This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

January 1997
The EU agrees to finance part of the heavy fuel oil to be delivered to North Korea until the completion of the light water reactors. Under an agreement with KEDO, the EU pledges up to $19 million annually for the next five years in order to help alleviate funding problems. [Note: The US agreed to supply the $50 million/year of heavy fuel oil, but due to budget problems, the United States has been supplying only $30 million/year.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 13 January 1997, in "Europe to Supply Heavy Oil," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "EU to Pay 19 Mil Dlrs for Oil Shipments to Pyongyang: Report," Agence France Presse, 13 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

Early January 1997
US nuclear technicians resume storing 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods in steel canisters. The US technicians arrive in Pyongyang on 8 January under an agreement by which North Korea agrees to resume the storage activities simultaneously with the signing of two additional reactor supply agreement protocols. [Note: US technicians, under the supervision of the IAEA, began the storing the fuel rods in May 1996, but in November, Pyongyang suspended the storage process in response to Seoul’s threats to delay any work on the light water reactors until Pyongyang apologized for the 18 September submarine incident.]
--"U.S. Experts to Resume Storing North Korea’s Fuel Rods," Associated Press, 6 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 9 January 1997, in "US Engineers Return to Resume Fuel Rod Storage," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 January 1997
KEDO and North Korea sign two additional protocols to the light water reactor supply agreement. The two protocols, signed by KEDO Executive Director Stephen Bosworth and North Korean ambassador Ho Jong, cover the management of the construction site near Shinp’o and the provision of North Korean labor, good and services relating to the project. North Korea also agrees to allow US technicians to resume storing 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods in steel canisters. [Note: The two sides initialed the protocols in July 1996, but the official signing of the protocols was delayed due to rising tension on the Korean Peninsula following the 18 September submarine incident.]
--"Protocol between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Labor, Goods, Facilities and Other Services for the Implementation of a Light-Water Reactor Project," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "Protocol between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Site Take-over, Site Access and Use of the Site for the Implementation of a Light-Water Reactor Project," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "N. Korea, KEDO Sign Nuclear Reactors Protocols," Agence France Presse, 8 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Gus Constantine, "New Protocols Reflect Emerging Korean Thaw; Small Step Toward Light-Water Reactors," Washington Times, p. A11, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 9 January 1997, in "US Engineers Return to Resume Fuel Rod Storage," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; U.S., North Korea Sign New Protocols on Nuclear Reactors," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 8 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 January 1997
KEDO and North Korea resume talks on implementing the light-water supply agreement. The resumption of talks in New York follows the signing on 8 January of two protocols relating to the reactor supply agreement. The two sides agree to meet in February to discuss a protocol dealing with North Korea’s repayment of the estimated $4.5 billion.
--"North Korea, KEDO Officials Continue Talks," Agence France Presse, 9 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 January 1997, in "Energy Talks on Non-Compliance to Start "Next Month,’" BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 January 1997
The Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) and North Korea sign a contract allowing Taipower to ship up to 200,000 barrels of low-grade radioactive waste to North Korea for an estimated cost of $1,151/barrel. [Note: Seoul, worried that North Korea will dump the waste in abandoned mines near the border, strongly objects to the deal.]
--Dennis Engbarth, "North Korean Agency Agrees to Dispose of Taipower LLW," Nucleonics Week, Vol. 38, No. 3, 16 January 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Environmentalists Protest Nuclear Waste Deal with North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 14 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Taiwan to Pay North Korea 69 Million Dollars to Store Nuclear Waste," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 18 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Taiwan to Send 5,000 Barrels of Nuclear Waste to Russia," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

20-25 January 1997
The IAEA and North Korea hold negotiations for the first time since September 1996. The five-member IAEA delegation meets with representatives from North Korea’s General Department of Atomic Energy to discuss North Korea’s non-compliance with its safeguards agreement, and its failure to provide the IAEA with information necessary for the IAEA to verify the accuracy of North Korea’s initial declaration of nuclear material.
--KBS Radio (Seoul), 19 January 1997, in "Fresh Negotiations Begin with International Atomic Energy Association," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 January 1997
In a written statement to Congress, US Secretary of State Designate Madeline Albright says that "to date, approximately 53 percent of the spent fuel rods (roughly 4,202 of the total 8,000) have been canned and stored." Albright also informs Congress that "without ongoing US financial support, KEDO will be unable to operate or carry out its objectives, which will...contribute to rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula."
--"53 Pct of N. Korea Nuke Fuel Rods Canned," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 22 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 January 1997
South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Chong Ha warns Taiwan that Seoul will take economic and political measures to cancel a deal by which North Korea agreed to dispose of up to 200,000 barrels of Taiwanese nuclear waste in P’yongsan-kun--approximately 90km from the South Korean border. Seoul contends that North Korea lacks the necessary technical facilities to properly dispose of the waste, and thus might cause environmental damage to the Korean Peninsula for many years to come.
--"Taiwan to Send 5,000 Barrels of Nuclear Waste to Russia," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Germany Denies Exporting Nuclear Waste to North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 24 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korean Experts Arrive in Taiwan for Nuclear Waste Shipment," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 27 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Cho Kang Su, "Chongbu ‘Puktaeman Chug’um’ui Korae Mag’ara’ Tongbunsoju," Kukmin Ilbo, 23 January 1997, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

28 January 1997
KEDO Executive Director Stephen Bosworth warns that the transfer of Taiwanese nuclear waste to North Korea could seriously "hamper efforts to secure transparency of [North Korea’s] nuclear program." Bosworth, however, opposes linking the nuclear waste shipment to the light water reactor project and says that the KEDO project must proceed regardless.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 28 January 1997, in "Nuclear Body Official Opposes Linkage with Taiwan Waste Issue," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 29 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

31 January 1997
South Korea threatens to abandon the KEDO light water reactor project if North Korea takes delivery of nuclear waste from Taiwan. Protesting the recently signed contract between Taipower and North Korea, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Su Song warns that if the contract is realized, "it would be difficult for the National Assembly to approve the necessary expenditures to provide the reactors to the North." [Note: Since the contract was signed on 11 January, South Korea has protested the deal, contending that North Korea does not have the necessary facilities to safely dispose of waste.]
--Zeno Park, "South Korea May Boycott Nuclear Deal with North Korea," Agence France Presse, 31 January 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; So Tong Ch’ol, "‘Puk Haekp’yegimul Pan’ipddaen Kungmin Pulyong’/I Ch’ongni Kandam," Taehan Maeil, 1 February 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

4 February 1997
South Korean ambassador to Austria, Lee Sung Kon, meets with IAEA Director General Hans Blix to discuss the planned shipment of Taiwanese nuclear waste to North Korea. Blix expresses concern and says that "South Korea and the IAEA need to discuss closely what they could do to thwart Taiwan’s bid to export nuclear waste to North Korea from legal and moral viewpoints."
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 5 February 1997, in "South Korean Envoy Relays Concerns on Taiwan’s Nuclear Waste to IAEA," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 6 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Cho Kang Su, "‘Taeman Haek Choji Kukchegigu’e Hoso/Yuenhwan’gyonggyehwoek-IAEA Kaeipch’okku," Kukmin Ilbo, 6 February 1997, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

