North Korea - nuclear

Pyongyang kicks out nuclear weapons inspectors and restores nuclear plants

Article published on the 2009-04-15 Latest update 2009-04-15 07:56 TU

A North Korean soldier standing guard near Sinuiju on 14 April 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

North Korea reacted to a UN Security Council statement announced on Monday by ordering inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency out of the country.

“It has requested the removal of all containment and surveillance equipment, following which IAEA inspectors will no longer be provided access to the facility,” said Marc Vidricaire, a spokesperson for the nuclear watchdog.

The UN statement condemned the missile/rocket launch by the communist state on 5 April, saying it broke a previous Security Council resolution.

North Korea also said it would not continue taking part in a six-nation forum on nuclear disarmament involving South Korea, the US, China, Russia and Japan.