Light Water Reactor Faces Another Obstacle
2003-06-19
The Korea Energy Development Organization (KEDO) and North Korea have been locked in prolonged negotiations over safety responsibilities at the light water nuclear reactor sites in case of an accident after construction is completed.
According to the Ministry of Unification, KEDO demands the North take full responsibility for damages, which is based on the international norm. But Pyongyang insists on looser contract conditions over responsibility, an official at the ministry said.
“No considerable progress has been made at the negotiations due to the differences,” he said on condition of anonymity.
The official said, “If the talks drag on even after August, it would lead to a suspension of construction. The reactor drain tanks will be installed at the facilities in late August, after which we need to wait for results of the negotiations.”
He said construction has so far focused on outline engineering works, while waiting for key components to be installed.
Another ministry official pointed out the stalled negotiations are basically due to the nuclear tension between the United States and the North. “We are aware of the technical differences, but it is mainly owing to the nuclear issue,” he said.
Source : www.korea.net
