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DPRK decision to bar UN monitors from nuke sites 'regretable'

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-09 23:53

WASHINGTON - The United States said Thursday the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s decision to bar international monitors from its Yongbyon nuclear complex was "regrettable."

Speaking to reporters, US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe reiterated America's call for the DPRK to live up to its obligations under six-party agreements.

"Our discussions with the North Koreans and other members of the Six Party Talks are aimed at having a robust verification process," Johndroe said.

"Those talks will continue as we expect all parties to abide by their obligations under existing Six Party agreements. Any steps to bar monitors are regrettable," he said.

The DPRK on Thursday informed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors that, effective immediately, access to facilities at Yongbyon would no longer be permitted, said the IAEA, the U.N. atomic watchdog, in a statement.

The DPRK stopped disabling its nuclear facilities in August in retaliation for Washington's failure to remove the country from its list of terrorism sponsors.