1 January 2004
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun says in his New Year’s message to the nation, “I will do my best to lay a new foundation for peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula by peacefully resolving the North Korean nuclear problem.”
—“President Roh Moo-hyun’s New Year Message to the Nation,” Korea Update, 1 January 2004, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Washington, D.C., <http://www.koreaemb.org/archive/ 2004/1_1/foreign/foreign1.asp>; Shim Sun, “N. Korea Pledges Peaceful Resolution of Its Nuke Crisis,” Yonhap News Agency, 1 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. 

1 January 2004
US Secretary of State Colin Powell says in a New York Times op-ed that the Bush administration will continue to pursue diplomacy within the six-nation framework to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue. He also writes, “We seek peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula, but we will not reward threats from Pyongyang or provide incentive for blackmail.”
—Colin L. Powell, “What We Will Do in 2004,” New York Times, 1 January 2004, in Proquest, <http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest>; “Powell Urges N. Korea to Abandon ‘Dangerous’ Nuke Arms,” Kyodo News Service, 1 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. 

6 January 2004
The Korean Central News Agency says the US should “de-list the DPRK as a sponsor of terrorism, lift political, economic and military sanctions,” as well as “supply heavy oil, power and other energy resources to the DPRK” based on the principle of simultaneous actions. In return the DPRK “is set to refrain from testing and production of nuclear weapons and even stop operating the nuclear power industry used for peaceful purposes as first-phase measures in the package solution.” 
—“6 Chahoedam’i kweto’e tŭl’ŏsŏnŭn’ganŭn migug’ŭi t’aedo yŏha’e tallyŏ itta,” Korean Central News Agency, 6 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “KCNA Urges U.S. Not to Shun Core Issue at Six-Way Talks,” Korean Central News Agency, 6 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Seo Hyun-jin, “N.K. Offers to Halt Nuke Facilities; Pyongyang Demands U.S. Lift Sanctions, Provide Energy,” Korea Herald, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. 

6 January 2004
US Secretary of State Colin Powell calls North Korea’s offer to freeze its nuclear program a positive step for implying “that they would give up all aspects of their nuclear program, not just the weapons program.”
—“Remarks with Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Ben Yahia, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell,” 6 January 2004, Speeches and Remarks, U.S. Department of State, <http://www.state.gov/secretary/ former/powell/remarks/27796.htm>; “Powell Welcomes N. Korea’s Offer to Freeze Nuke Program,” Yonhap News Agency, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Seoul, Washington Welcome NK’s Offer to Freeze Nukes,” Korea Times, 8 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.  

6 January 2004
South Korea’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Yoon Young-kwan [Yun Yŏng Gwan] says, “We positively evaluate the North Korean statement [released today to freeze nuclear activities] because it stated specifically what measure it would take, and confirmed once again its willingness to tackle the issue through dialogue.”
—Chang Jae, “Minister Yoon Welcomes North Korea’s Offer to Freeze Nuke Program,” Yonhap News Agency, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “S. Korean FM Welcomes DPRK’s Offer to Freeze Nuke Facilities,” Xinhua News Agency, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Seoul, Washington Welcome NK’s Offer to Freeze Nukes,” Korea Times, 8 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. 

6-10 January 2004
An unofficial delegation of five Americans visits North Korea. During the five-day trip, the group, which includes former director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Siegfried S. Hecker and John W. Lewis of Stanford University, visits the nuclear complex in Yŏngbyŏn-kun, but they stress that their objective is not to inspect or negotiate on behalf of the US government. The North Koreans show Hecker a piece of metal that Hecker describes as having all the visible properties of plutonium, but Hecker does not have diagnostic equipment to completely verify that it is. The group also checks a few containers in the temporary storage pond containing 8,000 canned spent fuel rods, but the rods are empty.
—“Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Hearing on ‘Visit to the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center in North Korea, Siegfried S. Hecker,” Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Committee Hearings, 108th Congress, United States Congress, 21 January 2004, <http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/pa/newsbulletin/
2002/04/29/Sig_testimony.pdf>; Barbara Slavin, “N. Korea OKs U.S. Visit to Complex,” USA Today, 2 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joe McDonald, “American Delegation Visits Disputed North Korean Nuclear Facility but Won’t Say What It Saw,” Associated Press, 10 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Jim Yardley, “Group of Private U.S. Experts Visits North Korea Nuclear Plant,” New York Times, 10 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Private U.S. Mission Visits N. Korea to See Key Nuke Plant,” Kyodo News Service, 6 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea Allows U.S. Delegation to Visit Nuke Site,” Korea Herald, 3 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Yonhap News Service, 12 January 2004, in “‘Unofficial US Delegation’ to DPRK Said to Hold 10-Hr Session With DPRK Vice FM,” FBIS Document ID KPP20040112000104. 

7 January 2004
US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher responds to a Washington Post report that Fu Ying, head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Asian Affairs Bureau, stated on 29 December 2003 that China did not believe North Korea has a clandestine uranium enrichment program by reiterating, “We certainly know North Korea has a highly enriched uranium program, and when confronted with that fact, North Korea admitted it.” 
—Glenn Kessler, “Chinese Not Convinced of North Korean Uranium Effort,” Washington Post, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “China Unconvinced North Korea Has Enriched Uranium Program: Report,” Agence France Presse, 7 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, 8 January 2004, in “China Doubts US Views on DPRK Uranium Enrichment Program,” FBIS Document ID JPP20040108000044; “U.S. Says North Korea Has HEU Program,” Yonhap News Service, 8 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 January 2004
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman dismisses Libya’s decision to abandon nuclear program as having nothing to do with the DPRK, stating that “to expect any ‘change’ from the DPRK [would be] foolish.” He adds the decisions to allow intrusive inspections in Libya and Iran “only reinforce the DPRK’s firm belief in the validity and vitality of its Sŏngun [military first] policy.” 
—“Spokesman for DPRK FM Dismisses Any Change from DPRK as Ridiculous,” Korean Central News Agency, 9 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “North Korea Rejects Libyan Lead on Scrapping Nuclear Drive,” Agence France Presse, 9 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea Calls U.S. Hope It will Follow Libya’s Path ‘Ridiculous,’” Japan Economic Newswire, 9 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joe McDonald, “American Delegation Visits Disputed North Korean Nuclear Facility but Won’t Say What It Saw,” Associated Press, 10 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 January 2004
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman says the DPRK showed the Yŏngbyŏn nuclear complex to Professor John W. Lewis and the American delegation to “ensure transparency as speculative reports and ambiguous information about [North Korea’s] nuclear activities are throwing hurdles in the way of settling the pending nuclear issue.”
—“Woemusŏng taebyŏn’in migukkyosuilhaeng’ŭi nyŏngbyŏnhaekshisŏlbangmun’e ŏngup,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Spokesman for DPRK FM on U.S. Professor’s Visit to Nyongbyon Nuclear Facility,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Jung-A Song, “US Visit Boosts Chance of Talks with N Korea,” Financial Times, 12 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; David E. Sanger, “Visitors See North Korea Nuclear Capacity,” New York Times, 11 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Barbara Slavin, “N. Korea Boasts of Nuke-Fuel Factory,” USA Today, 12 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 January 2004
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan tells reporters that Chairman of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo offered economic aid to North Korea during a visit to Pyongyang in October 2003. While Kong declines to give details of the economic package, Japan’s Asahi Shimbum reports, “Beijing dangled the equivalent of $50 million in grant aid for North Korea to attend multilateral talks on its nuclear standoff [that took place in December 2003].”
—“China Says Aid Offered to North Korea Last October,” Deutsche Presse Agentur, 13 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “China Promises North Korea 50 mln dlrs in Exchange for Nuclear Talks: Report,” Agence France Presse, 10 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Nobuyoshi Sakajiri, “China Offers $50 Million for North Korea to Keep Talking,” Asahi News Service, 12 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “China Confirms New Aid Package to North Korea,” Agence France Presse, 13 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 January 2004
An unidentified US source says a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official expressed the DPRK’s intentions to address its nuclear weapons development and the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals separately. The intentions were reportedly expressed to the two Senate foreign policy aides of Sen. Richard Lugar and Sen. Joseph Biden, two of the five members of the unofficial US delegation that visited North Korea during 6-10 January.
—“N. Korea Seeks to Resolve Nuke, Abduction Issues Separately,” Kyodo News Service, 12 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, 10 January 2004, in “U.S. Mission to N. Korea Takes Up Abduction Issue,” FBIS Document ID JPP20040110000055; Kyodo News Service, 11 January 2004, in “Japan Ready to Negotiate N. Korean Offer on Abductees’ Families,” FBIS Document ID JPP20040111000011.