12-13 February 1997
Representatives from KEDO meet in Tokyo to draft a protocol to the light water reactor supply agreement concerning the conditions by which North Korea will repay the loans. [Note: KEDO and North Korea hold negotiations on the protocol from 28 March to 2 May and sign it on 2 July.]
--"N. Korea and KEDO to Resume Talks as Early as Next Week," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 12 March 1997, in "Pyongyang, Energy Body to Hold ‘Non-Compliance Protocol’ Talks Next Week," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 February 1997
After an attempt on the life of North Korean defector Lee Han Yong in Seoul on 15 February, the South Korean government decides to suspend the seventh visit of a reactor survey team to [Kumho-chigu], Shimp’o, until North Korea guaranteed the team’s safety. The Ministry of Unification makes the decision during an emergency meeting called by Unification Minister Kwon O Ki after the attack on Lee Han Yong.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 17 February 1997, in "South Korea to Withhold Food Aid, Reactor Work Following Killing of Defector," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 18 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Vladimir Kutakhov, "S. Korea Suspends Aid to Pyongyang And All Contacts with It," ITAR-TASS, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Kyongsuro Chosadan P’abuk Yubo/Shimbyonanjyon Chaehwagin’dui Ch’ujin," Joongang Ilbo, 17 February 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Lee Mi Suk, "Kyongsuro Shingnyangjiwon Tung/ Taebukjongch’aek Chonmyonjojong/Kinkup Anbojanggwanhwoeui," 17 February 1997, Munhwa Ilbo, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

17 February 1997
North Korea has sent the South Korean government a memorandum guaranteeing the safety of the 27 South Korean members of KEDO team. In response to a North Korean letter assuring the safety of a 27-member South Korean KEDO team, Pan Ki Mun, South Korea’s Senior Presidential Security Secretary, announces that South Korea intends to send the survey team to [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o as planned. Pan adds that KEDO light water project is not related to the current political tension that resulted from the attack on North Korean defector Lee Han Yong because the KEDO project is an international agreement. However, the negotiations between the two Koreas on the safety of the KEDO team’s trip to North Korea are still underway, and no final decision has been made. [Note: The target date of 22 February is pushed back to 1 March as KEDO officials await an official reply from Pyongyang that it will strictly abide by the protocol signed in 1996 granting immunity and consular protection to all personnel working on the light water reactor project.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 17 February 1997, in "South to Join Food Aid Plan to North, Continue Reactor Work Despite Assassination Attempt," BBC Summary of World Reports, 19 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 19 February 1997, in "Nuclear Body Asks North Korea to Abide Strictly by Protection Protocol," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Team to Head to North Korea to Survey Site for Nuclear Reactors," Agence France Presse, 20 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Jong Ku, "‘Indojok Taebukchiwon Kyesok Kyongsurojosadando P’agyon’/Pan Ki Mun Oegyoanbosusok," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 18 February 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

19 February 1997
A cargo ship carrying 15 tons of equipment to be used by the seventh KEDO site inspection team departs Pusan, South Korea on its way to Najin [Nason], North Korea. From Najin the equipment will be transported by rail to the proposed light water reactor construction site near Shinp’o. The equipment reportedly includes five drilling machines and 11 pumps.
--"Ship with Nuke Inspection Equipment Leaves for N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 February 1997
North Korea announces that it will participate in the upcoming briefing to discuss the proposed four-nation peace talks on 5 March in New York. The briefing, including delegates from the United States, South Korea, and North Korea, was originally scheduled for 29 January, but Pyongyang twice delayed the meeting claiming that the United States must first provide food aid. Pyongyang’s announcement that it will participate follows a pledge of $16 million in famine-relief aid from the United States and South Korea. [Note: The proposed four-nation peace talks, including representatives from the United States, China, and both Koreas, is aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty that would officially end the Korean War.]
--Sang Hun Choe, "North Korea Says It Will Attend Preliminary Peace Talks in New York," Associated Press, 21 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://lexis-nexis.com>; Andrew Pollack, "North Korea Inches Toward Talks to Finally End ’50-’53 War," New York Times, 22 February 1997, p. A3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://lexis-nexis.com.

Early March 1997
North Korea’s Nuclear Safety Monitoring Committee issues an import permit to Taipower allowing the company to import up to 200,000 barrels of low-grade radioactive material to North Korea.
--"North Korea Issues Import Permit for Taiwan Nuclear Waste," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 4 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 March 1997
The seventh KEDO survey team travels to North Korea to conduct various tests at the proposed light water reactor construction site in Shinp’o. According to KEDO officials, the seventh site survey will last five months.
--"Site Survey Team for Nuclear Reactors Due Saturday," Agence France Presse, 25 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 March 1997
Delegates from the United States, South Korea and North Korea meet in New York to discuss the proposed four-party peace talks. The US, South Korean, and North Korean delegations are respectively headed by Charles Kartman, Principle Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Song Yong Shik, South Korean Assistant Foreign Minister, and Kim Kye Kwan, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister. The South Korean delegation suggests that North Korea could receive economic assistance, food aid, and more cooperation on the light water reactor project if Pyongyang participated in the four-party talks. During the five-hour meeting, described by all sides as "serious and sincere," the North Korean delegation listens to the US and South Korean proposal for the peace talks, which would also include China. After the briefing, the North Korean delegation expresses interest in the proposal and returns to Pyongyang for consultations.
--Norman Kemster, "N. Korea Hears Peace Proposal from South, U.S.," Los Angeles Times, 6 March 1997, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yu Haye Chu, "Puk 4 Chahwoedam Surakttaen Kyongwon/New York Solmyonghwoe," Segye Ilbo, 6 March 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Cho Chae Yong, "4 Chahwoedam Chonmang Palgajo/New York Solmyonghwoe," Hankook Ilbo, 6 March 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Lee Byong Son, "Puk, 4 Chahwoedam Ipchang Yubo," Munhwa Ilbo, 6 March 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Lee Kon Yong, "Puk, ‘4 Chahwoedam Ch’amsok’/4 Chasolmyonghwoeso Kungjong Panung," Taehan Maeil, 6 March 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr.

6 March 1997
The South Korean Foreign Ministry announces that the United States and South Korea will cancel the Team Spirit joint-military exercise for the fourth consecutive year.
--"S. Korea, U.S. to Skip ‘Team Spirit’ Exercises Again," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 March 1997
The US and North Korea resume high-level talks in New York. During the 10-hour talks the two sides discuss a variety of issues including implementation of the Agreed Framework, North Korea’s ballistic missile program, and the proposed four-nation peace talks. [Note: Before this meeting, the United States and North Korea had not held high-level consultations since June 1995.]
--"U.S., N. Korea Resume High-Level Talks after 21 Months," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S., N. Korea End 10 Hours of Talks," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 8 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 March 1997
Kwon Yong Hae, director of South Korea’s Agency for National Security Planning, says that "it is believed North Korea is trying to import Taiwan’s nuclear waste as a means of camouflage for the disposal of its own nuclear waste."
--Seoul Sinmun, 12 March 1997, p. 2, in "South Korean Official Says North’s Import of Taiwan Nuclear Waste ‘Camouflage,’" BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chin Kyong Ho, "Pukui Taemanhaek Panip Kyehwoek/Chach’ye Haekch’ori Uijang Soksyem/Kwon Angibujang," Taehan Maeil, 12 March 1997, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

