North Korea dubs global atomic watchdog a 'dancing marionette'

The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) flutters in front of its headquarters in Vienna, Austria September 9, 2019. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea on Wednesday dubbed the global atomic watchdog "a marionette dancing to the tune of the hostile forces" as the International Atomic Energy Agency chief warned that Pyongyang's nuclear activities remain "a cause for serious concern."

The Vienna-based IAEA has not had access to North Korea since the isolated Asian state expelled IAEA inspectors in 2009. Since then Pyongyang has pressed ahead with its nuclear weapons program, conducting its last nuclear test in September 2017.