U.S. continues to have 'significant concerns' about N. Korea's nuclear weapons program

미 "북한 계속된 핵활동에 큰 우려…제재 그대로 유지"The United States continues to be seriously worried about North Korea's nuclear weapons program.Washington also reiterated its vow to maintain sanctions on the regime until full denuclearization is achieved.Lee Seung-jae reports.In its latest annual report on the U.S. and other nations' compliance with various arms control and nonproliferation agreements,... the U.S. State Department raises the possibility that North Korea may have additional unidentified nuclear facilities.It adds that Washington continues to have 'significant concerns' about Pyeongyang's nuclear weapons program.According to the 79-page document which was reported to Congress on Tuesday,... the U.S. continues to closely monitor North Korea's nuclear activities.It says a final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea remains the overriding U.S. objective and it remains committed to continued diplomatic negotiations with the regime toward that goal.The State Department also stated that North Korea did not adhere to its nuclear weapons obligations and commitments under its agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.S. government, and other members of the six-party nuclear talks.The department cited IAEA reports on activities detected at the North's main nuclear complex in Yongbyon,... which includes the construction of an experimental light water reactor that could be used to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons.Despite the report,... the State Department urged North Korea on Tuesday to "return to engagement",... as the regime continues to threaten South Korea over anti-Pyeongyang leaflet campaigns.Pyeongyang has issued a barrage of threats throughout June,... taking issue with Seoul's failure to stop defectors and activists sending leaflets over the border.Speaking to Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency,... a State Department spokesperson also reaffirmed that Washington remains in close coordination with South Korea over the matter.Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.