Mid-to-Late March 1997
The US, South Korea and North Korea hold working-level consultations in New York on the proposed four-nation peace talks. The North Korean delegation reportedly says that North Korea will participate in the talks if it receives additional food aid.
--KBS Radio (Seoul), 26 March 1997, in "North Korea Reportedly Says Its Participation in Four-Way Talks Conditional on Food Aid," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 28 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Sonni Efron, "N. Korea Wants Aid in Return for Peace Talks; But U.S. Delegates Tell Pyongyang That It Cannot Set Preconditions for the Negotiations," Los Angeles Times, 30 March 1997, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 March 1997
At the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, IAEA Director General Hans Blix reports little progress in negotiations between the IAEA and North Korea over securing necessary for the IAEA to verify the accuracy of North Korea’s initial declaration of nuclear material. Many member states voice concern over the stalled negotiations and Taiwan’s proposed shipment of low-grade nuclear waste to North Korea.
--"Talks Between IAEA, North Korea at Impasse," Agence France Presse, 17 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 19 March 1997, in "IAEA Concerns on Pyongyang Nuclear Issues Reported," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 March 1997
US President Bill Clinton issues a presidential determination to Congress in which he certifies that "North Korea is cooperating fully in the canning and safe storage of all spent fuel from its graphite-moderated nuclear reactors," and that "North Korea has not significantly diverted assistance provided by the United States for purposes for which it was not intended." [Note: The presidential determination is required by Congress for the allocation of funds to KEDO under the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 1997.]
--Presidential Determination No. 97-20, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 19 March 1997; "USIS - Clinton Assures of Progress of KEDO Declaration," Asia Pulse, 21 March 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 March-2 May 1997
Representatives from KEDO and North Korea meet in New York to discuss a protocol setting the schedule by which North Korea will repay the cost of the light water reactors and the penalties incurred if North Korea fails to make the payments on schedule. [Note: The protocol is signed on 2 July.]
--"Korea to Sign Protocol on Light-Water Nuclear Reactors," Asia Pulse, 20 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 20 June 1997, in "North to Sign Loans Protocol on Nuclear Plants, Nuclear Talks Date Set," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9-15 April 1997
A KEDO delegation travels to North Korea for working-level talks on preparations for the groundbreaking at the proposed light water reactor construction site. The 54 member delegation meets with North Korean government officials in Shinp’o. Upon returning to Seoul, Ch’oe Yong Jin, head of the delegation, tells reporters that KEDO and North Korea reached an agreement on entry and exit procedures for personnel working on the project. Cho’oe also reports progress in negotiations on wages for North Korean workers. However, Ch’oe says, more negotiations are necessary before the groundbreaking at the construction site. [Note: This KEDO delegation, which travels aboard the South Korean ship Hannara-ho, is the first to travel directly to North Korea by ship. In July 1996, KEDO and North Korea signed a protocol opening four transportation links--two by sea and two by air--between the North and South for materials and personnel related to the light water reactor project.]
--"KEDO Delegation to Travel by Sea to North Korea," Agence France Presse, 4 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Visit to Pyongyang Successful," Xinhua News Agency, 16 April 199 7, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; KBS Television (Seoul), 16 April 1997, in "Negotiating Team Says Reactor Project Expected to Be Carried Out Smoothly," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 18 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chong Yon Uk, "KEDO Shilmuhyopsangdan 54 Myong/O’nul ‘Ch’otpaekkil Ippuk’," Tonga Ilbo, 9 April 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Lee Mi Suk, "Pangbuk Kyongsurohyobuidan Kwihwan," Munhwa Ilbo, 16 April 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

12 April 1997
A high-level source in the South Korean Foreign Ministry says that the four-party talks between the United States, China, North Korea and South Korea will resume in the middle of May. The source also says that the United States and North Korea will apparently establish liaison offices in mid May. [Note: The US and North Korea do not establish the liaison offices, and the talks do not resume until December.]
--Ch’oe Sang Yon, "4 Chahoedam-Yollaksamuso Puk-Mi Naedal Habuijobkun/Puk, Sonshingnyangjiwonyogu Ch’olhoe," Joongang Ilbo, 13 April 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

14 April 1997
KEDO selects four South Korean companies--Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company, Dong Ah Industrial Company, Daewoo Corporation, and Korea Heavy Industry & Construction Company--to construct preliminary facilities for the light water reactor project. The companies’ work involves building offices and living quarters for personnel working of project, constructing roads between Yanghwa port and the reactor site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o, and securing reliable sources for drinking water and electricity.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 April 1997, in "Firms Selected for First-Phase Work on Light-Water Reactor Project," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Kwang Hee, "Hyundai Konsol Tung 4 Kaesa Puk Kyongsuro Kongsa Matt’a," Chosun Ilbo, 15 April 1997, p. 13, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

14 April 1997
Pyongyang condemns the United States for recent meetings with Japan and South Korea at which they discussed "military preparations" and a "joint defense posture" against North Korea. Pyongyang warns that the US attempts to contain North Korea threaten the success of the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--"There Is Nothing to Gain with Strong Arm," Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 14 April 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Michael Dobbs, "U.S. May Boost N. Korean Food Aid; Issue Is Said to Have ‘No Linkage’ to Four-Party Talks," The Washington Post, 15 April 1997, p. A16, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 April 1997
The State Department announces that the United States will donate an additional $15 million worth of food aid to North Korea. However, US officials insist that there is no linkage between the food aid and the proposed four-nation peace talks. [Note: The latest donation brings the total amount of US famine-relief aid given to North Korea since 1995 to $33.4 million.]
--Michael Dobbs, "U.S. May Boost N. Korean Food Aid; Issue Is Said to Have ‘No Linkage’ to Four-Party Talks," The Washington Post, 15 April 1997, p. A16, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Tom Rhodes, "US Increases Food Aid to North Korea," The Times, 16 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16-21 April 1997
Representatives from North Korea meet with representatives from the United States and South Korea in New York to present Pyongyang’s reply to the 5 March joint briefing on the proposed four-party talks. Kim Gye Gwan, head of the North Korean delegation, says that the confidence needed for the peace talks has not yet been built. Thus, he suggests more rounds of negotiations with the United States and South Korea before the actual peace talks begin.
--"Head of DPRK Delegation on ‘Four-Way Talks,’" Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 24 April 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

22 April 1997
A Pentagon spokesman says that Washington believes that North Korea "could have generated enough plutonium to make at least one nuclear weapon" before the signing of the 1994 Agreed Framework in which Pyongyang agreed to freeze its nuclear program.
--"U.S. Concerned by Defector’s Comments," United Press International, 23 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Andrew Browne, "Defector’s Scenario Sees ‘Sea of Flames’ for South; Japan Would Also Be Scorched in North’s Nuclear Strike," Washington Times, 23 April 1997, p. A11, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 April 1997
North Korea announces that it will participate in four-party peace talks only after the United States meets several preconditions, including additional food aid, diplomatic recognition and an easing of trade sanctions.
--Jack Burton and Nancy Dunne, "N Korea Sets Condition for Peace Talks," Financial Times (London), 25 April 1997, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

May 1997
The US company Duke Engineering & Services is contracted by KEDO to serve as the technical support consultant for the two light water reactors being constructed at Shinp’o.
--"B&W Canada to Supply Qinshan SGs; Other Contracts," Nuclear News, June 1997, vol. 40, no. 7, p. 70.

