US experts:N.Korea nuclear reactor near completion

US researchers say North Korea is nearing completion of a light-water nuclear reactor that the country claims is intended for power generation, but could add to worries over its nuclear program.

The US-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies released the analysis along with satellite imagery of the reactor in Nyongbyon.

The researchers say a satellite photo taken in 2011 shows trenches intended to accommodate pipes to carry cooling water. Those trenches are submerged in a September 2012 photo.

They also say a dome was placed over the reactor by November 2012.

They say imagery from February this year shows completed facilities and disassembly of a large construction crane.
[link to www3.nhk.or.jp]
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