UN nuclear watchdog ready for N Korea work 'within weeks'

AFP  |  Vieena 

The UN's nuclear watchdog said today it would be ready to restart inspection work in "within weeks" if a political agreement were reached.

Amano's comments come as preparations continue for next week's historic summit between US and North Korean leader in

"We have liaised with stakeholders and had a number of exchanges" on the issue, he added.

"It is very clear that if there is anybody, any organisation that can do the verification, it is only us," Amano went on.

He said it was difficult to predict the size of any possible inspection operation, but that the agency would be able to mobilise many staff to take part if needed.

In 2009 expelled IAEA inspectors from its Yongbyon and has since refused to allow IAEA inspections on its territory.

The summit will be the first time a sitting US has met a North Korean leader.

Talks are expected to focus on denuclearisation of the and improving relations between and

The main stumbling block is likely to be the concept of "denuclearisation" itself -- both sides say they are in favour of it, but there is a yawning gap between their definitions.

On Sunday US said would not get any sanctions relief until it demonstrated "irreversible" steps to denuclearisation.

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First Published: Mon, June 04 2018. 22:30 IST