Vienna, Feb 06: The United Nations nuclear watchdog said today it could not verify North Korea's claim that it has reactivated a mothballed nuclear plant but deplored the move if it were true.
"Without the presence of our inspectors we could not certify this alleged nuclear activity," said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spokeswoman Melissa Fleming.
"However if it is true, the IAEA deplores the operation of nuclear facilities without safeguard inspection," she added.
North Korea said yesterday it had reactivated its controversial Yongbyon Nuclear Complex for the production of electricity.
The United States described the latest twist in its standoff with Pyongyang over the latter's nuclear ambitions as "dangerous" and "a very serious development".
Bureau Report
