<[Yonhap News Photo]
SEOUL -- North Korea's pledge to discard its nuclear test site near the border with China requires "verifiable" agreements as it is still fully operational and viable for future tests, according to a U.S. website.
38 North said one area at the Punggye-ri site was apparently abandoned following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test in September last year that triggered post-test earthquakes. However, significant new tunneling was noted at another area, up through early March, it said.
"That renewed tunneling was curtailed by mid-March, but not entirely stopped through early April, suggesting that either the tunnel was complete and ready for future renewed testing or that the slowdown simply mirrored the ongoing political changes underway," 38 North said.
Another potential test tunnel remains "suitable" for future tests, the website said, adding there is no basis to conclude that the site is no longer viable for future testing.
38 North said two portal areas can be used for future tests. "Whether that will stay an option will depend on reaching verifiable agreements that build on Pyongyang's pledge to shut down the facility."
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
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