North Korea seen making progress on nuclear reactor...

US researchers say North Korea is making rapid progress on building a light-water nuclear reactor that may be externally complete within one year.

Experts on North Korean affairs at Johns Hopkins University released satellite images and an analysis of a nuclear complex in Nyongbyon.

They say an image taken in May shows trenches for pipelines to carry cooling water to the construction site of the cylindrical light-water reactor.

Researchers say work had begun by September on a structure believed to be a turbine containment building. They say cylindrical materials likely to become part of the reactor building were visible by November 3rd.

The group says North Korea has made significant progress in constructing the light-water reactor and that it may be externally complete in 6 to 12 months.

But they say operations are unlikely to begin for another 2 to 3 years because North Korea still needs time to install machinery and fuel.

North Korea disclosed last year that it is building a light-water reactor for power generation purposes at Nyongbyon, with no outside help. Earlier this month, it said "the day is near at hand" when the reactor would begin operations.
(Japan Broadcasting Corporation, 2011-11-16)