The White House tonight called on North Korea to “cease its provocative threats” and respect the will of the international community by honouring its international commitments.
The call comes from US presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs.
He said today’s vow by North Korea to restart its nuclear reactor and boycott international disarmament talks is a serious step in the wrong direction.
North Korea is retaliating for the UN Security Council’s condemnation of its recent rocket launch.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said North Korea was expelling its inspectors. The North has also told the UN nuclear watchdog that it is reactivating all of its nuclear facilities.
An IAEA statement today said North Korea told inspectors to remove seals and cameras from the Yongbyon nuclear site and leave the country as quickly as possible.