Anchor: A U.S. Web site devoted to analysis of North Korea says recent satellite images show that the North is nearing completion of an experimental light water reactor (ELWR) at its nuclear site in Yongbyon. Some experts are concerned of the possibility that the North could enrich plutonium, or even uranium at the facility. Our Bae Joo-yon has more.

Report: The Web site 38 North, a program of the U.S.-Korea Institute at John’s Hopkins University, said North Korea appears to be putting the finishing external touches on the experimental light water reactor in Yongbyon. It also said in its latest intelligence analysis that the North may be completing work inside the building as well.

The report said if the North has the fuel needed to power the reactor, the facility could begin a start-up period by mid-2013 and become fully operational after that. The report explained that if fuel is available North Korea next has to conduct a number of activities during the start-up period that normally take nine to 12 months for commercial power reactor. It said all this has to happen before a full power test and the facility becomes fully operational.

Early last month, North Korea announced it will restart its five-megawatt graphite moderated reactor in Yongbyon. The reactor was shut down along with other nuclear facilities in line with an agreement reached during six-way nuclear talks in October 2007. Pyongyang unveiled a uranium enrichment plant around 2010 and experts believe that the North may have produced sufficient low-enriched uranium that can be used to power the light water reactor for several years.

Joel Wit, a former State Department official and editor of 38 North, said that “while the reactor seems designed to produce electricity for the civilian economy, it will have a residual capability to produce plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons.”

He added that the biggest concern is whether these reactors are safe or not, considering North Korea's lack of experience in designing and running light-water reactors and the absence of international oversight.

Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.