The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says North Korea had already removed essential equipment from its nuclear facilities at Yongbyon by the time it decided to halt disablement last month.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog made the statement in a report to its Board of Governors, suggesting it would take some time for the North to rebuild its main reactor to the point where it is in an operational state.

The report added that IAEA personnel in the North continue to closely monitor any moves Pyongyang makes associated with key equipment, including nuclear fuel rods.