May 1997
The CIA circulates a classified report to senior US officials claiming that North Korea had planned to conduct an underground nuclear test. The report, based on interviews with Hwang Chang Yop, a recent North Korean defector, claims that the test was cancelled after warnings from the North Korean Foreign Ministry.
--Bill Gertz, "Hwang Says N. Korea Has Atomic Weapons; Pyongyang Called off Planned Nuclear Test," Washington Times, 5 June 1997, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 May 1997
KEDO and North Korea initial a protocol on the repayment schedule for the costs of the light water reactor project. Under the protocol, North Korea must make regular interest-free payments over a 17-year period beginning three years after the completion of the reactors. However, if North Korea fails to repay the loans according to the designated schedule, KEDO reserves the right to impose economic sanctions. [Note: Negotiations on the protocol began in New York on 28 March.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 3 May 1997, in "Pyongyang Initials Protocol on Reimbursing Cost of Nuclear Reactors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO, N. Korea Initial Another Protocol," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 6 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12-13 May 1997
The KEDO Executive Board meets in Tokyo and decides to allow the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC) to join KEDO as a board member. The board, including representatives from the United States, Japan and South Korea, also decides to begin construction of peripheral facilities for the light water reactor project in mid-July.
--"KEDO to Give Board Membership to EU," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 13 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO to Begin Construction of Support Facilities in July," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 May 1997
The European Union and KEDO initial an agreement by which the EU will join KEDO as a board member and donate $20 million/year to the international consortium over the next five year.
--"EU Initials Accord to Enter KEDO," Japan Economic Newswire, 20 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 20 May 1997, in "Agreement Initialed on EU Membership in Korean Energy Organization," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 May 1997
In a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda, IAEA Director Hans Blix says that North Korea has still not provided sufficient information about its past use of spent nuclear fuel.
--"N. Korea Not Giving Full Info on Spent Nuke Fuel: Blix," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 21 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Fails to Cooperate with IAEA," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 May 1997
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright asks Congress to appropriate $30 million in fiscal year 1998 for donations to KEDO. In a prepared statement given before the Foreign Operations Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Albright says that the KEDO project is related "directly to the safety and security of the American people."
--"Prepared Statement by Madeline K. Albright Secretary of State before the Senate Appropriations Committee Foreign Operations Subcommittee," Federal News Service, 22 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25-27 May 1997
IAEA Director General Hans Blix travels to Seoul to discuss North Korea’s nuclear program and Taiwan’s planned shipment of nuclear waste to North Korea. Blix promises that the IAEA will continue to make efforts to ensure the transparency of North Korea’s past and present nuclear activities. He also reaffirms that the planned shipment of Taiwanese nuclear waste is comprised solely of low-grade nuclear material and thus not prohibited for international transportation.
--Debbie Kuo, "IAEA Reaffirms Taiwan’s Nuke Waste is Low-Grade," Central News Agency, 27 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 27 May 1997, in "South’s President Discusses North’s Nuclear Programme with IAEA Head," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 28 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 27 May 1997, in "IAEA Head Promises Efforts for ‘Transparency’ of North’s Nuclear Program," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 28 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 May 1997
Former US Defense Secretary William Perry say that he does not believe North Korea possesses nuclear weapons. Speaking at a conference in Seoul, Perry says that even though North Korea may possesses "a few kilograms of plutonium," he is "confident" that North Korea does not have the necessary technology to construct a nuclear bomb.
--Hwang Tu Hyong, "Ex-US Defense Secretary Says He Does Not Believe North Korea Has Nukes," Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 27 May 1997, in "Former US Defense Secretary ‘Confident’ North Has No Nuclear Weapons," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 28 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 May 1997
KEDO contracts Korea Telecom to provide all of the telecommunication links between South Korea and the light water reactor construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o.
--KBS Radio (Seoul), 29 May 1997, in "North-South Telecommunications to Be Set Up to Facilitate Reactor Project," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 30 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 May-7 June 1997
A 44-member KEDO delegation travels to North Korea to negotiate construction terms for the Shinp’o light water reactor project. While various details have yet to be worked out, the two sides sign a tentative agreement on almost all major issues relating to site preparation work including mail and telecommunication services, quarantine procedures, and transportation.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 6 June 1997, in "Nuclear Mission Reaches Virtual Agreement with North Korea on Reactor Project Items," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO, North Korea Sign Land Leveling Accord," Asia Pulse, 10 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 9 June 1997, in "Further Details on ‘Tentative Agreement’ Reached by KEDO, North Korea," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 June 1997
The US General Accounting Office (GAO) presents a report to Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources stating that as of 1 April 1997, the United States had allocated $82 million for the implementation of the Agreed Framework, including $51 million in contributions to KEDO and $26 million to assist North Korea in the safe storage of over 50,000kg (8,000 rods) of spent nuclear fuel. The report claims, however, that the total amount of future US expenditures for the project is unclear because reliable estimates of the projects total cost are not yet available and other countries have yet to specify the amount of their contributions. Regardless, the report assesses, the United States may have to supply more funds than originally anticipated or risk the collapse of the Agreed Framework. Of particular concern, the report states, is the "significant funding shortfalls" for the annual heavy fuel oil deliveries.
--"Nuclear Nonproliferation: Implications of the U.S./North Korean Agreement on Nuclear Issues," United States General Accounting Office, GAO/RCED/NSIAD-97-165, 2 June 1997.

3 June 1997
Norway pledges $250,000 to KEDO.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 4 June 1997, in "Norway Offers to Donate 250,000 Dollars to Inter-Korean Organization," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 June 1997
The US House of Representatives passes a non-binding resolution calling on Taiwan to refrain from shipping low-grade nuclear material to North Korea. Taipower ignores the resolution and on 6 June announces that the shipment will proceed as scheduled.
--Lillian Wu, "North Korean Nuke Waste Plan Unchanged," Central News Agency, 6 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Sung Ung, "’Taeman Haekp’yegimul Ijon Chungdan’/Mi Hawon Ch’okkusujongan Ch’aet’aek," Munhwa Ilbo, 5 June 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

4 June 1997
The Nuclear Assurance Corp., the US contractor in charge of the packing, clean-up, and dismantlement project at the Yongbyon nuclear complex, announces that 6,500 of North Korea’s 8,000 nuclear spent-fuel rods have been packed for long-term storage. However, more than 800 rods were "seriously neglected," complicating the process. Officials from the corporation say that delays have increased the cost of packing and storage of the fuel rods from $8 million to about $15 million, a cost which will be paid by the United States.
--Stewart Stogel, "N. Korea Lags in Nuclear Cleanup," Washington Times, 4 June 1997, p. A20, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 June 1997
IAEA Director General Hans Blix reports to the Board of Governors that the agency cannot verify that North Korea’s nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes. In the Safeguard Implementation Report, the annual report presented to the board, Blix claims that North Korea has yet to allow full-scope inspections or clarify discrepancies in its inventory of plutonium.
--"Implementation of IAEA Safeguards on 1996," IAEA Press Release, PR 97/12, 11 June 1997; R. Senthilnathan, "No Secret N-Bomb Programmes Found Last Year," The Straits Times (Singapore), 13 June 1997, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 11 June 1997, in "International Atomic Energy Agency Says Government Not Abiding by Nuclear Agreement," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Late June 1997
The UN Special Assembly on the Environment adopts an agreement calling for a ban on the shipment of nuclear material to countries that lack adequate nuclear storage facilities. The agreement is passed in response to Taiwan’s planned shipment of up to 200,000 barrels of low-grade nuclear waste to North Korea.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 1 July 1997, in "Taiwan Company Files Permit to Ship Nuclear Waste - South Korean Report," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 3 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 June-2 July 1997
Representatives from KEDO and North Korea hold the third round of working-level consultations on logistical aspects of the light water reactor project. The two sides reach an agreement on all unresolved technical issues such as wages for North Korean workers, communication links, the condition of roads connecting the port to the construction site, and emergency procedures. On 2 July, Stephen Bosworth, KEDO Executive Director, and Ho Jong, North Korean ambassador at large, sign four memoranda of understanding allowing construction of the reactors to begin as soon as possible. According to a joint communiqué, construction is scheduled to begin in early August.
--"Memorandum of Understanding between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Medical Services and Medical Evacuation Routes," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "Memorandum of Understanding between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on General Principles of Air Transport," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "Memorandum of Understanding between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Connection with the Protocol on Site Take-over, Site Access and Use of the Site for the Implementation of a Light-Water Reactor Project," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "Memorandum of Understanding between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to Amend the Protocol on Site Take-over, Site Access and Use of the Site for the Implementation of a Light-Water Reactor Project," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "North, South Korea Hold Nuclear Reactor Talks," Asia Pulse, 23 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lynn Berry, "North Korea Gives Go-Ahead for Nuclear Reactor Construction," Associated Press, 2 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 June 1997
KEDO and North Korea sign a protocol concerning the repayment schedule for the cost of the light water reactor project. Under the protocol, North Korea must repay the interest-free loans over a 17-year period beginning three years after the completion of the reactors. However, if North Korea does not adhere to the repayment schedule, KEDO reserves the right to impose economic sanctions. [Note: Negotiations on the protocol were held in New York from 28 March to 2 May.]
--"Protocol between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on Actions in the Event of Nonpayment with Respect to Financial Obligations," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org; "Korea to Sign Protocol on Light-Water Nuclear Reactors," Asia Pulse, 20 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 20 June 1997, in "North to Sign Loans Protocol on Nuclear Plants, Nuclear Talks Date Set," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 June 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

