Senin, 30 Agustus 2021

North Korea 'resumes main nuclear reactor operation' near Pyongyang, UN report says - Sky News

North Korea has resumed its main nuclear operation, a UN report has said.

According to the report, the country's main nuclear complex in Yongbyon is being used to produce weapon fuels.

The annual report by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) refers to a five-megawatt reactor at the site, which produces plutonium - one of two key ingredients used to build nuclear weapons.

It comes after leader Kim Jong Un threatened to expand his nuclear arsenal, despite strict sanctions which have steadily increased since the first test device explosion in 2006.

The Yongbyon nuclear complex is pictured as its cooling tower is demolished in 2008. Pic: AP
Image: The Yongbyon nuclear complex is pictured as its cooling tower is demolished in 2008. Pic: AP

The report reads: "Since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor."

It said there were also indications of the operation of Yonbyon's radiochemical laboratory from mid-February to early July.

"The new indications of the operation of the 5MW(e) reactor and the radiochemical (reprocessing) laboratory are deeply
troubling," the agency said in the report.

More on North Korea

The IAEA has not had direct access to North Korea since its inspectors were kicked out of the country in 2009.

It is now forced to rely on satellite images and open source information to monitor any nuclear developments.

Kim Jong Un is clamping down on South Korea's creeping influence on North Korean culture
Image: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

At the beginning of this year, Mr Kim said he had ordered officials to develop missiles with multiple warheads, spy satellites and nuclear-powered submarines.

He claimed the move was designed to get the United States to "withdraw its hostile policy" towards his country.

US President Joe Biden was slow to engage with North Korea after Donald Trump became the first US president to meet the country's supreme leader in 2018.

Earlier this year Mr Biden referred to North Korea as a "serious threat to America's and world security".

He confirmed a review of the US policy had been completed and promised to address issues through "diplomacy and stern deterrence".

It triggered a furious response from Mr Kim, who described the move as a "big blunder".

People watch a nuclear missile being paraded through North Korea on TV in Seoul.Pic: AP
Image: People watch a nuclear missile being paraded through North Korea on TV in Seoul. Pic: AP

Despite meeting him several times throughout his presidency, Mr Biden's predecessor was unsuccessful in striking a deal with North Korea.

The state is reluctant to surrender the nuclear weapons it sees as necessary for its own protection, particularly without any promise of sanctions easing.

But the US wants some commitment towards denuclearisation before agreeing to any relaxation of restrictions.

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2021-08-30 08:01:18Z
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