20-21 January 2004
South Korea’s National Security Advisor Ra Jong Il meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi during a two-day visit to discuss the Six-Party Talks and bilateral issues. The two agree to continue seeking a peaceful solution under the six-way framework to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue.
—“Rajong’il—Kawaguch’i, pukhaek kongjo chaehwag’in,” Yonhap News Agency, 21 January 2004, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>; “Kawaguchi, S. Korea’s Ra Call for Early 6-Party Talks,” Jiji Press, 21 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, S. Korea Confirm Need for Peaceful Solution on Nuke Issue,” Kyodo News Service, 21 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 January 2004
Siegfried Hecker, former director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, testifies before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and says that he spoke with several scientific, military and economic officials but did not see an actual weapon during his five-day visit to North Korea. He says he did observe a restarted 5MW(e) reactor [capable of yielding approximately 5.5 kg of plutonium per year], empty spent fuel canisters in pond for perhaps 8,000 fuel rods, and what appeared to be a plutonium metal sample.
—Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Hearing on “Visit to the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center in North Korea,” Siegfried S. Hecker, Senior Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory, January 21, 2004, Committee Hearings 108th Congress Second Session – 2004, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, <http://foreign.senate.gov/testimony/
2004/HeckerTestimony040121.pdf>; Barbara Slavin, “Scientist Describes N. Korea Nuclear Evidence,” USA Today, 22 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 January 2004
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers Party, attacks the US National Nuclear Security Administration’s decision to resume research into smaller nuclear weapons, saying, “The world is now on the verge of being embroiled in the second global arms race [due to the NNSA’s decision].”
—“Pushihaengjŏngbu sohyŏnghaengmugiyŏn’gu chaegaejishi haekpŏminŭro sŏŭi chŏngch’e,” Korean Central News Agency, 26 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “U.S. to Blame for Developing Nukes,” Korean Central News Agency, 26 January 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “North Korea Criticizes US for Resuming Mini-Nuke Research,” BBC, 26 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21-22 January 2004
Mitoji Yabunaka, director general of the Asian and Oceanic Affairs Bureau in the Japanese Foreign Ministry, South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Su Hyŏk, and US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly meet in Washington to discuss the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, North Korea’s proposal to freeze its nuclear weapons program in exchange for the resumption of heavy fuel oil supplies, and Japan’s desire to include the abductions issue in the multilateral talks.
—“Japan, S. Korea, U.S. Begin Talks on N. Korea Nuke Issue,” Kyodo News Service, 21 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Seo Hyun-Jin, “Allies to Open Talks on N.K. Nuke Tension,” Korea Herald, 21 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, U.S., S. Korea Seek Early 6-Way Talks on North’s Nukes,” Jiji Press, 23 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kwŏn Sun-Ch’ŏl, “3 cha pukhaek chŏngch’aek hyŏp’ŭihoe,” Han’guk Kyŏngje, 21 January 2004, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>. 

29 January 2004
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat denies that Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan is suspected of transferring nuclear technology or know-how to North Korea, Iran, or Libya, saying, “Dr. Khan is neither a suspect, nor in custody.” The statement comes following the interrogation of nuclear scientists and officials that have linked Khan to nuclear proliferation.
—“Khan Is Not Among Nuclear Suspects, Says Pakistani Minister,” Deutsche Presse Agentur, 29 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Paul Watson, “Pakistan Sheds No Light on Detained Scientists,” Los Angeles Times, 28 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; James Astill, “Nuclear Inquiry Targets Father of Pakistani Bomb,” The Guardian (London), 27 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 January 2004
Australia sends a delegation of government officials to Pyongyang to urge the DPRK to restart the Six-Party Talks. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Australia is in a good position to persuade North Korean officials because it is one of the few countries that maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea even though Canberra is a close ally of Washington. Downer also says he believes the Six-Party Talks are “the most viable mechanism for finding a peaceful and a lasting solution to the nuclear issue.”
—“Australian Delegation to North Korea to Talk Nukes,” Deutsche Presse Agentur, 30 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Australia Sends Delegation to DPRK for Nuclear Talks,” Xinhua News Agency, 30 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

