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International Atomic Energy Agency seeks talks with DPR of Korea on nuclear plans

International Atomic Energy Agency seeks talks with DPR of Korea on nuclear plans

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Responding to reports that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has plans to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, the head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today contacted Pyongyang seeking talks on the matter.

Responding to reports that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has plans to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons, the head of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) today contacted Pyongyang seeking talks on the matter.

In a message to the DPRK authorities, IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei confirmed the Agency’s readiness to dispatch a senior team to the country, or to receive a DPRK delegation in Vienna, to discuss this matter.

Talks would also cover the general question of the implementation of IAEA safeguards – required under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) – in the DPRK, according to the Agency.

The Director-General voiced hope that the DPRK “will without delay come back into full compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.”

Yesterday, the IAEA formally requested Pyongyang to furnish information about the reports of an undeclared uranium enrichment facility in the DPRK.