North Korea raises nuclear stakes

BBC

North Korea has moved to "increase its nuclear arsenal" by removing fuel rods from a nuclear reactor at Yongbyon, according to an official statement.

The rods can be treated to produce plutonium for use in nuclear weapons.

The statement comes amid an escalating stand-off between North Korea and the US, after reports that Pyongyang may be preparing a nuclear test.

South Korea expressed "serious concern" about the North Korean statement, while China urged restraint from all sides.

"We have been taking steps necessary to increase our nuclear arsenal for defence purposes," the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency.

There has been mounting speculation about the Yongbyon reactor since South Korea reported last month that it appeared to have been shut down, presumably in order to remove spent fuel rods.

Recent satellite images are reported to also suggest possible preparations for a nuclear test in North Korea's remote north-east.

The BBC's correspondent in Seoul, Charles Scanlon, says this latest announcement will be seen by the US as more provocation.

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