UN: North Korea continues developing its nuclear capabilities

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, Yukiya Amano of Japan. AP FILE PHOTO

VIENNA — The head of the UN atomic energy agency says satellite imagery of North Korea’s main nuclear site indicates that the country is expanding its atomic program.

Yukiya Amano spoke Monday at the opening of a 35-nation board meeting of his International Atomic Energy Agency.

Most of the focus at the meeting will be on Iran. But the agency is also trying to keep tabs on North Korea, where it has had no presence since the country told its inspectors to leave after withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation treaty 12 years ago. Since then Pyongyang has test-exploded three nuclear weapons.

READ: Korea says no interest in Iran-style nuclear deal

Amano says construction at the Yongbyon site observed through satellite photos appears to be consistent with North Korea’s statements “that it is further developing its nuclear capabilities.”