31 January 2004
Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan, referred to as “the father of Pakistan’s nuclear bomb,” is removed from his position as advisor to the Pakistani government on nuclear affairs to “facilitate the ongoing investigations” into alleged nuclear proliferation to Iran, Libya and North Korea. The decision followed a meeting of Pakistan’s Nuclear Command and Control Authority, headed by President Pervez Musharraf. Khan held his position as advisor since 2001.
—“‘Father of Pakistan’s Nuclear Bomb’ Removed,” Deutsche Presse Agentur, 31 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Founder of Pakistan’s Nuke Program Sacked as Advisor,” Kyodo News Service, 31 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; John Lancaster and Kamran Khan, “Pakistanis Say Nuclear Scientists Aided Iran,” Washington Post, 24 January 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 February 2004
A Pakistani official says Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan admitted to having transferred nuclear technology to North Korea, as well as to Iran, Libya, and Malaysia. Between 1986 and 1997, Khan allegedly provided centrifuge machines and technical drawings to North Korea and allowed North Koreans to visit the Kahuta Research Laboratory where a uranium enrichment program exists. 
—“Khan Admits Nuke Know-How Transfers to 4 Countries,” Kyodo News Service, 1 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Pakistani Nuclear Scientist Admits Transferring Nuke Technology,” Xinhua News Agency, 2 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; David Rohde and David E. Sanger, “Key Pakistani Is Said to Admit Atom Transfers,” New York Times, 2 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; James Astill, “Nuclear Expert Admits Selling Secrets,” The Guardian (London), 3 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Munir Ahmad, “Pakistan Official Says Nuclear Equipment Shipped to Iran, North Korea, Libya and Malaysia,” Associated Press, 3 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 February 2004
South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Sin Bong-kil says Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly agree to achieve complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Kelly states that he is “mildly optimistic” for a future round of Six-Party Talks.
—“S. Korea, U.S. Reaffirm Stance on N. Korea Nuke Program,” Kyodo News Service, 2 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Soo-Jeong Lee, “U.S., South Korean Officials Continue Efforts to Reopen Nuke Talks,” Associated Press, 1 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Seo Hyun-jin, “Seoul, Washington Consult on N.K. Nukes,” Korea Herald, 3 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Charles Whelan, “US Envoy in Talks Amid New Reports on N Korea’s Nuclear, Chemical Weapons,” Agence France Presse, 2 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 February 2004
The Korean Central News Agency reports that the second round of the Six-Party Talks will begin on 25 February 2004.
—“Taŭmbŏn 6 chahoedamgaech’oe 2 wŏl 25 Ilput’ŏ,” Korean Central News Agency, 3 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “KCNA Report on Resumption of Six-way Talks,” Korean Central News Agency, 3 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Nicholas Kralev, “U.S., North Schedule 6-way Nuke Talks in Beijing; Second Round to Begin Feb. 25 on Willingness to ‘Dismantle’,” Washington Times, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 February 2004
After a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, US Secretary of State Colin Powell confirms that the next round of Six-Party Talks will resume on 25 February 2004 in Beijing.
— “Powell Confirms 2nd Round of 6-Way Talks on N. Korea Nuke,” Kyodo News Service, 3 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Nicholas Kralev, “U.S., North Schedule 6-way Nuke Talks in Beijing; Second Round to Begin Feb. 25 on Willingness to ‘Dismantle’,” Washington Times, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Christopher Marquis and Norimitsu Onishi, “North Korea Agrees to Resume Talks with U.S. Over Arms,” New York Times, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 February 2004
An unidentified Japanese Foreign Ministry official says Japan will raise the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea at the next round of Six-Party Talks. However, Japan may not raise the issue if North Korea agrees to hold separate bilateral talks to address the issue before the Six-Party Talks. 
—Kanako Takahara, “Japan to Bring Up Abductions Issue,” Japan Times, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; “Japan Welcomes 2nd Round, Wants Progress on Abductions,” Kyodo News Service, 3 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; “North Korea, Japan Discuss Abduction Issue in Bilateral Talks,” Yonhap News Agency, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 February 2004
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon states that ROK officials “fully understand the Japanese government’s position and concern regarding the abduction issue and support Japan’s position.” However, he adds Japan should exclude the issue from the next round of Six-Party Talks and address the issue in bilateral discussions between North Korea and Japan.
—“Abduction Issue Better Not Included in Six-Party Nuke Talks: S. Korean FM,” Xinhua News Agency, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “North Korea, Japan Discuss Abduction Issue in Bilateral Talks,” Yonhap News Agency, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 February 2004
Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong tells Tomiichi Murayama, former Japanese Prime Minister and current honorary adviser to the Japan-China Friendship Association, that Japan should not address the issue of Japanese abductions by North Korean spies at the second round of Six-Party Talks.
—“China’s Zeng Asks Japan Not to Raise Abductions at 6-Way Talks,” Jiji Press, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Abduction Issue Better Not Included in Six-Party Nuke Talks: S. Korean FM,” Xinhua News Agency, 4 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 February 2004
Hwang Chang-yŏp, a former Korean Workers Party secretary who defected to South Korea, says that North Korea has been working covertly to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons since 1996. Hwang says he learned of this directly from Chŏn Pyŏng-ho, a party secretary overseeing munitions industries and a member of the National Defense Committee. Hwang states Chŏn went on a month-long trip to Pakistan in 1996 and learned that North Korea no longer needed plutonium because uranium-235 can be enriched and used in nuclear weapons.
—“North Korean Defector Says North Has Uranium Weapons Program Dating to 1996,” Associated Press, 8 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea Pursued Uranium-Based Nukes Since 1996, Defector Says,” Yonhap News Agency, 8 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “North Korea Launched Nuke Program Under Deal with Pakistan: Report,” Agence France Presse, 8 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea, Khan Began Contacts in 1995-1996: U.S. Offical,” Kyodo News Service, 11 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 February 2004
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman says the DPRK did not receive nuclear technology from Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan. The statement is in response to Pakistan’s announcement that Khan had admitted to proliferation of nuclear technology to North Korea, Iran, Libya and Malaysia. The spokesman instead accuses the US of attempting to derail the second round of Six-Party Talks scheduled for 25 February. He also says the announcement was made to give credibility to claims that North Korea had a covert weapons development program through “groundless propaganda.”
—“Woemusŏngdaebyŏn’in migug’ŭi ‘haekkisul’ijŏn’ sŏlŭl paegyŏk,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “DPRK FM Spokesman Refutes U.S. Story about ‘Transfer of N-Technology’ to DPRK,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “N. Korea Denies Receiving Nuclear Technology from Pakistan,” Yonhap News Agency, 10 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Andrew Ward, “N Korea Denies Nuclear Deal with Khan Pakistani Scientist,” Financial Times, 11 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 February 2004
A DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman states that a Japanese Foreign Ministry delegation, while visiting North Korea’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Sŏk-chu during 11-14 February, was told that “if the Japanese side raises again the ‘abduction issue’ at the next round of the Six-Party Talks, the DPRK side will resolutely shut out Japan’s participation in the talks.”
—“Chosŏnwoemusŏngdaepyŏn’in ilbonwoemusŏng taep’yodan’ŭi chosŏnbangmun’e ŏn’gŭp,” Korean Central News Agency, 14 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Foreign Ministry Spokesman on DPRK Visit of Japanese FM Delegation,” Korean Central News Agency, 14 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “North Korea Warns Japan Not to Raise Abductino Issue at Six-Way Talks,” BBC, 14 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan Must Not Raise Abduction Issue at 6-Way Talks: KCNA,” Kyodo News Service, 14 February, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

19 February 2004
A US State Department official voices low expectations for the next round of Six-Party Talks and says the Bush administration does not expect a breakthrough but that “if the talks are less than completely successful, we’ll continue to try to work along that line.”
—Glenn Kessler, “Hopes Lowered for U.S.—N. Korea Talks; Diplomacy Appears to Be a Priority,” Washington Post, 20 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Guy Dinmore, “Gloom at New US Talks with N Korea,” Financial Times, 20 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

24 February 2004
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers Party, carries an editorial calling for South Korea to join North Korea’s fight against “US attempts to strangle and wage war against the North.” The Six-Party Talks are scheduled to begin tomorrow.
—“Minjokkongjo’nŭn chogukt’ong’ilgwa minjokpŏn’yŏng’ŭi kil,” Korean Central News Agency, 24 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “N.K. Calls for Inter-Korean Alliance Ahead of Nuclear Talks,” Yonhap News Agency, 24 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

24 February 2004
CIA Director George Tenet testifies during a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing that he believes the DPRK “is pursuing a production-scale uranium enrichment program based on technology provided by [Pakistan’s] A. Q. Khan.” Tenet adds, “[North Korea] is trying to leverage its nuclear programs into international legitimacy and bargaining power, announcing its withdrawal from the Nonproliferation Treaty and openly proclaiming that it has a nuclear deterrent.”
—“The Worldwide Threat 2004: Challenges in a Changing Global Context,” Testimony of Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, 24 February 2004, <http://www.cia.gov/cia/public_affairs/  speeches/2004/dci_speech_02142004.html>; “U.S. Assured N. Korea Possesses Uranium-Based Program, CIA Says,” Yonhap News Agency, 24 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea, Khan Began Contacts in 1995-1996: U.S. Official,” Kyodo News Service, 11 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. 

24 February 2004
A Japanese delegate to the Six-Party Talks says Japan will raise the issue of abductions at the negotiations and all parties would be informed of Tokyo’s position. However, North Korea’s chief delegate Kim Kye-gwan has stated he has no intention of discussing the issue in Beijing.
—Taro Karasaki, “Japan to Push Abduction Issue on Reluctant N. Korea at Talks,” Asahi News Service, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, South Korea, US Hold Preparatory Meeting on Six-Party Talks,” BBC, 23 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 February 2004
The second round of Six-Party Talks begin in Beijing six months after the conclusion of the first round in August 2003. The delegations are headed by James Kelly of the United States; Kim Kye-gwan of the DPRK; Lee Su-hyŏk of South Korea; Wang Li of China; Mitoji Yabunaka of Japan; and Alexander Losyukov of Russia.
—Audra Ang, “New Talks on North Korea’s Nuclear Program Convene in Chinese Capital,” Associated Press, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Six Nations to Start Talks over NK Nukes,” Korea Times, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “6 Nations Resume Talks to Discuss 1st Steps to End Nuke Crisis,” Japan Economic Newswire, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Seo Hyun-jin, “Six-Party Talks Open Today in Beijing,” Korea Herald, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Six Nations Open Talks on North Korea Nuclear Programme,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 February 2004
Delegates from the United States and North Korea meet in a bilateral “informal chat” on the sidelines during the first day of Six-Party Talks in Beijing.
—Jae-Suk Yoo, “North Korea, United States Meet Again on Sidelines of Six-Country Talks,” Associated Press, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Martin Parry, “US, N Korea Meet in Quest to Solve Nuclear Crisis,” Agence France Presse, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Audra Ang, “U.S., North Korean Envoys Hold Rare Meeting on Sidelines of 6-Nation Talks,” Associated Press, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 February 2004
On the first day of Six-Party Talks, South Korea’s lead negotiator Lee Su-hyŏk proposes the creation of a working-group and calls for the six delegations to meet regularly every two months to address the North Korea nuclear issue.
—“S. Korea Proposes Holding 6-Nation Talks Every 2 Months,” Japan Economic Newswire, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Alexei Morozov and Vera Pavlova, “S Korea Proposes to Hold Regular Talks on N Korean Nukes,” ITAR-TASS News Agency, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “S. Korea Suggests Bi-Monthly Nuke Talks,” United Press International, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Seoul to Seek Working Groups at Six-Nation Talks on N.K. Nukes,” Yonhap News Agency, 24 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “S. Korea Seeks Creation of 3 Working Groups on Nuke Issue,” Kyodo News Service, 24 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 February 2004
North Korean and Japanese delegates hold bilateral consultations on the sidelines of the Six-Party Talks to discuss the issue of Japanese abductions by North Korea. The two sides fail to achieve progress but agree to continue discussions. North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan has repeatedly insisted that the kidnapping issue should not be a part of the six-way negotiations.
—“Japan, N. Korea Fail to Make Headway in Abduction Talks,” Kyodo News Service, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japanese Official Confirms Discussion of Abduction Issue with DPRK,” Xinhua News Agency, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N Korea and Japan to Hold Bilateral Meeting on Sidelines of Six-Party Talks,” Agence France Presse, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Further Details on Japan-North Korea Bilateral Meeting at Six-Party Talks,” BBC, 25 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. 

