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North Korea produces weapons plutonium

By North Asia correspondent Mark Willacy

Posted November 4, 2009 01:14:00
Updated November 4, 2009 07:04:00

North Korea has repeatedly warned that it will use nuclear weapons if provoked.

North Korea has repeatedly warned that it will use nuclear weapons if provoked. (AFP: Korean Central News Agency, file photo)

North Korea says it has produced more plutonium which can be used to make nuclear bombs.

The Stalinist state has repeatedly warned it is prepared to use what it calls its nuclear deterrent.

North Korea's official news agency is reporting that the closed communist nation has successfully reprocessed 8,000 nuclear fuel rods into weapons-grade plutonium.

Experts believe that could be enough to make one or two nuclear bombs.

Pyongyang last conducted an atomic weapons test six months ago, sparking international condemnation.

The communist regime has now called for direct talks with Washington, but has repeatedly warned that it will use nuclear weapons if provoked.

Tags: world-politics, north-korea

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