North Korea is considering suspending operations at its nuclear facilities early if the terms of a disarmament deal are adhered to, a foreign ministry spokesman said today.
But the official added that Pyongyang would reverse the nuclear suspension if the five other signatories to the deal delayed the transfer of the remaining tonnes of fuel oil.
"The DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea[ is now earnestly examining even the issue of suspending the operation of its nuclear facilities earlier than expected, that is from the moment the first shipment of heavy oil equivalent to one-tenth of the total quantity is made," the spokesman said. His statement was carried by the official KCNA news agency.
"The agreement should be honoured not only by the DPRK but by all the countries participating in the six-party talks on the principle action for action," the spokesman added.
Otherwise, he said: "the resumption of its nuclear activity will assume legitimate nature."
Under the February 13th deal, North Korea agreed to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor, the source of its weapons-grade plutonium, in return for 50,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil from South Korea.
It is to receive an additional 950,000 tonnes of oil or other aid of equivalent value if it takes steps to disable all its nuclear facilities.
South Korea said the first shipment of 6,200 tonnes would set sail on July 12th.