30 June 1997
North Korea agrees to participate in four-nation peace talks tentatively scheduled to begin 5 August. The peace talks, aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty, will include representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas.
--Sarah Jackson, "North Korea ‘Ready to Cooperate’ with US: North Korean Official," Agence France Presse, 1 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early July 1997
In a letter to a Korean-American journalist, Kim Jong Il says, "In our relations with the United States, we will faithfully implement the agreed points in conformity with the idea and principle of our foreign policy. This is our invariable stand." He added that many problems still remain due to "imperialists’ hostile activities."
--"Secy. [sic] Kim Jong Il Writes to Korean-American Journalist," Korean Central News Agency, 21 July 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "North Korea’s Kim Wants Improved Ties with U.S., Japan," Associated Press, 21 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 July 1997
Officials from the United States and North Korea meet to discuss various bilateral issues, such as implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, North Korea’s missile program, and famine relief aid.
--Lynn Berry, "North Korea Gives Go-Ahead for Nuclear Reactor Construction," Associated Press, 2 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korea ‘Ready to Cooperate’ with US: North Korean Official," Agence France Presse, 1 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 3 July 1997, in "US-North Korea New York Meeting Ends without Result," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 4 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 July 1997
North Korean defector, Hwang Jang Yop concedes that he does not have proof that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons. In his first major press conference in Tokyo, Hwang says, "It is common knowledge they have these weapons, but there is no means to verify it." He adds, however, that South Korea "would be wise" to assume that such weapons exist.
--Kevin Sullivan, "Key Defector Warns Again of North Korean War Plans," Washington Post, 10 July 1997, p. A23, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Lacks Nuclear Proof," New York Times, 11 July 1997, p. A9, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 July 1997
Fourteen North Korean soldiers reportedly cross the military demarcation line and exchange gunfire with South Korean forces for about 20 minutes. The South Korean Defense Ministry calls the incident a "deliberate provocation" by North Korea.
--"South Korea Beefs up Forces on North Korean Border," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 17 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Mun Ch’ol, "Pimujangjidae Ch’onggyokchon/Ch’olwonso 23 Pun’dong’an Supaekpal Kyojon," Donga Ilbo, 17 July 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Choe Won Sok, "DMZ So P’ogyokchon/Pukhangun 14 Myong Pungyeson Ch’imbom/Ch’olwon Chonbang," Chosun Ilbo, 17 July 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

17 July 1997
In response to the 16 July incursion of North Korean soldiers over the demarcation line, the US Senate votes to hold back $14 million allocated to KEDO until the president certifies that North Korea has not violated the armistice for nine months.
--"Senate OKs Big Aid Bill, Will Use to Press Policy; Lawmakers Reject Criticism of China Trade, Lifting Cuba Travel Restrictions," The San Francisco Examiner, 18 July 1997, p. A13, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 July 1997
Minju Joson, a North Korean daily, denounces the US and South Korean reaction to the 16 July conflict in the demilitarized zone (DMZ). The commentary claims that North Korea is a victim and demands an apology from Seoul. The daily also says that North Korea has a right to retaliate. A spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland says the "retaliatory blow will be a thousand fold punishment and will be so merciless that none of the provokers can survive."
--" Minju Joson Blasts S. Korea for Grave Military Provocation," Korean Central News Agency, 18 July 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "South Korean Rulers Urged to Make Honest Apology" Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 18 July 1997, in "North Korean Committee Demands South’s ‘Honest Apology’ on 16th July Incident," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 19 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "We Will Keep Our Eyes upon US Attitude," Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 18 July 1997, in "North Korea Denounces US Response to 16th July Demarcation Line Incident," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 19 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 July 1997
A 17-member team arrive in North Korea to begin preliminary construction for the light water reactor project in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. The team is comprised of personnel from the Korea Electric Company (KEPCO), Korea Heavy Industry and Construction, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Daewoo Corp and Donga Construction. Equipment and material for the preliminary groundwork at the site is scheduled to arrive in Shinp’o on 25 July, and 63 additional workers will follow on 26 July. [Note: An approaching typhoon forces the barges carrying the equipment to return to South Korea. The shipment of does not arrive until 30 July.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 22 July 1997, in "South Reactor Construction Team Arrives in North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 23 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Typhoon Forces S. Korean Barges to Turn Back from Trip North," Agence France Press, 25 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S Korean Barges Arrive in North Korea with Reactor Construction Equipment," Agence France Presse, 30 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 July 1997
An additional 63 South Korean technicians arrive in North Korea to begin preliminary construction for the light water reactor project in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 22 July 1997, in "South Reactor Construction Team Arrives in North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 23 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

26-28 July 1997
At the ASEAN Regional Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, US Secretary of State Madeline Albright asks member nations to contribute $30 million to KEDO over the next five years.
--Laura Myers, "Asian Help Sought in Paying for North Korean Reactors," Associated Press, 25 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Asks ASEAN to Give 30 Mil. Dollars to KEDO," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 July 1997
KEDO opens a liaison office in Kumho-chigu, Shinp’o. The KEDO office, consisting of two representatives each from the United States and South Korea, and one from Japan, will ensure the safety of KEDO personnel working on the reactor project, and act as a liaison between the KEDO Secretariat in New York and North Korea.
--"S. Korean Diplomats in N. Korea for 1st Time Since 1945," Asia Pulse, 28 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO to Open Rep Office in N. Korea Mon.," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 25 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 25 July 1997, in "Reactor Project Office to Be Set Up," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

30 July 1997
Two South Korean barges, Korex Champ and Korex Pusan, arrive in Shinp’o carrying 9,000 tons of equipment and materials for preliminary groundwork at the for the reactor construction site. Included in the cargo are 30 pieces of heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and dump trucks, 15 light cars, and 250,000 liters of fuel. [Note: The shipment was originally scheduled to arrive on 25 July, but due to an approaching typhoon, the barges had to return to South Korea.]
--"Vessels Carrying Reactor Materials Leave for N. Korea," Asia Pulse, 28 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S Korean Barges Arrive in North Korea with Reactor Construction Equipment," Agence France Presse, 30 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Typhoon Forces S. Korean Barges to Turn Back from Trip North," Agence France Press, 25 July 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

August 1997
KEDO and KEPCO sign a preliminary works contract allowing KEPCO to begin site preparation work in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o.
--"Light Water Reactor Project: Turnkey Contract," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/au_members.asp>.