26 February 2004
The United States delegation to the Six-Party Talks reportedly rejects North Korea’s offer to freeze its nuclear arms programs as part of a “package deal” presented at the previous round of talks in August 2003. The US side says the offer falls short of “complete dismantlement” and fails to mention Pyongyang’s covert uranium enrichment program. North Korea’s proposal, which is offered again during this round of talks, contains three stages, but the Bush administration the proposed deal could enable North Korea to resume nuclear activities in the future. The DPRK is still denying the existence of uranium enrichment facilities.
—“U.S. Rejects N. Korea Nuke Arms Freeze Offer,” Kyodo News Service, 26 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Sankei Shimbun, 26 February 2004, in “DPRK Reportedly Presented ‘Package Deal’ on Nuclear Issue Mid-Jan, Rejected by US,” FBIS Document ID JPP20040226000018; Beijing China Daily, 26 February 2004, in “PRC FM Spokesman: Six-Parties Find ‘Some Consensus, Though Differences Remained,’” FBIS Document ID CPP20040226000021; “North Korea Repeats Call for ‘Simultaneous’ Solution to Nuclear Dispute,” Financial Times, 24 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 February 2004
Lee Su-hyŏk, South Korea’s lead delegate to the Six-Party Talks, offers to provide energy aid to North Korea in exchange for freezing its nuclear weapons development. Russia and China offer to join South Korea in providing energy aid while US and Japanese delegations respond coolly and DPRK delegates offer no immediate official reaction.
—“N. Korea Offers to Abandon Weapons; China, Russia Back Energy Plan,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 26 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Yonhap News Agency, 26 February 2004, in “ROK Envoy to 6-Way Talks: No ‘Official’ DPRK Reaction on ROK Energy Offer,” FBIS Document ID KPP20040226000084; Kyodo News Service, 26 February 2004, in “PRC, Russia Ready to Join ROK in Giving Aid to DPRK: Deputy FM Yi Su-hyok,” FBIS Document ID JPP20040226000081.

26 February 2004
United States and Japanese officials say they will not accept the draft joint statement that China presented because it failed to mention “complete, verifiable and irreversible” dismantlement of all North Korean nuclear programs and not just “weapons programs.” Russia’s head delegate Alexander Lusyukov says North Korea is showing “readiness” to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs while “retaining a nuclear program for peaceful purposes.” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao, however, tells reporters that the Six-Party Talks did not discuss civilian and military uses of North Korea’s nuclear programs.
—“N. Korea Offers to Abandon Weapons; China, Russia Back Energy Plan,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 26 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, U.S. to Seek Complete Nuke Dismantlement in Statement,” Kyodo News Service, 26 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “U.S. Rejects N. Korea Nuke Arms Freeze Offer,” Kyodo News Service, 26 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Taro Karasaki, “N. Korea Offers to Freeze Nukes,” Asahi News Service, 27 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N. Korea Nuke Talks Struggle Over Summary,” United Press International, 27 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. 

27 February 2004
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Masood Khan strongly rejects a report in the New York Times that Pakistan may have conducted joint nuclear tests with North Korea as being “wild, mischievous and irresponsible speculation.”
—“Pakistan Rejects Report of Joint Nuclear Tests with North Korea,” Agence France Presse, 27 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; David E. Sanger and William J. Broad, “Pakistan May Have Aided North Korea A-Test,” New York Times, 27 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Pakistan Denies Nuclear Cooperation with North Korea,” BBC, 27 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 February 2004
The second round of Six-Party Talks in Beijing ends with agreement to hold more talks by July 2004 and to form a working-group, but without achieving a significant breakthrough. North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan insists, “We don’t plan to include our civilian nuclear program for peaceful purposes in the freeze and dismantlement.” Washington has demanded that North Korea admit and include uranium enrichment, which Pyongyang denies exists, in the nuclear negotiations.
—“Text of Statement Issued at N Korea Nuclear Talks,” AFX News, 29 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Jae-Suk Yoo, “U.S., N. Korea Divided After Nuke Talks,” Associated Press, 28 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Washington Welcomes Results of Six-Way N.K. Nuke Talks,” Yonhap News Agency, 29 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “6 States Fail to Agree on Nuke ‘Principle, Scope’: China,” Japan Economic Newswire, 28 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Elaine Kurtenbach, “Nuke Negotiators Try to Avoid ’94 Repeat,” Associated Press, 28 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Robert Marquand, “Korea Talks: No Deal, But New Will,” Christian Science Monitor, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 February 2004
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman blames the United States for failing to reach significant progress at the Six-Party Talks in Beijing saying, “The settlement of the nuclear issue will entirely depend on the change in the U.S. attitude.” Concerning future talks, he says,“ It is difficult to expect that any further talks would help find a solution to the issue.”
—“Woemusŏngdaebyŏn’in che 2 ch’a 6 chahoedam’e ŏn’gŭp haengmunjehaegyŏlyŏbu’nŭn migukch’ŭg’ŭi t’aedo’pyŏnhwa’e tallyŏ’itta,” Korean Central News Agency, 29 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Six-Way Talks,” Korean Central News Agency, 29 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Soo-Jeong Lee, “N. Korea Urges U.S. to Change Its Policy,” Associated Press, 29 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Robert J. Saiget, “North Korea Blames US for Lack of Progress at Nuclear Crisis Talks,” Agence France Presse, 29 February 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>. 

29 February 2004
The Rodong Sinmun, official  daily of the Korean Workers Party, accuses US plans for redeployment of troops in South Korea as being “intended to finally complete the military operational preparations for the second Korean war against the DPRK, pursuant to its ‘strategy for preemptive attack’ and ‘new operation plan 5026’.”
—“US Redeployment of Its Armed Forces under Fire,” Korean Central News Agency, 29 February 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “DPRK Denounces U.S. New War Plan on Korean Peninsula,” Chosŏn Shinbo,  28 February 2004, <http://www.korea-np.co.jp/>.

