North Korea produces weapons plutonium
Posted
Updated
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.
Search ABC News
Featured Video
-
Video
Britain's foreign secretary William Hague faces increasing pressure to explain why he shared a hotel room with a former male staff member.
-
Video
Rescuers continue to search for over 40 people who are missing after a landslide hit a village in southern China.
-
Video
Julia Gillard has moved one vote closer to hanging on to her job.
-
Video
Samantha Stosur has cruised through to the third round of the US Open with a crushing straight sets win over fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.
The ABC News Online Investigative Unit encourages whistleblowers, and others with access to information they believe should be revealed for the public good, to contact us.
