IAEA calls on North Korea to readmit nuclear inspectors

THE HEAD of the United Nations’ (UN) atomic watchdog has called on North Korea to allow inspectors back in to monitor its nuclear programme.

Speaking at a board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEF) yesterday, Director-General Yukiya Amano noted that Pyongyang had in September talked about denuclearisation measures, including the “permanent dismantlement of the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon” – a reactor where it produces plutonium.

Amano said there has been activity observed at Yongbyon, but “without access, the agency cannot confirm the nature and purpose of these activities”.

At a news conference later yesterday, he said he couldn’t elaborate on when exactly the activity was observed.

IAEA inspectors were expelled from North Korea in 2009, but Amano said the agency continues to prepare for their possible readmittance.

“The agency continues to enhance its readiness to play an essential role in verifying [North Korea’s] nuclear programme if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned,” he said. “I again call upon [North Korea] to comply fully with its obligations under relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and of the IAEA board, to cooperate promptly with the agency, and to resolve all outstanding issues.”

On the other hand, Amano told board members that Iran continues to abide by the deal reached in 2015 with major world powers that aimed at preventing Tehran from building atomic weapons in exchange for economic incentives.

He reiterated the agency’s findings in a report distributed to member states earlier this month that “Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”.

The issue has grown more complicated since the US withdrew unilaterally in May from the deal and then reimposed sanctions. Iran’s economy has been struggling ever since, and its currency has plummeted in value.

The other signatories to the deal – Germany, Britain, France, Russia, and China – are continuing to try to make it work.

Amano stressed that “it is essential that Iran continues to fully implement” its commitments.

AP Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano of Japan waits for the start of the IAEA board of governors’ meeting at the International Center in Vienna, Austria, yesterday.