North Korea confirmed on September 15 that its plutonium nuclear reactor had returned to normal operation.

According to AFP, the information was released by the Korea Nuclear Energy Research Institute (AEI) in the context of the world's concerns about North Korea's plan to launch a satellite from a long-range rocket in October to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Korean Workers' Party, a move considered a violation of United Nations resolutions.

Yongbyon reactor seen from satellite. Photo AFP

Speaking in an interview with the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the director of AEI said that all activities at the Yongbyon reactor "have been going on normally".

North Korea had previously suspended operations at the reactor in 2007 as part of a disarmament-for-aid deal, but it later rebuilt the reactor after its most recent nuclear test in 2013.

Since then, satellite images have shown that part of the reactor has been restarted. If operating at full capacity, the Yongbyon reactor could produce 6kg of plutonium per year, enough to make one nuclear bomb.

The AEI director also claimed that scientists and engineers at the reactor have “made significant progress” in improving both the quality and quantity of North Korea’s nuclear deterrent enough to serve as a warning to the United States.

“If the US and hostile forces continue to pursue their hostile policies, North Korea is ready to respond at any time with nuclear weapons,” the official said./.

According to VOV