 Pyongyang rejects nuke sampling
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-13 07:49 The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said yesterday that it won't allow outside inspectors to take samples from its main nuclear complex to verify the accounting of past nuclear activities. Pyongyang's foreign ministry said that it had never agreed to such sampling, contradicting statements by US officials last month following a breakthrough deal about how to verify DPRK's list of nuclear programs under a disarmament pact. The conflicting statements could prove a new snag in the long, tortured process of nuclear disarmament on the Korean Peninsula. The DPRK has agreed to give up its nuclear weapons but has disputed with the US over verification, with Washington insisting on strict measures to ensure Pyongyang is not hiding any active atomic programs. US officials said last month that the DPRK will allow atomic experts to take samples and conduct forensic tests at all of its declared nuclear facilities and undeclared sites on mutual consent. Sample-taking is believed to be a key means of nuclear verification. The DPRK's foreign ministry said the country agreed last month to let nuclear inspectors visit its main atomic complex, view related documents and interview scientists - but it said taking samples was never part of the deal. Pyongyang also said only its Yongbyon atomic complex is subject to verification, and inspections can take place only after it receives all energy aid promised from its negotiating partners: China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the United States and Russia. Border to be closed In another development, Pyongyang said yesterday it would close its land border with the ROK from next month, largely putting a stop to the few exchanges that exist between the two sides divided since the Cold War. The move follows growing anger in Pyongyang at the hardline approach of the ROK's conservative government over its nuclear weapons program. It accused ROK of taking their confrontation "beyond the danger level". The little traffic there is across their heavily armed border is the product of agreements during 10 years of left-leaning leaders in Seoul. The DPRK's KCNA news agency said the border closure would take effect from Dec 1. Agencies (China Daily 11/13/2008 page12) |