4 August 1997
Eight inter-Korean phone lines open, linking Seoul with the light water reactor construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o.
--"Direct Phone Service Opens between Two Koreas," Xinhua News Agency, 4 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

5-8 August 1997
Representatives from the United States, China, and both Koreas meet in New York for preliminary consultations on the proposed four-party peace talks. Discussions focus on selecting a date and venue for the talks, setting the agenda and deciding the level of representation. The delegates fail to agree upon an agenda but agree to hold further preparatory consultations in September. The official four-party peace talks are to be held in Geneva six weeks after the next preparatory meeting. [Note: The four-part peace talks are aimed at replacing the 1953 Armistice Agreement with an official peace treaty ending the Korean War.]
--Ralph A. Cossa, "Korean Peninsula: Four-Way Talks to Achieve Peace at Last," International Herald Tribune, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Four in Search of an Agenda," The Straits Times (Singapore), 11 August 1997, p. 28, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Korean Peace Talks," Mainichi Daily News, 8 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Burton, "N Korea Joins Talks about Talks," Financial Times (London), 6 August 1997, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 August 1997
Citing "politically induced delays," Stephen Bosworth, executive director of KEDO, announces that the two light water reactors will not be completed by 2003 as originally planned. Bosworth adds that KEDO has not yet set a new target completion date.
--Sarah Jackson-Han, "N. Korean Reactor Project to Take Longer Than Expected," Agence France Presse, 16 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 August 1997
South Korea’s Ministry of National Unification announces that US technicians have safely stored over 90 percent of the 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods removed from North Korea’s 5MW reactor in May 1994. According to a ministry official, the storage process should be completed within the year.
--"North Korea’s Nuclear Fuel Rods Nearly All Encased," Associated Press, 17 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com. 18 August 1997 Commenting on the start of light water reactor construction in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o, US State Department spokesman James Rubin says that "key [nuclear] components are not going to be delivered until [the United States believes] that North Korea has come into full compliance with the safeguard agreements with the IAEA. "State Department Regular Briefing," Federal News Service, 18 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 August 1997
KEDO holds the groundbreaking ceremony in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o, marking the start of construction on the first of two light water reactors. The ceremony is attended by over 200 people, including Stephen Bosworth, executive director of KEDO, Chang Sun Sop, chief of South Korea’s Office of Planning for the Light-Water Reactor Project, Ho Jong, North Korean ambassador at large, and various other representatives from KEDO member states and contractors working on the project. Bosworth touts the groundbreaking as "the fulfillment of a promise," but Kim Pyong Ki, North Korean project manager, claims that the road ahead "is still very long and twisted." After pointing out that the groundbreaking comes 18 months late, Kim says, "It’s only when the two light water reactors are completed that the suspicion of the Korean people will be removed thoroughly, and confidence built between the United States and the government of the DPRK."
--"Groundbreaking Ceremony for Reactor Held in N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Mission Departs for DPRK to Attend Reactor Event," Xinhua News Agency, 18 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Ground-breaking Ceremony for Nuclear Reactors in N. Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 19 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korean Nuclear Project Launched," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 19 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nuclear Power for Peace," Nuclear Engineering International, October 2000, vol. 45, no. 555, pp. 34-35; Chang Yong Hun, "<taebuk Kyongsuro Konsolgongsa Hyonhwang>," Yonhap News Agency, 6 December 2001, <http://www.yonhapnews.net>.

20 August 1997
The Korean Central News Agency carries a report on the works of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. According to the report, Kim says that North and South Korea must "join their efforts to promote co-existence, co-prosperity, and common interests and achieve the great cause of the country’s reunification transcending the differences in ideologies and social systems." Kim continues, "We have no intention of regarding the United States as our sworn enemy. We hope to normalize the Korean-US relationship."
--"Secy. [sic] Kim Jong Il's Work Published," Korean Central News Agency, 20 August 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; C. W. Lim, "N Korean Leader Seeks Peace with US, Hints at Talks with South," Agence France Presse, 20 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 August 1997
Lee Chong Hun, president of KEPCO, the prime contractor for the KEDO light water reactor project, announces that construction of the reactors will not be completed by the target date of 2003. According to Rieh, the two reactors will take at least 107 months to complete, and if construction begins in January, as expected, the second reactor could be completed before 2006.
--"Nuclear Reactor Construction in DPRK Possibly Takes More Time," Xinhua News Agency, 26 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Chae Hun, "Kyongsuro Wan’gongshigi 2-3 Nyongaryang Nujojildut," Joongang Ilbo, 27 Autust 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

Late August 1997
North Korean diplomats, Taiwan Foreign Ministry officials and representatives from Taipower reportedly hold secret consultations in Singapore to finalize the necessary documents for the planned shipment of 200,000 barrels of low-grade nuclear waste to North Korea.
--"Taiwan, N. Korea Conduct Secret Talks on Nuclear Waste," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 September 1997
Barges carrying additional heavy machinery for the KEDO light water reactor project in Shinp’o depart from South Korea.
--"Seoul to Send Thanksgiving Gifts to South Korean Workers in the North," Agence France Presse, 3 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 September 1997
Taipower announces that its plans to ship nuclear waste to North Korea have not changed despite international protests.
--Sofia Wu, "No Change in Nuclear Waste Shipment Plan: Taipower," Central News Agency, 10 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nuke Waste Shipment on Track," FT Asia Intelligence Wire, 11 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 September 1997
Charles Kartman, US deputy assistant secretary of state, and Kim Kye Kwan, North Korean vice foreign minister, meet in Beijing to discuss the recent defection of North Korean Ambassador Chang Sung Kil and the proposed four-party peace talks. Kim agrees that the issues are "completely separated," and says that North Korea will participate in preparatory peace talks in New York on 18 September.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 11 September 1997, in "US Official Gives More Detail of Talks with North Korea in Beijing," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 September 1997
Pyongyang issues a government memorandum condemning the buildup of US and South Korean forces on the peninsula. Pyongyang says that the drastic increase in Seoul’s military spending and the continuing presence of US forces in South Korea add unnecessary tension in the region and threaten the success of the proposed four-party peace talks. In the memorandum, Pyongyang states, "To prevent war and guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula, the United States should stop instigating an arms build-up in South Korea and aggravating tensions, and should withdraw the US forces in South Korea."
--"Memorandum of the DPRK Government Exposing Arms Buildup of U.S. and S. Korea," Korean Central News Agency, 13 September 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Korean Central Broadcasting Station (Pyongyang), 13 September 1997, in "North Korea Issues ‘Government Memorandum’ on South’s Arms Build-Up," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18-19 September 1997
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas meet in New York for preparatory four-party peace talks. The talks break down reportedly due to North Korea’s demand for more food aid and the withdrawal of US military forces stationed in South Korea.
--Willis Witter, "Kim Jong-Il’s Ascension Gathers Speed; Military Endorses N. Korean Leader," Washington Times, 24 September 1997, p. A15, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "War Any Time Now, N Korea Warns UN," The Weekend Australian, 4 October 1997, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 September 1997
The US, Japan, and South Korea amend the Agreement on the Establishment of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization to allow international organizations to become members of KEDO. Following the decision, the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC) joins KEDO as an executive board member.
--KEDO 2001 Annual Report, Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, 31 December 2001, p. 10, <http://www.kedo.org/pdfs/KEDO_AR_2002.pdf>; "About Us: Member Nations," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/au_members.asp>; "EU Joins KEDO," Xinhua News Agency, 19 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "EU Joins KEDO as Full Member," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 September 1997
IAEA Director General Hans Blix informs the Board of Governors that the process of safely storing 8,000 spent fuel rods will be completed by November, but, according to Blix, the IAEA is still unable to confirm whether or not North Korea has suspended all its nuclear activities.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 23 September 1997, in "International Body Cannot Confirm Whether North Korea Has Ceased Nuclear Activities," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 September 1997
Poland becomes a member of KEDO.
--"About Us: Member Nations," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/au_members.asp>.

