IAEA: "Buk Gangseon Complex Similar to Yongbyon Uranium Enrichment Facility"

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has assessed that the Kangs?n complex, identified as a North Korean nuclear facility, resembles the uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon and appears to be in the final stages of completion.

Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, stated on the 3rd (local time) during his opening remarks at the regular board meeting held in Vienna, Austria, "Construction of an annex at the Kangs?n complex began at the end of February this year, significantly expanding the usable area of the facility. The annex now appears externally completed."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Located on the southeastern outskirts of Pyongyang, the Kangs?n complex has long been suspected by U.S. intelligence agencies as a secret nuclear facility capable of enriching uranium to produce nuclear material for warhead manufacturing. Recently, an annex adjacent to the main building of the Kangs?n complex was observed under construction.

Director General Grossi said, "The Kangs?n complex shares characteristics of infrastructure with the uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon." He explained that its structure is similar to the Yongbyon nuclear facility in North Pyongan Province, which is suspected of producing nuclear material for warhead manufacturing.

Grossi also noted signs that the experimental light water reactor (LWR) at the Yongbyon nuclear facility is operational, stating, "Intermittent discharge of cooling water, indicative of LWR operation, has been observed at the Yongbyon nuclear facility, along with continuous signs of operation of the 5 MW reactor and centrifuge enrichment facilities."

He reported that there have been no significant changes at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, which is believed to be in a state of preparing for additional nuclear tests.

Director General Grossi expressed regret, saying, "The continuation and development of North Korea's nuclear program, including the construction and operation of light water reactors, clearly violates United Nations Security Council resolutions," and added, "North Korea must promptly cooperate with the IAEA to implement the safeguards agreement under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.