Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                NKorea Nuclear, Missile Programs Making Progress

   A senior U.S. intelligence official and a report by a Washington-based
   research institute are warning of advances in North Korea`s nuclear and
   missile programs.
   Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said Wednesday
   Pyongyang has expanded the size of its Yongbyon uranium enrichment
   facility and restarted a reactor used for plutonium production.
   The statement appeared to confirm recent reports suggesting North Korea
   is making good on its promise to "adjust and alter" its nuclear
   facilities following its third nuclear test last year.
   In his written testimony to a Senate committee, Clapper also said the
   North`s nuclear weapons and missile programs "pose a serious threat" to
   the U.S. and Asia, noting that Pyongyang is committed to developing a
   missile that can strike the U.S. mainland.
   Clapper said that the North has publicly displayed its road-mobile
   intercontinental ballistic missiles, known as the KN-98, but stressed
   that the system remains untested.
   In a separate report Wednesday, the U.S.-Korea Institute at Johns
   Hopkins University said North Korea appears to be expanding its main
   launch site to accommodate larger missiles that could hit the U.S.
   The report, posted on the institute`s 38 North blog, said the Sohae
   Satellite Launching Station is undergoing modifications to enable it to
   launch rockets up to 25 percent longer than the Unha-3 space launch
   vehicle it tested in 2012.
   But the report, which relied on recent satellite photos, warned that
   because of ongoing construction the site will likely not be available
   for launches until March or April at the earliest.
   South Korea and the U.S. have been watching North Korea closely for a
   military provocation, such as a nuclear or missile test, following the
   shocking execution of Kim Jong Un`s uncle, who was accused of plotting
   to overthrow the state.
   Seoul`s Unification Ministry said Thursday it is "very serious and
   regrettable" that North Korea has made progress in its nuclear program,
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/nkorea-nuclear-missile-programs-makin
   g-progress/1840721.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/nkorea-nuclear-missile-programs-making-progress/1840721.html