‘Imminent’ Nokor nuclear test unlikely

SEOUL — Despite fears to the contrary, North Korea does not appear to be preparing an imminent nuclear test, a US think-tank said yesterday in an analysis of recent satellite images of Pyongyang’s main test site.

While the latest pictures dated May 9 do show high levels of activity at the Punggye-ri site, most of it seems to be of a mundane, routine nature that would not be consistent with an impending test, the US Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University said.

In an analysis posted on its website 38 North, the institute offered several scenarios, including the possibility that Pyongyang had been pushing towards a test but was warned off by its main ally and economic benefactor, China.

“Based on available evidence... it appears that a nuclear test is not imminent,” the analysis said.

“Indeed, given previous North Korean practices, one possible conclusion is that if the North is planning a test, it may still be weeks away,” it added.

The international community has been on edge for a month after South Korea cited intelligence reports that the North was planning to conduct its fourth nuclear test — possibly to coincide with US President Barack Obama’s visit to Seoul in April.