US: "North Korea's Yongbyon Light Water Reactor Test Operation Poses Serious Risk"

The U.S. government stated on the 23rd (local time) that the detected signs of test operation at North Korea's Yongbyon light water reactor (LWR) "raise serious concerns, including safety."

On the same day, the U.S. Department of State, in response to a domestic media inquiry about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s announcement regarding the detected signs of test operation at North Korea's Yongbyon LWR, made this statement on behalf of the U.S. Mission in Vienna, Austria.

The State Department said, "Without IAEA monitoring and support, serious risks could arise for North Korea, the regional, and global nuclear industries." It also pointed out, "North Korea's illicit nuclear and ballistic missile programs pose a serious threat to international peace and security."

Earlier, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated on the 21st that signs of test operation, such as warm water flowing near North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear facility's experimental light water reactor, were observed. Director General Grossi had also reported similar signs of test operation in November. This has drawn attention as it suggests the possibility of North Korea securing additional means to produce nuclear weapon materials.

[Image source=Yonhap News]