"Talks Already Under Way on How to Inspect South Korean Nuclear Submarines"

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who is visiting South Korea, revealed that talks have already begun with Seoul on how to inspect the nuclear material that would be used in South Korean nuclear-powered submarines.
At the press briefing held on the 15th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno District, Seoul, Grossi noted that nuclear-powered submarines operate for long periods and are therefore outside inspection coverage for certain stretches of time. He said, "We need a system that allows the IAEA to verify that nuclear material is not being diverted," explaining why such arrangements are necessary.
He added, "We need a technical method that enables the IAEA to confirm that the material loaded at departure is not moved or diverted elsewhere and remains unchanged upon return to port." He went on, "On this point, South Korea and the IAEA are conducting negotiations." He also noted that other countries pursuing similar nuclear submarine projects, such as Australia and Brazil, are going through the same process.
Grossi also pointed out that there are still many open questions in South Korea’s case. He assessed, "The South Korean government has clearly expressed its intention to pursue nuclear-powered submarines in cooperation with the United States, but there are still aspects that need to be clarified in terms of actual construction and the supply of nuclear fuel."
Grossi further voiced concern that North Korea’s nuclear weapons production capacity has increased significantly. He said, "North Korea’s nuclear activities have expanded dramatically, from the 5-megawatt reactor and reprocessing facilities at Nyongbyon to the light-water reactor (LWR) and the activation of other facilities outside Nyongbyon."
He said the IAEA is closely examining the possibility of resuming dialogue with North Korea to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. He assessed that the efforts by the leaders of South Korea and the United States to create a basis for renewed talks with Pyongyang through bilateral agreements have drawn considerable attention from the international community. He also pledged that the IAEA will provide whatever technical support is needed to help move the situation in a more constructive direction. He noted recent references to cooperation between North Korea and Russia on civilian nuclear power projects, but said it has not yet been confirmed whether Russian technology has contributed to advancing North Korea’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
Grossi also stressed that the situations of Iran and North Korea are very different when it comes to nuclear issues. "In the case of North Korea, it already carried out nuclear proliferation in 2006. This October will mark the 20th anniversary," he said, explaining that a direct comparison with Iran is difficult.
He also commented on the possibility of running as a candidate for the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN Secretary-General), who will be chosen in the second half of this year.
rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter