EU deplores north Korean decision to restart nuclear facilities

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Thursday deplored the announcement by North Korea to restart its nuclear facilities at Yongbyon, including the 5 MW reactor. "This would be in clear violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions as well as of its commitment made in 2007 in the Six Party Talks to shut down these facilities," she said in a statement. Continued breaking of its international obligations by North Korea "that threaten stability in the region will inevitably lead to an even more united response by the international community," noted Ashton. She called on North Korea to refrain from fuelling further tensions and re-engage with the international community, including in the framework of the Six Party Talks, to work towards lasting peace and security on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.