1 March 2004
South Korea President Roh Moo-hyun says in a holiday speech that he is confident the North Korean nuclear issue will be resolved peacefully through the Six-party Talks. Roh also reiterates his call for reducing dependence on the United States in foreign affairs and military support.
--"S Korea Presid (sic) Optimistic about DPRK Nuke Problem Settlement," ITAR-TASS News Agency, 1 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Samuel Len, "South Korean Leader Urges Less Dependence on U.S.," International Herald Tribune, 2 March 204, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 March 2004
U.S. President George W. Bush tells visiting South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon that the second round of Six-party Talks was fruitful because the six nations have clearly demonstrated that North Korea should dismantle its nuclear program.
--"Bush Upbeat on Nuke Talks with N. Korea," Yonhap News Agency, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; South Korea Foreign Minister, US President Discuss North Korea, Iraq Issues, BBC Monitoring, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Seo Hyun-jin, "Bush Confident of N.K. Nuclear Settlement," Korea Herald, 4 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Bush Says Dismantling NK Nuclear Programs is a 'Paramount Concern,'" Korea Times, 4 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 March 2004
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says that the Six-party Talks last week produced "a good deal of progress" and that the United States will be patient in pursuing the current negotiations with diplomacy. Powell adds "whatever they [North Korea] are doing or not doing they will not force us or pressure us into any kind of a deal that is anything short of CVID [complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement]."
-- "Powell Says US in No Hurry over North Korea Nuclear Crisis," Agence France Presse, 4 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Powell Says US 'Patient' on N. Korea Nuke Dismantlement," Kyodo News Service, 4 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Salamander Davoudi, "Powell Upbeat on N-Weapons Talks," Financial Times, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Ban, Powell Agree on Peaceful Solution to NK Nuke Issue," Korea Times, 6 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 March 2004
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan praises the outcome of the latest Six-party Talks, citing "progress" and a "noticeable step forward" toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Annan also promises to support the six nations "on ways to mobilize the support of the international community to [the denuclearization] end."
--"Annan Sees Progress at 6-Way Talks on N. Korea Nukes," Kyodo News Service, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "UN's Annan Calls North Korea Six-Way Talks 'Noticeable Step Forward'," Financial Times, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Powell, Annan Cites Good Deal of Progress at Korea Talks," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 March 2004
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun says his government will continue dialogue and exchanges with North Korea despite a request from U.S. officials to sever ties and press North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.
--Hwang Doo, "S. Korea to Engage N. Korea Despite U.S. Call for Severing Ties: Roh," Yonhap News Agency, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "President Says South Korea to Pursue Dialogue with North Despite US Position," BBC Monitoring, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea to Continue to Engage the DPRK: S. Korean President," Xinhua News Agency, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 March 2004
Russian Ambassador to Seoul Teymuraz O. Ramishvili says the six nations participating in the Six-party Talks need to utilize flexibility with the North Korea nuclear issue because the international community may not have the legal authority to stop North Korea's peaceful nuclear activities. He argues, "According to international law, it is impossible to stop such programs. But it could be considered in a diplomatic and political context."
--Seo Hyun-jin, "Russia Urges 'Flexibility' on N.K. Nukes," Korea Herald, 5 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "NK Has Right to Nuclear Development," Korea Times, 5 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 March 2004
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell tells reporters that the United States is in no hurry to find a solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis, saying, "We will be patient in pursuing this policy. The president strongly believes that a diplomatic solution is possible and we are not in any urgency to achieve that solution. We want a good solution."
--"Powell Says U.S. in No Hurry over North Korea Nuclear Crisis," Channel NewsAsia, 5 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 March 2004
South Korea's National Security Council (NSC) proposes new security policy initiatives to enhance security on the Korean Peninsula and allow Seoul to play a leading role in resolving the North Korea nuclear issue. Kwŏn Chin-ho, National Security Adviser to President Roh Moo-hyun, says at a press briefing that some of the proposed measures are replacing the Korean War armistice with a "peace regime," regaining wartime command and control of ROK troops from USFK, pursuing the "peace and prosperity policy" with North Korea, and restructuring the ROK army. The NSC publication, titled Peace, Prosperity and National Security, marks the first time Seoul has officially released a publication concerning the nation's overall national security.
--Kim So-young, "Seoul Lays Out Security Goals," Korea Herald, 5 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korean Government Issues Publication on Security Policy," Yonhap News Agency, 3 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul Softens 'Balanced Diplomacy' in Security Initiatives," Korea Times, 5 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korea Hopes to Play Leading Role in Resolving North Nuclear Issue," BBC Monitoring, 4 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4-5 March 2004
According to the New York Times, a new CIA classified intelligence report is presented to White House officials detailing for the first time how Pakistan's Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) was able to provide North Korea with equipment and technology necessary to develop uranium-based nuclear weapons, including nuclear fuel, centrifuges and warhead designs. The assessment, partly based on interrogations of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and his associates from KRL by the Pakistani officials, purportedly provides a history of KRL's dealings with North Korea that started in the early 1990s. According to the New York Times, intelligence officials also claim North Korea obtained some parts through the same suppliers and middlemen as Libya.
--David E. Sanger, "U.S. Widens View of Pakistan Link to Korean Arms," New York Times, 14 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KRL Provided N Korea with All Equipment to Produce Nuke Weapons," Press Trust of India, 14 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Khan Network May Have Supplied North Korea with Nuke Material: Report," Channel NewsAsia, 14 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 March 2004
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon meets with Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi in Tokyo, and the two parties agree "to communicate closely and cooperate" to settle North Korea's nuclear issue through the six-party framework.
--Seo Hyun-jin, "Seoul, Tokyo to Boost Efforts on N.K. Nukes," Korea Herald, 8 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Koizumi, Ban Agree to Cooperate to Settle N. Korea Nukes," Kyodo News Service, 8 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 March 2004
A commentary by North Korea's Rodong Sinmun criticizes South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon for his recent remarks made in Washington regarding inter-Korea economic exchanges. Ban said it would be difficult to conduct economic exchanges between the two Koreas unless the current nuclear issue is settled. The commentary argues that the North's desire to have a nuclear deterrent force to "defend its right to existence and sovereignty" is natural and the statement by Ban corresponds to "anti-national and anti-reunification criminal acts."
--"S. Korean Foreign Minister's Unreasonable Remarks Flailed," Korean Central News Agency, 8 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Rodong Shinmun: Woegyot'ongsangbu changgwan'ŭi sarie matchi annŭn kwebyŏn," Korean Central News Agency, 8 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "DPRK Condemns S. Korea for Linking Economic Cooperation with Nuclear Issue," Xinhua News Agency, 8 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 March 2004
A Rodong Sinmun commentary calls for a "verifiable and complete withdrawal" of U.S. forces stationed in South Korea as well as a "complete, verifiable and irreversible security assurance" guaranteed by the conclusion of a peace agreement and normalization of relations." It also demands that the United States stop its demand for "nuclear renouncement."
--"Key to Resolving the (Nuclear) Issue Likes in the United States' Change of Attitude," Rodong Sinmun, 8 March 2004, in "N. Korea Urges Verifiable, Complete Withdrawal" of U.S. Forces in South Korea," BBC Monitoring, 9 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Rodong Sinmun on Key to Settlement of Nuclear Issue," Korean Central News Agency, 8 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Rodongsimnum 'munjehaegyŏlŭi yŏlsoenŭn migugŭi t'aedobyŏnhwa'e itta," Korean Central News Agency, 8 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

9 March 2004
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, warns that any U.S. economic sanctions as part of an effort to settle the North Korea nuclear crisis would amount to a "military operation aimed at staging a large-scale war" against North Korea.
--"Must Stop Military Commotion against the Republic," Rodong Sinmun, 9 March 2004, "North Korean Radio Urges U.S. to Stop War," BBC Monitoring, 9 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Rodongsinmun pan'gonghwagukkunsajŏksodong'ŭl kŏdŏch'iwŏya handa," Korean Central News Agency, 9 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

10 March 2004
Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson visits South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, and the two leaders issue a joint statement that "a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue is essential for the maintenance of peace and stability not only in Northeast Asia but globally." Persson announced yesterday that he may visit Pyongyang to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions and issues concerning past abductions of Japanese citizens.
-- "Sweden Backs Seoul's Effort for Peaceful Resolution of Nuke Crisis," Yonhap News Agency, 10 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Swedish Premier Eyes Visit to N. Korea on Nukes, Abductions," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Swedish PM May Still Visit North Korea This Week," Agence France Presse, 9 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Swedish Premier Urges North Korea to Abide by International Obligations," BBC Monitoring, 11 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 March 2004
A DPRK foreign ministry spokesperson says that the country's reluctance to abandon its nuclear program is a response to U.S. hostile policies against North Korea. The spokesperson adds, "If [the U.S.] persists in demanding a 'verifiable, irreversible and complete abandoning' of [North Korea's] nuclear program it should first promise a verifiable, irreversible and complete abandoning of its hostile policies against it."
--"Spokesman for DPRK FM Denounces U.S. Reckless Stand at Six-way Talks," Korean Central News Agency, 10 March 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp.

