U.N. watchdog to N. Korea: Admit inspectors again

VIENNA — The head of the U.N.’S atomic watchdog has called on North Korea to allow inspectors back in to monitor its nuclear program.

Speaking at a board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Thursday, Director General Yukiya Amano noted that Pyongyang had in September talked about denuclearization 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 Thursday, 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 re-admittance.

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

The issue has grown more complicated since the U.S. withdrew in May from the deal and re-imposed sanctions. Iran’s economy has been struggling since, and its currency has plummeted in value.

The other signatories to the deal — Germany, Britain, France, Russia and China — continue to try to make it work.

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

In its full report, the IAEA said inspectors still have access to all sites in Iran that they need to visit