U.S. ‘concerned’ about N.K. light water reactor in Yongbyon

Published : Nov 16, 2011 - 20:27 Updated : Nov 16, 2011 - 20:27

This satellite image taken earlier this month shows that North Korea has made progress in its efforts to build a light water nuclear reactor. Construction is expected to finish within 6-12 months. (Yonhap News)

WASHINGTON (AFP) ― The United States raised concerns Tuesday over a nuclear reactor in North Korea that the communist state claims will soon start operating.

North Korea’s uranium enrichment program “and construction of a light-water reactor violate U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as their commitment to the 2005 joint statement,” said State Department spokesman Mark Toner.

“We have concerns,” said Toner. “Certainly we’re concerned about the matter.”

North Korea on Nov. 10 announced through its official news agency that it will soon start operating a new home-built nuclear reactor.

Pyongyang disclosed the light water reactor and an apparently functioning uranium enrichment plant to U.S. scientists who visited its Yongbyon nuclear complex in November 2010.

Light water reactors are generally used for civilian purposes.

The United States is seeking to revive six-party talks on the nuclear program involving China, the United States, Japan, Russia and both Koreas.

Talks opened in 2003 and negotiations resulted in a 2005 agreement, but have stalled since December 2008.

Washington and its allies want Pyongyang to shut down their uranium enrichment plant before six-nation talks can resume. The North insists that the talks restart without preconditions.