Yongbyon shutdown deadline 14 April

13 April 2007

[Global Security Newswire, 12 April] Under the 14 February agreement made by the six parties (China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the USA), North Korea must shut down the Yongbyon reactor on 14 April. However, the country has not affirmed its intention to carry out the shutdown, which would take many days. US chief negotiator Christopher Hill said: "The ball's in their court. If they don't fulfill their obligations we'll know very soon and we'll have to deal with that accordingly." The main obstacle in shutdown negotiations has been the $25 million of North Korean funds frozen in a Macau bank by the USA. Reports conflict, but many indicate that particular matter as resolved.

Further information

WNA's Safeguards to prevent nuclear proliferation information paper
WNA's Iraq, North Korea & Iran - Implications for Safeguards information paper
WNN: North Korea agrees to nuclear disarmament

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