North Korea launches reactor that produces plutonium for nuclear weapons – IAEA

North Korea has launched a light water reactor that can produce plutonium for nuclear weapons. This was stated in a statement by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.

The agency chief noted that on November 22, at a meeting of the board of governors, he reported that the IAEA had seen an increased level of activity at and near the light water reactor (LWR) at Yongbyon, as well, since mid- October, a heavy flow of water from its cooling system. These observations are consistent with the commissioning of the LWR.

“The last observations indicate that this water release is warm, which is also consistent with the commissioning of the LWR, a process that takes some time for any new reactor. However, the release of warm water indicates that the reactor has reached critical power, ” – said Grossi.

At the same time, he indicated that without access to the facility, the IAEA could not confirm its operational status.

“A light water reactor, like any other nuclear reactor, can produce plutonium in irradiated fuel, which can be released during reprocessing, and this is a concern,” said the director general of the IAEA.

Grossi called on the DPRK to fully comply with its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and immediately cooperate fully with the IAEA.

Let’s recall that on December 18, the DPRK launched a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile towards the Sea of ​​Japan. This came hours after Pyongyang tested a short-range ballistic missile in the same direction on December 17.

The US has said that the use of nuclear weapons would lead to the “end of the regime” of Kim Jong-in. The North Korean leader responded that “Pyongyang will not hesitate to launch a nuclear strike in the event of enemy provocations.”