Activities at nuclear plant sparks interest

South Korea (AP):

South Korean officials said yesterday that there have been continual movements of personnel and vehicles at North Korea's main nuclear test site, but ruled out the possibility that the country is preparing its third atomic bomb test anytime soon.

The assessment came shortly after the mass-circulation Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported yesterday that Pyongyang may be preparing another nuclear test, citing "brisk" activities at its atomic test site in the northeastern county of Kilju.

The paper, citing an unidentified South Korean government source, said a United States spy satellite detected such activities and that North Korea could detonate a nuclear device in three months.