Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Kim Jong-un reportedly reactivated his country’s main nuclear reactor, Yongbyon, a move seen as a harbinger North Korea redevelop the weapons program.
The reactivation of this nuclear reactor is monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In its annual report released on Monday (30/8), the IAEA reported indications of Yongbyon returning to operations.
“Since early July, there have been several indications, including the release of cold water, that indicate the reactor is operating,” the IAEA report was quoted as saying. AFP.
If true, then North Korea reactivated one of their main nuclear reactors which had not been operating since December 2018.
The IAEA itself has actually been expelled from North Korea since 2009. However, the atomic agency is still closely monitoring the development of the situation in North Korea from outside.
When he learned of the indications for the reactivation of Yongbyon, the IAEA said he was very worried. They asserted that Yongbyon’s activation was a “violation” of United Nations resolutions.
A senior US State Department official also claimed to have received information about the reactivation of this nuclear reactor.
“This report underscores the importance of dialogue and diplomacy so that complete denuclearization can be achieved on the Korean Peninsula,” the official told reporters. AFP.
He then said, “We will continue to have dialogue with North Korea to discuss this reported activity and other matters related to denuclearization.”
Last week, the US representative in Pyongyang, Sung Kim, also reiterated his readiness to meet with the North Korean government “anywhere and anytime.”
The United States has begun intensive diplomacy to get North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program in recent years, especially since President Donald Trump took office.
Initially, diplomacy went smoothly until Trump and Kim Jong-un met twice. After that, however, negotiations stalled due to disagreements between Kim and Trump over the details of the denuclearization deal.
During the Biden administration, the US tried to revive denuclearization talks, but so far there has been no significant progress.
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