29 September-3 October 1997
The IAEA holds its annual conference in Vienna and once again calls on North Korea to fully comply with its safeguards agreement and turn over all information necessary for the Agency to determine the accuracy of its initial declaration of nuclear material.
--"IAEA Tightens Controls on Nuclear Materials and Hazardous Waste," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 3 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early October 1997
On 1 October, North Korea halts work on the KEDO light water reactor project after North Korean officials discover a damaged copy of the newspaper Rodong Sinmun containing a picture of Kim Jong Il. Upon discovery of the discarded newspaper in the living quarters of South Korean personnel, over 40 North Korean walk off the construction site, and work on the project is suspended. In the days following the incident South Korea rebukes the North’s demand for an apology and postpones a trip of a 24-member survey team scheduled to arrive at the [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o site on 7 October. On 6 October, after KEDO intervention, North Korean workers return to the site and the project resumes. [Note: According to an IAEA official, a similar incident occurred when an inspection was temporarily suspended after an IAEA team member inadvertently placed a beer can on a magazine containing the image of Kim Jong Il.]
--"N. Korea Suspends Nuclear Project over Kim Jong-Il Picture Insult," Agence France Presse, 4 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kyong Hwa Seok, "Seoul Cancels North Korea Visit over Nuclear Reactor Dispute," Associated Press, 5 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Reactor Work Halted after Kim Jong Il Photos Dumped," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Newspaper Spat Halts Seoul Nuke Project," United Press International, 5 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Ready Resume Suspended Nuclear Reactor Work," Agence France Presse, 5 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 October 1997
North Korean Foreign Minister Ch’oe Song Hong warns the UN General Assembly that "the prevailing situation in the Korean Peninsula is so tense that a war could break out at any moment." Ch’oe adds, "This situation...demands urgently the establishment of a new peace arrangement."
--"War Any Time Now, N Korea Warns UN," The Weekend Australian, 4 October 1997, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 October 1997
Kim Jong Il is elected General Secretary of the Korean Workers’ Party. [Note: Kim has been North Korea’s undisputed ruler since his father Kim Il Sung died July 1994, but the positions of president and KWP general secretary remained vacant after Kim’s death. However, on 5 September 1998, North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) revised the constitution, making the National Defense Commission (NDC) the highest authority over state affairs, and making Kim Il Sung "eternal president" of North Korea. The SPA also re-elects Kim Jong Il as chairman of the NDC in September 1998.]
--"Secretary Kim Jong Il Elected WPK General Secretary," Korean Central News Agency, 8 October 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "WPK Central Committee, Central Military Commission Issue Special Communiqué," Korean Central News Agency, 8 October 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Reid G. Miller, "North Korea’s Kim Jong Il Assumes Party Leadership," Associated Press, 8 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Nikolaus Prede, "Kim Jong Il Emerges Partly from Father’s Shadow," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 8 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chosonminjujuuiinmin’gonghwaguk Sahoejuuihonbop," Korean Central News Agency, 5 September 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

12 October 1997
South Korea’s 1997-98 Defense White Paper says that although it is doubtful North Korea has produced deliverable nuclear weapons, it probably has the capacity to produce "one or two rudimentary nuclear weapons."
-- The Ministry of National Defense, The Republic of Korea, Defense White Paper 1997-1998 (Seoul: Ministry of National Defense, October 1997), p. 52; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 12 October 1997, in "North Korea Reportedly Continuing to Build Up Military Strength," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 October 1997
The eighth KEDO site survey team travels to North Korea. The 21-member team evaluates the firmness and safety of the land at the reactor construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. A 28-member team of KEDO and KEPCO officials also travels to Shinp’o to discuss the progress of ground preparation work with South Korean engineers working on the project.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 18 October 1997, in "Reactor Site Survey Team to Visit Soon," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Team to Visit N. Korea Via Beijing: Yonhap," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 October 1997
Richard Christenson, acting US ambassador to South Korea, says that the United States will not pay any of the costs associated with building the light water reactors in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o, stating, "When the North Korea-US Agreed Framework was adopted in Geneva in 1994, the ROK (South Korea), the United States, and Japan agreed that the ROK and Japan would share the expenses for the LWR construction while the United States would be responsible for supplying substitute energy." Christenson adds that the US Congress has repeatedly stated that it will not approve any funds for KEDO that go beyond the budget for heavy oil deliveries.
--Han Chong Ho, Munhwa Ilbo (Seoul), 24 October 1997, p.2, in "US Envoy: US Will Not Share LWR Construction Cost," FBIS Document FTS19971024000041, 24 October 1997; Han Chong Ho, "Mi ‘Kyongsurobi Hanp’un’do Monnaegetta’/Chuhan Mi Taeridaesa Palhkyo," Munhwa Ilbo, 24 October 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

27 October 1997
The US and South Korea launch the joint-military exercise codenamed "Foal Eagle." The North Korean Foreign Ministry condemns the drill, involving a majority of the 37,000 US troops stationed in South Korea, as "the largest ever in history" and "an aggressive maneuver for a surprise attack." [Note: The US and South Korea cancelled the contentious Team Spirit military exercise in 1994 in order to entice North Korea into freezing its nuclear program, but Pyongyang charges that Team Spirit has merely been replaced by other military exercise that have grown larger in scale.]
--"US-Korean Forces Launch Fall Training Exercise, North Korea Objects," Agence France Press, 27 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 October 1997
Desaix Anderson, former US deputy secretary of state, becomes executive director of KEDO.
--"KEDO to Discuss Costs of N. Korea Reactors Friday," Japan Economic Newswire, 29 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 October 1997
KEDO’s Executive Board meets in Tokyo to discuss the costs of the light water reactors based on an estimate supplied by KEPCO, the primary contractor of the project. Board members fail to finalize a figure for the cost estimate, but they reportedly make significant progress. [Note: Once the four Executive Board member-nations agree on a final estimate they may move on to discussing the contentious issue of how much of the cost will be funded by each nation.]
--"KEDO Execs Make Progress on Reactor Cost Estimate," Japan Economic Newswire, 31 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Defers Decision on N. Korea Reactor Cost," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 31 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 October 1997
Addressing the first committee meeting of the 52nd UN General Assembly, a North Korean delegate says, "Attempts to keep nuclear weapons and produce new ones...cannot be justified under any circumstances."
--Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 31 October 1997, in "North Korean Delegate Speaks at UN General Assembly Committee Meeting," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 3 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 November 1997
A commentary printed in the Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers’ Party, states that "Northeast Asia is fraught with the greatest danger of nuclear war in the world. The danger is caused by the nuclear war exercises and nuclear arms build-up of the United States, Japan, and the South Korean puppets." The commentary also condemns the recent US-South Korean "Foal Eagle" military exercise as a preparation for a nuclear attack on the North.
--"Who Poses Nuclear Threat?," Korean Central News Agency, 9 November 1997, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Who Poses Nuclear Threat?," Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 9 November 1997, in "North Korean Paper Says USA, Japan, South Korea Pose Nuclear Threat in Korea," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 11 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 November 1997
North Korea says that the KEDO light water reactor project is "an important project...which set a milestone in the improvement of bilateral relations [between the United States and North Korea]."
--Kate Webb, "Nuclear Official Arrives to Discuss Bill for N. Korea Reactors," Agence France Presse, 12 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 November 1997
The UN General Assembly adopts a resolution urging North Korea to come into full compliance with its safeguards agreement with the IAEA and preserve all information the IAEA needs in order to verify the accuracy of North Korea’s initial declaration of nuclear material. [Note: On 22 November, North Korea condemns the resolution as an attempt by "dishonest-minded forces of the US and IAEA to isolate and stifle the DPRK." North Korea also claims that it has fully cooperated with the IAEA and has not withheld any relevant information.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 13 November 1997, in "UN Adopts Resolution Urging Implementation of Nuclear Safeguards," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 22 November 1997, in "North Korea ‘Bitterly Rejects’ UN Resolution on Nuclear Safeguards," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12-16 November 1997
KEDO Executive Director Desaix Anderson meets with South Korean officials to discuss the progress of preliminary construction in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o and cost sharing of the light water reactor project. In a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Chong Ha, Anderson asks South Korea to finish negotiations with other KEDO executive board member-nations on cost sharing at the earliest possible date.
--"KEDO Director Asks Seoul to End Talks on Cost Sharing," Japan Economic Newswire, 12 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Reactor Body Chief Visits Seoul for Talks," Asia Pulse, 12 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kate Webb, "Nuclear Official Arrives to Discuss Bill for N. Korea Reactors," Agence France Presse, 12 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18-20 November 1997
KEDO Executive Director Desaix Anderson meets with North Korean officials in Pyongyang to discuss ways to ensure that the light water reactor project proceeds smoothly. Anderson also visits the construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o to inspect progress on preliminary construction.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 16 November 1997, in "Head of Energy Organization Leaves South Korea for North Via Beijing," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 November 1994
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas hold preparatory consultations for the proposed four-party peace talks. At the meeting held in New York, North Korea agrees to participate in the peace talks and drops its demand for the immediate withdrawal of all US troops stationed in South Korea. The talks are to be held in Geneva beginning 9 December.
--"North Korea Agrees to Talks," New York Times, 22 November 1997, p. A2, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ivan Lebedev, "North Korea and US Will Hold Talks on Korean Situation," ITAR-TASS, 25 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24-25 November 1997
The KEDO Executive Board meets to finalize the cost estimate of the light water reactor project. The total cost of the project is estimated at $5.18 billion. [Note: The Executive Board will meet in December to discuss cost sharing, but the United States reportedly has thus far refuses to share any of the construction cost.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 26 November 1997, in "Final Costs of Energy Project Fixed; USA Reportedly Will Not Contribute," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Reactor Project Estimated at 5.18 Bil. Dlrs," Japan Economic Newswire, 26 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

