N.Korea Says It Has Resumed Activity at Atomic Fuel Plants, Is ‘Fully Ready’ to Use Nuke Against U.S.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says it has revamped and restarted all its atomic bomb fuel production plants.

Tuesday's announcement will further worsen ties between Pyongyang and the outside world, and an analyst says it is likely meant to put pressure on Washington to restart talks that could eventually provide the impoverished North with concessions and ease rigid international sanctions.

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The declaration in state media follows Pyongyang's warning Monday that it is ready to launch "satellites" aboard long-range rockets that the West considers banned long-range missiles meant to eventually threaten America's mainland with atomic bombs.

The North says the launches would mark the ruling communist party's anniversary next month.

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