Suspect movements reported at North Korea nuclear test site

Jan 5, 2007, 8:04 GMT

Seoul - Reports from South Korean and US intelligence sources of suspect movements near the site of North Korea's nuclear test in October has led to speculation that preparations are being made for another test.

   South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Friday that there are no reasons or evidence to believe such activities are related to preparations for another test.

  US television network ABC reported Thursday that North Korea appears to be preparing for another nuclear weapons test and quoted an unidentified US defence official as saying, 'We think they've put everything in place to conduct a test without any notice or warning.'

   However, the US official warned that the intelligence is inconclusive as to whether North Korea will actually conduct another test. He did tell ABC that the activities are similar to the those taken by Pyongyang prior to its first nuclear test on October 9.

   South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an intelligence official, also reported that vehicle and personnel movements were observed at the nuclear test site, but the foreign ministry said it was too early to say whether they were in preparation of a test.

   North Korea was slapped with sanctions by the UN Security Council after the October nuclear test in an attempt to coerce Pyongyang into giving up its nuclear programme.

   North Korea did return to international talks over its nuclear weapons programme last month, ending a 13-month boycott. The negotiations, however, ended without any clear breakthrough, but are widely expected to be resumed soon.