26 November 1997
The US and North Korea meet in Washington to discuss various bilateral issues such as US food aid to North Korea, implementation of 1994 Agreed Framework, and the upcoming four-party peace talks. The US delegation is headed by Charles Kartman, deputy secretary of state, and the North Korean delegation is headed by Kim Kye Kwan, deputy foreign minister.
--Ivan Lebedev, "North Korea and US Will Hold Talks on Korean Situation," ITAR-TASS, 25 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 December 1997
The US State Department announces that the KEDO light water reactor project will not be negatively affected by the looming financial crises in South Korean and Japan.
--"Financial Crisis Won’t Affect North Korean Nuclear Aid," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 2 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 December 1997
South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Chong Ha meets with Stephen Bosworth, the recently appointed US ambassador to South Korea, and asks for US assistance in financing the construction of two light water reactors in North Korea.
-- "S Korea Seeks US Help on Forex Crisis, Reactor Costs," Asia Pulse, 2 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 December 1997
South Korea announces that its economic crisis will not negatively affect funding for the KEDO light water reactor project. A Blue House [Ch’onghwadae] official says, "The North Korean reactor project is not only a commitment to the international community but an obligation...We should not change our position." [Note: South Korea committed itself to pay a majority of the estimated $5.18 billion project, but on 3 December Seoul had to arrange a bailout package with the IMF that could exceed $55 million.]
--"IMF Retrenchment Will Not Affect North Korean Reactors," Agence France Presse, 3 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 December 1997
Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi meets with US National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and requests that the United States share some of the construction costs for the KEDO light water reactor project.
--"Obuchi Seeks U.S. Financial Aid for Nuke Reactors," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 5 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 December 1997
IAEA Director General Mohammad Elbaradei tells the Board of Governors that the process of safely sealing 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods in North Korea will be completed in early 1998. Once the process is complete, Elbaradei says, the number of IAEA inspectors in North Korea will be reduced from four to two. Elbaradei also informs the Board of Governors that no progress has been made in collecting information necessary for verifying North Korea’s compliance with its safeguards agreement.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 9 December 1997, in "Sealing of Spent Nuclear Rods to Be Completed by Spring," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 December 1997
The KEDO Executive Board meets in New York to discuss cost sharing for the light water reactor project. The board, comprised of representatives from the EAEC, Japan, South Korea and the United States, fails to agree on a plan for sharing the cost of the estimated $5.18 billion project.
--"KEDO Stymied on Cost Sharing for N. Korea Reactors," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 December 1997
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas meet in Geneva for the first round of the four-party talks aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty. The delegations are headed by US Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth, Chinese Vice Foreign Minster Tang Jiaxuan, South Korean Ambassador to France Lee Shi Yong, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan.
--"First Korean Peace Talks Session Has ‘Symbolic’ Importance," Agence France Presse, 5 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Amid Muted Hopes, Korea Peace Talks Open in Geneva," Deutsche Press-Agentur, 9 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Byong Hon, "4 Chahwoedam O’nul KAemak/Geneva So/P’yonghwach’eje Chongch’ak Tung Chungchom Hyobui," Taehan Maeil, 9 December 1997, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

13 December 1997
Taiwanese Vice Premier Liu Chao-hsiuan announces that Taipower will not ship nuclear waste to North Korea. Taipower signed a contract with Pyongyang in January 1997 to ship up to 200,000 barrels of low-grade nuclear waste to North Korea for storage, but Taiwan’s Atomic Energy Council vetoed Taipower’s plan, claiming that North Korea had failed to build adequate storage facilities.
--Central News Agency (Taipei), 13 December 1997, in "Plan to Ship Radioactive Waste to North Korea to Be Abandoned," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 16 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Taiwan to Scrap Nuclear Waste Deal with North Korea," Agence France Presse, 16 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nuke Waste Deal Flounders," FT Asia Intelligence Wire, 20 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 December 1997
The South Korean Ministry of National Unification reaffirms Seoul’s commitment to the KEDO light water reactor project despite the current economic crisis in South Korea. A ministry official is quoted as saying, "Just because we are facing this financial problem, we are not going to go back on every international commitment we have made. We made a promise and we will keep it."
--Vladimir Kutakhov, "South Korea Will Continue to Build Reactors in KDPR," ITAR-TASS, 16 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korea Reassures US on Commitment to North’s Nuclear Project," Agence France Presse, 17 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 December 1997
South Korean president-elect Kim Dae Jung proposes the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue based on the 1991 Basic Agreement, which pledges nonaggression, cultural exchanges, reconciliation and cooperation between North and South Korea. [Note: The Basic Agreement was signed in December 1991 but became effective in 1992.]
--"Kim Dae-Jung Proposes Resumption of Inter-Korean Talks," Agence France Presse, 19 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Byong Son, "97 Sont’aek Kim Dae Jung Shidaeilmunildap," Munhwa Ilbo, 19 December 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Kim Dae Jun Tangsonja Kijahwoegyonmun Yoji," Segye Ilbo, 20 December 1997, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

Late December 1997
The US company Combustion Engineering applies for a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to export two nuclear reactors, for "commercial operation of electricity," to North Korea.
--Federal Register, 28 January 1998, Vol. 63, No. 18, p. 4303, Doc ID: fr28jan98-124; David E. Sanger, "South Korea’s Crisis Hinders Nuclear Deal with the North," New York Times, 5 February 1998, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com>.