North Korea's nuclear test heroes win Pyongyang trip

Seoul, Feb 20 (AFP) North Korea is rewarding the scientists and workers behind its recent nuclear test with a fun-packed visit to Pyongyang to enjoy "the greatest privileges", state media said today. Scientists, technicians, workers and officials behind the February 12 test received a hero's welcome when they arrived in the capital, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. Residents turned out along the route with bouquets, banners and posters to give them a "hearty welcome". "They will spend significant days in Pyongyang, enjoying the greatest privileges and preferential treatment," KCNA said, promising a "joyful and delightful time" at the city's open-air ice rink and roller skating centre. The group will also visit the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, which holds the embalmed bodies of North Korea's founder Kim Il-Sung and his son and former leader Kim Jong-Il. North Korea's third nuclear test was its most powerful to date, with Pyongyang claiming a breakthrough with a "miniaturised" device. While the outside world was united in condemnation, the test triggered days of orchestrated celebrations and mass rallies in North Korea. The test followed a widely criticised long-range rocket launch in December, which the UN Security Council saw as a disguised ballistic missile test. The North's current leader, Kim Jong-Un, awarded state medals and other benefits to the hundreds of scientists who worked on the rocket launch. (AFP) SJS NKP 02201702 NNNN