IAEA says activity observed at N. Korea nuclear complex

PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN nuclear watchdog said it has seen releases of steam and water indicating that North Korea may be operating a reactor, in the latest update on a plant that experts say could make plutonium for atomic bombs, Reuters reports.

North Korea announced in April of last year that it would revive its aged five-megawatt research reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, saying it was seeking a deterrent capacity.

The isolated and poverty-stricken state defends its nuclear program as a "treasured sword" to counter what it sees as U.S.-led hostility.

In an annual report posted on its website, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said North Korea's nuclear program "remains a matter of serious concern".

The UN agency said it continued to monitor developments at Yongbyon through satellite imagery.

"Since late August 2013, the Agency has observed, through analysis of satellite imagery, steam discharges and the outflow of cooling water at the 5 MW(e) reactor, signatures which are consistent with the reactor’s operation," the IAEA said.

"However, since the agency has had no access to the 5 MW(e) reactor since April 2009, it cannot confirm the operational status of the reactor," it said. North Korea expelled IAEA inspectors in 2009 and the agency has had no inspectors in the country since then.

The Yongbyon reactor has been technically out of operation for years. North Korea destroyed its cooling tower in 2008 as a confidence-building step in talks with South Korea, China, the United States, Japan and Russia.

The IAEA said in its report that it had "observed ongoing renovation and new construction activities at various locations within" the complex.

"Although the purpose of such activities cannot be determined through satellite imagery alone, they appear to be broadly consistent with (North Korea's) statements that it is further developing its nuclear capabilities," it said.