IAEA Chief Reports Ongoing Uranium Enrichment by North Korea

The IAEA’s Rafael Grossi announced on Monday that North Korea is continuing uranium enrichment activities at two locations, Kangson and Yongbyon, violating UN Security Council resolutions. The report follows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s recent visits to nuclear facilities, reinforcing concerns about the regime’s nuclear ambitions amid international denuclearization efforts.

The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, reported on Monday that North Korea is actively continuing its uranium enrichment activities at two distinct sites, which constitutes a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions. During an introductory statement at the agency’s Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, he highlighted the operations at the Kangson plant near Pyongyang and the Yongbyon facility located north of the capital.

Grossi’s remarks follow reports of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s inspection of a nuclear material production site and associated weapons institute in January, indicating Pyongyang’s commitment to enhancing its nuclear capabilities amid ongoing efforts by Seoul and Washington for denuclearization. He indicated, “There are indications that the uranium enrichment plants at Kangson and Yongbyon continue to operate… and that the light water reactor at Yongbyon continues to operate.”

Further expanding on the situation, Grossi noted that infrastructure developments have been observed near the Yongbyon light water reactor. He also mentioned that the 5-megawatt nuclear reactor at the Yongbyon complex restarted in mid-October following a two-month shutdown, which was sufficient for refueling and commencing a new operational cycle. Observations suggest preparations are underway for a new reprocessing campaign related to the laboratory responsible for producing plutonium from nuclear materials.

The director-general emphasized that recent images released by North Korean state media depict significant advancements in the enrichment facilities at Yongbyon, consistent with known configurations. Moreover, Grossi expressed concern over Kim’s directive for enhanced production of weapons-grade nuclear materials, calling it “deeply regrettable” and urging compliance with international obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He reinforced the IAEA’s readiness to verify North Korea’s nuclear activities.

In conclusion, the ongoing uranium enrichment activities in North Korea, reported by IAEA’s director-general Rafael Grossi, underscore significant concerns regarding adherence to international treaties and obligations. The revelation of operations at both the Kangson and Yongbyon facilities highlights the international community’s dilemma in addressing nuclear proliferation. Grossi’s statements call for immediate compliance and cooperation from North Korea with the IAEA’s inspection processes.

Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com