U.S. institute claims discovery of secret N. Korean uranium facility

WASHINGTON, July 21 (Yonhap) -- A U.S. research institute on Thursday said it has located a suspected secret nuclear facility that North Korea used in the early stages of its uranium enrichment program.

"Recent information suggests that an early centrifuge research and development (R&D) facility was located at the Panghyon Aircraft Plant, at or near the Panghyon Air Base, which is located about 45 kilometers west of the Yongbyon nuclear site," the Institute for Science and International Studies said in a report.

"This is a preliminary site identification and requires additional confirmation."

jschang@yna.co.kr
(END)