The US described the prospect of North Korea restarting a mothballed atomic reactor as "extremely alarming" on Tuesday.
North Korea said it would reactivate all facilities at its main Yongbyon nuclear complex to ease its electricity shortage and strengthen its nuclear capability. The reactor was shut down in 2007 as part of international nuclear disarmament talks that have since stalled.The move came a day after Pyongyang announced a "new strategic line" focusing on its nuclear programme and economy.
The North Korea move marked the latest escalation in a confrontation in which tensions rise almost on a daily basis. On Wednesday North-South relations were further hindered when North Korea denied entry to people from the South who work in the countries' jointly run Kaesong factory park just inside the North's borders. It was not clear whether this was a temporary or permanent measure
But the Obama administration, trying to reduce tension, stressed that it would take time between Tuesday's announcement heralding resumption of North Korea's nuclear programme and the North's ability to restore its nuclear programme. Analysts estimated it would take about a year.
I still believe that The North is just seeking attention.