12 March 2004
Mitchell Reiss, director of Policy Planning at the U.S. State Department, says that the U.S. is willing to pursue a "normal relationship" with North Korea as long as the latter "accepts international demands for complete elimination of its nuclear weapons program."
-- "U.S. Will Respond to N. Korean 'Actions, Not Mere Promises'," BBC Monitoring, 13 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 March 2004
South Korea's National Assembly passes an unprecedented impeachment bill that strips President Roh Moo-hyun of all executive powers until the Constitutional Court rules on the impeachment case. According to the ROK Constitution, Prime Minister Goh Kun assumes power as acting president.
--Chang Jae, "Parliament Impeaches Roh," Yonhap News Agency, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Shim Sun, "Impeachment Unlikely to Stall Inter-Korean Relations, Officials Say," Yonhap News Agency, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Samuel Len, "South Korea Parliament Votes to Strip President of Powers," New York Times, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Anthony Faiola and Joohee Cho, "Jubilation, Rage in S. Korea; Impeachment of President Exposes Deep Ideological Rift," Washington Post, 13 March 2004, in ProQuest, <http://proquest.umi.com>; "South Korean Premier Pledges to Maintain Existing Policies," BBC, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Lower-Level Talks on N. Korea Nuke Crisis to Get into Full Swing," Yonhap News Agency, 14 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim So-young, "Roh Likely to Survive Impeachment Bill," Korea Herald, 11 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea Urges North to Tackle Nuke Dispute Despite Impeachment," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 March 2004
White House spokesman Scott McClellan tells reporters that impeachment of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun will not adversely impact the Six-party Talks on North Korea's nuclear program. U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says that Secretary Colin Powell spoke with South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon, and the two officials confirmed to continue "to work together on issues of mutual concern, including things like the Six-party Talks and the Korean forces that are going to Iraq."
-- "U.S. Unworried about Roh Impeachment Impact on 6-Way Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Impeachment Not to Have 'Special Influence' on Six-Way Talks - S Korean Minister," Financial Times, 18 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korean Premier Pledges to Maintain Existing Policies," BBC Monitoring, 12 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Seo Hyun-jin, "Goh Stresses Business as Usual; Interim Leader Stands by Troop Dispatch, North Korea Talks," Korea Herald, 17 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Associated Press, in "Seoul Warns N. Korea on Nuclear Talks," Los Angeles Times, 25 March 2004, in ProQuest, <http://proquest.umi.com>.

14 March 2004
A spokesman for North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland says the impeachment of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has "pushed the political situation in south [sic] Korea to an unpredictable phase and brought an unbearable insult and disgrace to the south Korean people." The spokesman holds the United States responsible saying, "The U.S. had hatched such plot for 'impeachment' in south [sic] Korea since October last year."
--"Spokesman for CPRF on 'Motion on Impeachment against S. Korean President,'" Korean Central News Agency, 14 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Cho'p'yǒngt'ongtaebyǒn'in namjosǒn'esǒ'ǔi t'anhaek sat'ae'nǔn chǒngch'iballan, ŭihoe'k'udet'a," Korean Central News Agency, 14 March 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp.

Mid March 2004
According to the Tokyo Shinbun, US special envoy Joseph DeTrani and North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Pak Kil-yŏn secretly met in New York to discuss ways to resolve the nuclear crisis.
—Yonhap News Agency, 5 April 2004, in “Japan Daily: DPRK, US Held ‘Behind-the-Scenes Meeting’ in Mar,” OSC Document KPP20040405000072.

16 March 2004
North Korea's Korean Central News Agency states that Pyongyang was forced to cancel the 15 March meeting of the North-South Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation because the impeachment of South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has created a "state of anarchy and is making it impossible for both sides to have safe contacts."
--"Telephone Message to Chairman of South Side," Korean Central News Agency, 16 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Hans Greimel, "North Korea Stokes Dispute over Scuttled Talks, Cites South Korean 'Anarchy'," Associated Press, 16 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Sang-Hun Choe, "North Korea Claims South in 'Anarchy'," Associated Press, March 16 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 March 2004
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao says, "The Chinese side has completed a concept paper [on the creation of working groups for the Six-party Talks]. We have submitted the paper to the other five parties concerned for opinion." Concurrently, South Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Su-hyŏk arrives in Beijing to discuss the setup of working groups and the Six-party Talks.
--"China Produces Concept Paper in Drive to Resolve N Korea Nuclear Standoff," Agence France Presse, 16 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Drafts Principles for Working Group on North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 16 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ted Anthony, "South Korean Envoy Arrives in China for Talks on North Korean Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 16 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China Foreign Minister Heads to N Korea on Rare Visit, Likely with Sweetener," AFX News, 23 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 March 2004
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei says he wants IAEA inspectors to return to North Korea "as early as possible" with "comprehensive" rights to examine nuclear facilities. Speaking after a meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, he refers to the previous limits on IAEA inspectors prior to being expelled by Pyongyang at the end of 2002.
--Michael Adler, "UN Inspectors Would Need 'Comprehensive' Mandate in North Korea; IAEA," Agence France Presse, 18 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Michael Adler, "UN Agency to Work with US on Monitoring North Korean Nuclear Program," Agence France Presse, 19 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 March 2004
Referring to combined U.S.-South Korean military exercises, a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson says that North Korea is forced to boost its nuclear arsenal in "quality and quantity" because the U.S. continues its "increased military threat."
--" U.S. Urged to Ponder over Unpredictable Consequences to Be Entailed by Its Provocations," Korean Central News Agency, 19 March 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Sang-Hun Choe, "North Korea Threatens to Increase Nuclear Deterrent in 'Quality and Quantity'," Associated Press, 19 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 March 2004
In a report to Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the Japanese Foreign Ministry calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear program "in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner." The report also expresses concerns about North Korea's ballistic missile program.
-- "Japan Renews Call on N. Korea to Completely Abandon Nuke Programs," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 March 2004
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il meets with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to coordinate and discuss the prospects of a third round of Six-party Talks.
--"Chinese FM Meets with North Korea's Kim Jong-Il," Agence France Presse, 24 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Associated Press, in "N. Korean Leader, Chinese Aide Discuss Arms," Washington Post, 25 March 2004, in ProQuest, <http://proquest.umi.com>; "N. Korea's Kim Meets Chinese FM," United Press International, 24 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 March 2004
Radio Pyongyang reiterates that the DPRK will never accept the demand for "complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling" of its nuclear weapons programs first. The broadcast insists the United States must provide economic aid and written security guarantees first and that North Korea has the right to keep civilian nuclear programs.
--"North Korea Rejects Complete Disarmament," Korea Herald, 29 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korean Radio Criticizes US Demand for Nuclear Dismantlement," BBC Monitoring, 27 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Joseph Kahn, "North Korea Rejects U.S. Demand to Scrap Its Nuclear Programs," New York Times, 28 March 2004, in ProQuest, <http://proquest.umi.com>.

29 March 2004
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon visits Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Assistant Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo in Beijing to discuss the creation of a working group for the Six-party Talks framework. Ban also asks Li, who visited Pyongyang to discuss the Six-party Talks 23-25 March, to work to grant asylum to North Korean defectors detained in China for humanitarian reasons.
--Choi Soung-ah, "Foreign Ministers Meet on N.K. Nukes," Korea Herald, 30 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China, South Korea Agree on Early Start for North Nuclear Issue Working Group," BBC Monitoring, 30 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "China, South Korea Push Six-Party Working Group," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 29 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul, Beijing Discuss NK Nuke Issue," Korea Times, 30 March 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 April 2004
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers Party, argues in an editorial for North Korea’s nuclear development as “a legitimate self-defense measure” against a possible “US preemptive nuclear attack.” It cites the preemptive strike on Iraq and military exercises with South Korea as evidence of US intentions to “provoke a war against the North.”
—“U.S. Should Not Act Rashly,” Korean Central News Agency, 5 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.

