Songun Korea.

The recent nuclear test is a just step for self-defence, not contrary to any international law.

The UN Security Council should make an apology to the DPRK for encroaching upon its sovereignty in pursuance of the U.S. hostile policy toward it and repeal the unreasonable "resolution on sanctions" on it.