North Korea could be preparing to shut down the Yongbyon nuclear power station, according to a South Korean news agency’s report. It says intelligence officials have noticed an unusual amount of activity around the reactor.
According to the Yonhap agency, the security services are analysing satellite images showing large numbers of cars and people at the site.Under a deal reached in the six-party talks in February, North Korea agreed to close the power plant in return for economic aid and energy supplies. The deadline for Pyongyang to shut down the reactor expired on Saturday. North Korea refused to go ahead with the closure until $US 25 MLN which it holds in a Macau Bank were unblocked.The U.S. said the funds had been unfrozen, but it was still unclear whether North Korea had the money.