North Korea appears to have restarted key nuclear reactor: UN watchdog
Fox News
Evidence has emerged that North Korea has restarted a nuclear reactor believed to be capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium in a development called “deeply troubling,” Reuters reported, citing the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Leif Eric Easley, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, told the Financial Times that it seems as though the North Koreans were not intent on being discreet and could be getting ready to use Yongbyon as a bargaining chip in negotiations. "But even if Pyongyang is considering returning to negotiations…it may lead off with a missile test rather than diplomatic engagement," he said. The Reuters report pointed out that the country’s last nuclear test was in 2017 but the UN agency does not have access to the site after being expelled in 2009. The agency now uses commercial satellite images and other methods to monitor the facilities.