6 April 2004
A commentary by North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency condemns the “1-4-2-1 defense strategy worked out” by the US Department of Defense. The 1-4-2-1 strategy refers to the US force-sizing construct that can “defend the homeland, deter forward in and from four regions, and conduct two, overlapping ‘swift defeat’ campaigns.”
—“KCNA Assails U.S. ‘Defense Strategy,’ ” Korean Central News Agency, 7 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; The National Military Strategy of the United States of America, 2004, Office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, in American Forces Information Service, <http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2005/d20050318nms.pdf>.

6 April 2004
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon confers by telephone with his Japanese counterpart Yoriko Kawaguchi to discuss the standoff over North Korea’s nuclear program and other issues. They agree to discuss ways to convene a working group session of Six-Party Talks at their upcoming meeting in San Francisco.
—“S. Korean, Japan FMs exchange views on DPRK Nuclear issue,” Xinhua News Agency, 6 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, S.Korea Confirm N.Korea Policy Coordination,” Jiji Press Service, 6 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7-8 April 2004
US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly, South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Yi Su-hyŏk and Japanese Foreign Ministry Director General Mitoji Yabunaka hold “information trilateral consultations” in San Francisco. They conclude that the six-party working group should be convened as soon as possible, ideally by the end of the month.
—“US Wants to Hold DPRK Nuclear Working Group Talks this Month,” Xinhua News Agency, 9 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Japan, South Korea, US Begin Talks on North Korea Working Group,” Kyodo News Service, 8 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 April 2004
Kim Il-ch’ŏl, North Korean Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, argues that the US military threat will force North Korea to increase its “nuclear deterrent force.” Kim spoke at a celebration to mark the 11th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s election as chairman of the National Defense Commission.
—“Kim Il-ch’ŏl, “Inminmuryŏkpujang migugi wihyŏphalsurok chosŏnŭi haekŏkcheryŏkto kanghwa,” Korean Central News Agency, 9 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “11th Anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s Election as Chairman of NDC of DPRK,” 9 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.

10 April 2004
South Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yi Su-hyŏk reiterates that North Korea’s nuclear program should be dismantled in accordance with CVID [complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement].
—“South Korean Minister Reiterates Call for North Nuclear Disarmament,” Yonhap News Agency, 10 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; “S. Korea, US, Japan Hope for Working Group Meeting on Nuclear Issue by April,” Xinhua News Service, 10 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 April 2004
The New York Times reports that Abdul Qadeer Khan told interrogators he made a trip to North Korea five years ago and was shown three nuclear devices in a secret underground nuclear facility. 
—David E. Sanger, “Pakistani Says He Saw North Korean Nuclear Devices,” New York Times, 13 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Pakistani Scientist Says He Saw Three North Korean Nuclear Bombs: Report,” Agence France Presse, 13 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Jaeho, “‘Pukhansŏ haekchangch’i 3gae bwatta,’ p’ak’isŭt’an ‘haengmugi abŏji’ k’anbaksa chujang,” Chosun Ilbo, 14 April 2006, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.

15 April 2004
While visiting Fudan University in Shanghai, US Vice President Dick Cheney says he hopes the negotiations at the Six-Party Talks will result in a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. Cheney insists on complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement (CVID) of North Korea’s nuclear development programs.
—“Cheney Hopes Six-Party Talks to Result in Nuclear-Free Peninsula,” Xinhua News Agency, 16 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Lim Chang-won, “Cheney Winds Up Asian Tour with Call for support on Iraq, North Korea,” Agence France Presse, 16 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 April 2004
US Vice President Dick Cheney tells South Korean officials that the Six-Party Talks need to reconvene at an early date and end the nuclear standoff. During his discussions with South Korea’s Prime Minister Ko Kŏn, Cheney also voices concerns that North Korea could proliferate nuclear weapons technology to terrorist groups.
—“Cheney Reiterates Concern about N.K’s Nuclear Proliferation,” Yonhap News Agency, 17 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/ >; “Dick Cheney Says Need to Resolve N Korean Standoff Soon,” Yonhap News Agency, BBC Monitoring, 17 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://www.lexis-nexis.com/.

18 April 2004
A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry assails US Vice President Dick Cheney’s remarks demanding that North Korea dismantle its nuclear programs completely. The spokesman adds that North Korea will not consider complete dismantlement (CVID) and will not tolerate economic sanctions.
—“Chosŏnwoemusŏngdaebyŏn’in konghwaguk’ŭl mohamhanŭn migukpudaet’ongnyŏng ch’einiŭi mangbal’ŭl kyut’an,” Korean Central News Agency, 19 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman Blasts Cheney’s Anti-DPRK Remarks,” Korean Central News Agency, 19 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.

19-21 April 2004
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il visits Beijing for three days and tells Chinese President Hu Jintao and other Chinese leaders that North Korea seeks to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully. Kim is accompanied by members of his cabinet and the National Defense Commission.
—“Kim Jong Il ch’ongbisŏ chunghwa’inmin’konghwaguk’ŭl pigongsik pangmun,” Korean Central News Agency, 23 April 2004, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Kim Yŏng-sik, “Kim Jong Il-Hu Jintao chŏngsanghoedam, samdaeŭijaero bon hoedam chŏnmang,” Donga Ilbo, 20 April 2004, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Jim Yardly, “Kim Jong Il’s Invisible Summit in China, “ International Herald Tribune, 21 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Taro Karasaki, “Secret Summit,” Asahi News Service, 23 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “China, DPRA Agreed to Continue Pushing Forward Six-Party Talks Process,” Xinhua News Agency, 21 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 April 2004
The Washington Post reports that the United States is preparing to raise its estimate of the number of nuclear weapons held by North Korea from “possibly two” to at least eight.
—Glenn Kessler, “N. Korea Nuclear Estimate To Rise; U.S. Report to Say Country Has At Least 8 Bombs,” Washington Post, 28 April 2004, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “North Korea May Have Eight Nuclear Bombs: US report,” Agence France Presse, 28 April 2006, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 April 2004
Chinese special envoy Ning Fukui arrives in Seoul and says that countries should be more flexible and take a realistic approach so progress can be made. He also urged for in-depth talks at the working group talks to be held in May.
—Seo Hyun-jin, “N. Korean Nuclear Negotiations Regain Momentum,” Korea Herald, 30 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “N Korea Agrees to Fresh Nuclear Talks, but Warns of ‘Hurdle’ Ahead,” Agence France Presse, 29 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 April 2004
A DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman demands that the US abandon its “hostile policy” in exchange for dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear weapon program under the principle of “reward for freeze.”
—“Chosŏnwoemusŏngdaebyŏn’in 6chahoedamsilmu gŭrubbahoeŭi’esŏ ‘tonggyŏl tae posang’ an’ŭl t’oŭi’halgŏtsŭl chujang,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 April 2004,<http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Spokesman of DPRK Demands Discussion over Reward for Freeze in Working Group Meeting,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 April 2004 , <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.

29 April 2004
Adam Ereli, deputy spokesman of the US Department of State, denies knowledge of a new US government estimate that raises North Korea’s nuclear devices to eight or more. Ereli confirms that six party working group meetings will begin in Beijing on May 12, 2004.
—“South Korea Downplays US Report on Estimate of North’s Nuclear Weapons,” Yonhap News Agency, BBC Monitoring, 29 April 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Adam Ereli, Daily Press Briefing, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/31951.htm>; Daily Press Briefing, 29 April 2004, U.S. Department of State, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/31951.htm>.

