Seoul: In a positive move before the much talked about summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump in June, Pyongyang on Thursday carried out demolition of nuclear test site in Punggye-RI by setting off a series of explosions over several hours in the presence of foreign journalists.
The demolition came as North Korea attacked Washington, calling US Vice President Mike Pence a “political dummy” and saying it is just as ready to meet in a nuclear confrontation as the negotiating table.
By bringing in the foreign media, mainly television networks, North Korea is apparently hoping to have images of the closing, including explosions to collapse tunnel entrances, broadcast around the world.
Interestingly, North Korea didn’t invite international inspectors to witness the process of the dismantling of nuclear site at Punggye-ri, a mountainous region of the country, triggering worries that Pyongyang could easily reverse its programmes if things didn’t go according to its wish.
Since 2006, North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests under tunnels dug below the mountain. It is believed to be only active nuclear test site in the world.
Even as North Korea’s dismantling of the test site is seen by analysts as a welcome first step, it is believed that Pyongyang has done so after making sufficient progress on nuclear programme.
