United Nations: Sharp differences have erupted among five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over how to handle the North Korean nuclear crisis, leading to cancellation of their scheduled meeting, even as Pyongyang reportedly restarted a nuclear reactor.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has asked the Council to deal with the issue of North Korea abrogating of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and take steps to bring it in compliance.

The Council could impose economic sanctions, but Pyongyang has threatened to consider it an act of war.

France, who is the current co-ordinator of veto-wielding members of the Council, had called a meeting on February 26 after extensive consultations to discuss the issue before the Council takes up the issue.

But it was cancelled, following opposition by China and Russia.

China wants the issue to be settled through negotiations between the North Korea and the United States, something that Pyongyang is also demanding and Russia favours resolving it outside the United Nations.

Hours after the meeting was cancelled, the United States announced that North Korea has reactivated one of its reactors, which could produce weapon grade material.

PTI