North Korea’s Main Nuclear Complex:
The UN atomic agency has observed that North Korea might have resumed its plutonium-producing reprocessing reactor
- This observation is based on the resumption of work on the 5-megawatt reactor in Yongbyon — North Korea’s main nuclear complex
- North Korean leader had offered to dismantle part of the Yongbyon complex at a second summit with then U.S. President Donald Trump in exchange of removal of sanctions; however, the talks have been at a standstill since then
- North Korea is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.
- The possible operation of the reactor follows a recent indication that Pyongyang is also using a nearby radiochemical laboratory to separate plutonium from spent fuel previously removed from the reactor.
- This situation underscores the need for resumption of dialogue between the stakeholders involved to ensure that the security situation in the Korean peninsula does not become worse
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
- Set up as the world’s “Atoms for Peace” organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. It reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
- It Works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
- Seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
- Board of Governors: 22 member states (must represent a stipulated geographic diversity) — elected by the General Conference (11 members every year) – 2 year term
- At least 10 member-states — nominated by the outgoing Board.
- Board members each receive one vote.
