North Korea restarts nuclear reactor

South Korea’s new prime minister said today his country would work with the United States to seek a peaceful resolution to the standoff with North Korea, amid a report that the North has restarted a nuclear reactor.

The report highlighted the challenge from North Korea that South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun, who was inaugurated on Tuesday, faces in the weeks ahead. Roh was preparing to appoint his Cabinet as early as today following the parliamentary approval of prime minister Goh Kun, a 65-year-old former mayor of Seoul.