United Nations ? Security Council experts reached agreement late Thursday on a statement urging North Korea to cancel its planned nuclear test and return immediately to talks on scrapping its nuclear weapons program, but the text needs final approval from council members.

Japan’s U.N. Ambassador Kenzo Oshima said a statement “most likely” would be approved and read out this morning after capitals give final approval.

“There are some changes, new inputs from members, but basically the original draft that we presented for discussion – the thrust of it – is maintained,” he said.

The original Japanese draft expresses “deep concern” over North Korea’s announcement Tuesday that it would conduct a nuclear test and urges the North not to carry it out.

It warns Pyongyang that a nuclear test would bring international condemnation, “jeopardize peace, stability and security in the region and beyond,” and lead to further unspecified council action.

The Japanese draft also urges North Korea to return immediately to six-party talks on its nuclear program and work toward implementation of a September 2005 agreement in which the North pledged to give up its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees. The six-party talks involve the two Koreas, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.

North Korea has boycotted the six-nation talks for a year, angered by American financial restrictions imposed over the North’s alleged illegal activities such as money laundering and counterfeiting.