Apparently, a new reactor has been put into operation at the North Korean Yongbyon nuclear complex. The International Atomic Energy Agency no longer has access to the country.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a new reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear complex in North Korea has apparently been put into operation. “The hot water leak is an indication that the reactor has reached critical status,” IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement. By “critical state” we mean that the nuclear chain reaction in the reactor is now self-sustaining.
Since Pyongyang expelled IAEA inspectors in 2009, the agency has no longer had access to North Korea. She now observes the country mainly with the help of satellite images. Without access, the IAEA cannot accurately confirm the reactor's operational status, Grossi said.
The IAEA says it has observed heavy water exiting the light water reactor's cooling system since October, suggesting reactor commissioning is underway. IAEA chief Grossi said the development of North Korea's nuclear program was deeply regrettable. (APA)