IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reported that North Korea is actively continuing uranium enrichment at Kangson and Yongbyon, contravening UN Security Council resolutions. He noted significant developments in North Korea’s nuclear program, including operational light water reactors and indications of a new reprocessing campaign for plutonium. Grossi urged North Korea to comply with international obligations and cooperate with the IAEA.
The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, announced that North Korea appears to be actively continuing its uranium enrichment activities at two sites. During his introductory remarks at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Grossi emphasized that these developments violate UN Security Council resolutions, signaling serious concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.
Grossi identified the facilities at Kangson, located near Pyongyang, and the Yongbyon complex as the sites of enrichment activities. He referenced recent reports indicating that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had toured a nuclear material production base, further indicating the regime’s commitment to bolstering its nuclear capabilities while South Korea and the United States advocate for complete denuclearization.
The IAEA chief noted that indicators confirm the operation of both uranium enrichment plants and the light water reactor at Yongbyon. He further detailed observations that new support infrastructure has been established adjacent to the reactor, indicating an ongoing expansion of nuclear capabilities. The 5-megawatt reactor at Yongbyon is also reported to have resumed operations after a shutdown lasting around two months.
Moreover, Grossi pointed out signs of preparations for a new reprocessing campaign that could yield plutonium, necessary for nuclear weapon production. The Radiochemical Laboratory, crucial for producing plutonium, showed activity consistent with such plans. Grossi highlighted that approximately 6 kilograms of plutonium is required to manufacture a nuclear bomb.
The IAEA chief expressed alarm over the potential for nuclear escalation, referencing North Korea’s state media release featuring images of Kim inspecting nuclear facilities. The infrastructure depicted aligns with previous assessments of the centrifuge enrichment facility at Yongbyon and the undeclared enrichment site in the Kangson complex.
In conclusion, Grossi reiterated his call for North Korea to adhere to its international obligations under the UN Security Council resolutions and to fully cooperate with the IAEA in the implementation of its safeguards agreement. He characterized the continuation of North Korea’s nuclear development as “deeply regrettable,” urging swift action to address unresolved issues related to the agency’s inspections in the country.
Director General Rafael Grossi of the IAEA has underscored alarming signs of North Korea’s uranium enrichment activities at two key sites, challenging international security protocols. He emphasized the need for compliance with UN Security Council resolutions and the urgent necessity of dialogue to resolve outstanding matters. The ongoing nuclear expansion poses serious risks, necessitating enhanced efforts for non-proliferation and oversight.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
