Asia-Pacific

Possibility of DPRK's N-test cannot be ruled out: ROK

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-22 17:42

SEOUL - A possibility of a third nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cannot be ruled out but is still low, local media quoted unification minister of Republic of Korea (ROK) as saying Friday.

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ROK is "keeping a close eye on" the possibility of another nuclear experiment in the DPRK because chances "cannot be completely ruled out," minister Hyun In-taek said during a parliamentary audit, according to Seoul's Yonhap News Agency.

Chances for an imminent nuclear test are low at the moment, Hyun reportedly said, adding that he believes the DPRK is seeking to operate a uranium enrichment program.

His remarks came after local reports said movements of people and vehicles have been observed in Punggye-ri in the DPRK's North Hamgyong Province, the site of the country's first nuclear experiment in 2006.

Reports earlier this month also said a newly released satellite image suggests increased activity around the DPRK's Yongbyon nuclear complex, possibly indicating a third nuclear test by Pyongyang. The ROK government has yet to confirm the reports.