30 April 2004
US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says the United States will not “pay [North Korea] not to do things [nuclear development] it shouldn’t have been doing in the first place.”
—Daily Press Briefing, 29 April 2004, U.S. Department of State, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/32045.htm>; “U.S. Dismissed Rewards for N.K. to Resolve Nuclear Impasse,” Yonhap News Agency, 1 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 May 2004
A North Korean radio broadcast accuses the United States of preparing for a preemptive nuclear attack, citing combined military exercises with South Korea as well as the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
--"North Korea Says US Preparing for 'Pre-emptive Nuclear Attack'," BBC Monitoring, 2 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 May 2004
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says China's special envoy to North Korea Ning Fukui met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to discuss how to proceed with the first working group meeting for the Six-Party Talks. Ning also met with U.S. special envoy to the Six-Party Talks Joseph DeTrani and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly.
--Daily Press Briefing, U.S. Department of State, 3 May 2004, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/32109.htm; "U.S., China Mull N. Korea Nukes before 6-Party Working Group Meeting," BBC Monitoring, 3 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China's Special Envoy Discusses North Korea Talks with US Officials," BBC Monitoring, 4 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 May 2004
The Financial Times publishes Selig Harrison's feature story based on his April 2004 two-hour discussion with North Korean leaders. North Korea's Kim Yŏng-nam, president of the Supreme People's Assembly, reportedly stated that Pyongyang "would never allow such transfers [of nuclear material] to al-Qaeda or anyone else."
--Selig Harrison, "Inside North Korea: Leaders Open to Ending Nuclear Crisis," Financial Times, 4 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Victor Mallet, "North Korea Offers US Pledge on Weapons," Financial Times, 4 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 May 2004
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers Party, cites Israel's nuclear weapons program and attacks the United States for what it views as an "unfair and unjustifiable double standard."
--"Rodongsinmun haekchŏnp'aŭi kongbŏmja, pulgongjŏnghan 2 chunggijun," Korean Central News Agency, 4 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp; "U.S. Slammed for Shutting Its Eyes to Israel's Nuclear Program," Korean Central News Agency, 4 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp.

4-7 May 2004
A South Korean delegation led by Minister of Unification Chŏng Se-hyŏn visits Pyongyang to discuss the upcoming Six-Party Talks working group meeting and inter-Korean exchanges. The DPRK abruptly ends the meeting without reaching an agreement, demanding instead a cessation of U.S.-ROK combined military exercises.
--Kong Yŏng-ung, "6 chahoedam 12 il kaech'oe tangsaguktŭlŭi umjigim," Munhwa Ilbo, 4 May 2004, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr/; Kim Kwang, "Two Koreas to Open Cabinet-Level Talks Tuesday," Yonhap News Agency, 4 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "South Korean Minister to Push North on Six-way Talks at Pyongyang Meeting," BBC Monitoring, 3 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Soo-jeong Lee, "South Korea Hopes to Use Inter-Korean Talks This Week to Discuss Nuclear Issue," Associated Press, 4 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12-14 May 2004
The six-party talks working group meets in Beijing to discuss the North Korea nuclear issue. The stalemated meeting ends with the North Korean delegation vowing to never accept US' demands for complete dismantlement.
--O Kwang-jin, "Pukhaek 6 cha hoedam taŭmtal'e katkiro," Han'guk Kyŏngje, 15 May 2004, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr/; "US, North Korea May Meet Bilaterally on Sidelines of Beijing Talks," BBC Monitoring, 12 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Cindy Sui, "Working Level Talks End as N Korea Vows Never to Accept US Demands," Agence France Presse, 14 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

18-22 May 2004
United Nations Special Envoy Maurice F. Strong visits Pyongyang to discuss ways to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue, as well as other issues. Strong says North Korea will continue to develop its nuclear program.
--"UN Envoy Arrives in N. Korea for Talks on Nukes," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Special Envoy of UN Secretary General Arrives," Korean Central News Agency, 18 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp; "UN Envoy in DPR of Korea for Talks on Nuclear Program," UN News Center, 18 May 2004, http://www.un.org/apps/news/storyAr.asp?NewsID=10779&Cr=korea&Cr1 Joe McDonald, "U.N. Envoy: North Korea Vows to Push Ahead with Nuclear Development," Associated Press, 22 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 May 2004
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers Party, accuses the United States of preparing for a preemptive nuclear attack on North Korea and creating "a dangerous situation on the Korean peninsula in which a nuclear war may break out." The paper cites U.S. combined military exercises with South Korea and Japan as evidence that an attack is imminent.
--"U.S. Plan for Preemptive Nuclear Attack Denounced," Korean Central News Agency, 19 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp.

19 May 2004
U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli tells reporters that the United States will not provide light-water reactors to North Korea in exchange for nuclear dismantlement.
--Daily Press Briefing, U.S. Department of State, 19 May 2004, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/32624.htm; "US Rejects North Korean Request for Nuclear Reactor," Agence France Presse, 19 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 May 2004
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visits Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang to discuss the nuclear issue, as well as other security and bilateral issues. The summit ends without significant breakthroughs in resolving the nuclear stalemate.
--James Brooke, "North Korea and Japan Sign a Deal on Abductions," New York Times, 23 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Eric Talmadge, "Koizumi Faces Criticism after Returning from North Korea with Abductees' Children," Associated Press, 23 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Koizumi, Kim Fail to Reach Breakthrough on Nuke Issue," Kyodo News Service, 22 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 May 2004
According to a New York Times report, the International Atomic Energy Agency found strong evidence that two tons of enriched uranium secretly delivered in 2001 to Libya for its covert nuclear program came from North Korea. The evidence is attributed to interviews with members of the secret supplier network set up by Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan.
--David E. Sanger and William J. Broad, "Evidence Is Cited Linking Koreans to Libya Uranium," New York Times, 22 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; George Jahn, "Suspected North Korean Sale of Uranium to Libya Raises Concerns of North's Role in Nuclear Black Market," Associated Press, 23 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Stephen Fidler, "North Korea 'Gave Libya Material for Nuclear Arms'," Financial Times, 26 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 May 2004
An unidentified South Korean official says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is searching for other terminology to replace "complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement." The official believes the phrase commonly referred to as CVID, which North Korea has objected to in the past, is perceived as threatening by North Korea.
--"Han'guk, 'CVID' taech'e yong'ŏ kusangjung," Maeil Kyŏngjae TV, 24 May 2004, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr/; "S Korea Seeking 'Alternative Wording' of US Demand in Pyongyang Nuclear Standoff," Financial Times, 24 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 May 2004
The Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang accuses the United States of attempting to pressure North Korea on nuclear issues by launching a "human rights offensive" with false reports on North Korean human rights violations.
--"KCNA Refutes U.S. Talk about Human Rights and Democracy," Korean Central News Agency, 24 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp; "N. Korea Denounces U.S. Human Rights Report as 'Hypocrisy'," Yonhap News Agency, 24 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 May 2004
Stephen Rademaker, acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, refuses to confirm that North Korea supplied Libya with uranium in 2001 and whether it was enriched.
--Stephen Fidler, "North Korea 'Gave Libya Material for Nuclear Arms'," Financial Times, 26 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 May 2004
A commentary by the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency claims that the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and related U.S. efforts aimed at North Korea "compels the DPRK to maintain and increase its nuclear means."
--"KCNA Brand U.S. as Ringleader of Nuclear Proliferation," Korean Central News Agency, 25 May 2004, "N.K. Claims U.S. Interdiction Plan Forced It to Develop Nukes," Yonhap News Agency, 25 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 May 2004
North Korea's Central News Agency denies the alleged illegal sale of uranium to Libya as a "false story" and "sheer fabrication."
--"KCNA Refutes Misinformation about 'Illegal Sale of Uranium Hexaflouride'," Korean Central News Agency, 29 May 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp; "North Korea Denies Enriched Uranium Sale to Libya," BBC Monitoring, 29 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

29 May 2004
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says the United States sees "absolutely no future" in the KEDO light-water reactor project. The project, part of the 1994 Agreed Framework, was suspended in November 2003.
--Daily Press Briefing, U.S. Department of State, 28 May 2004, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/32942.htm; "Spokesman Says US Sees 'No Future' in North Korea KEDO Reactor Project," BBC Monitoring, 29 May 2004, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.