The IAEA has confirmed that North Korea continues uranium enrichment at two sites, Kangson and Yongbyon, marking a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s recent activities suggest a focus on advancing the nuclear program despite international denuclearization efforts. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized the need for North Korea to adhere to its obligations under international agreements.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, reported on Monday that North Korea is persisting in its uranium enrichment activities at two separate sites. This development constitutes a notable infringement of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Grossi delivered these insights during an introductory statement at the agency’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, highlighting ongoing activities in Kangson and Yongbyon, areas close to Pyongyang.
In January, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un conducted a tour of a nuclear material production facility and a nuclear weapons institute, indicating a commitment to advancing the nuclear program despite ongoing calls from Seoul and Washington for North Korea’s complete denuclearization. Grossi noted that:
“There are indications that the uranium enrichment plants at Kangson and Yongbyon continue to operate, and there are indications that the light water reactor at Yongbyon continues to operate,” according to the IAEA website. He also mentioned observed enhancements to the infrastructure around the light water reactor.
Furthermore, the IAEA confirmed that the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at Yongbyon resumed its operations in mid-October last year, after experiencing a shutdown for approximately 60 days, sufficient for refueling. Grossi remarked, “Strong indicators of preparations for a new reprocessing campaign… have been observed,” relating to the reprocessing laboratory known to produce plutonium necessary for nuclear weapons.
Grossi referenced media releases from North Korea showcasing Kim Jong-un’s visits to the nuclear production base and institute. He stated, “The depicted centrifuge cascades and infrastructure are consistent with the layout of a centrifuge enrichment facility and with the structure of the Yongbyon Uranium Enrichment Plant.”
Concerns stem from North Korea’s undeclared enrichment facilities at both locations, along with Kim’s directive for the increased production of weapons-grade nuclear materials. Grossi expressed, “The continuation of the North’s nuclear program is deeply regrettable,” urging full compliance with UN Security Council mandates. He reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to verify North Korea’s nuclear activities, stressing the importance of cooperation to address unresolved issues since agency inspectors have been absent.
In summary, the IAEA has highlighted ongoing uranium enrichment activities in North Korea, particularly at the Kangson and Yongbyon facilities, which contravene international resolutions. The IAEA director-general has expressed serious concerns regarding these developments and called for North Korea to comply with its obligations under relevant treaties. The agency remains prepared to monitor North Korea’s nuclear program effectively.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
