Satellite images show progress at NKorea reactor
Mar 6, 2012, 11:28 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) – A private nuclear non-proliferation group says a satellite image shows North Korea has made progress in building a light-water reactor to expand its nuclear program.
The Feb. 3 image of the nuclear complex at Yongbyon was taken nearly a month before North Korea agreed to freeze major nuclear activities in return for U.S. food aid.
The image was released by the Institute of Science and International Security. Analyst Paul Brannan said Tuesday a turbine building at the reactor that was still under construction in a Sept. 20 image now appears to be externally complete.
Brannan said the reactor’s dome is not yet in place so more work needs to be done.
North Korea says the reactor is for electricity generation, but some experts fear it could produce plutonium for bombs.
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