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.

Late 1990s
According to Outlook India.com, North Korea approaches Pakistan for "design information and technical support to set up a centrifuge enrichment plant."
--"Pak Despatched [sic] N-Material to N Korea This July," Outlook India.com, 6 December 2002, <http://www.outlookindia.com>.

1998
According to intelligence sources in the United States, South Korea, and Japan, North Korea constructs an explosive test site approximately 8km north of Kusong, and conducts at least two explosive tests of nuclear warhead triggering devices. [Note: CNS analysts believe this site is located in Kump’ung-ri (???), Kusong (???), North P’yon’an Province (????). While the test explosions do not entail an actual nuclear chain reaction, they would provide valuable information on whether the lens-shaped chemical explosives surrounding nuclear material in a warhead will explode simultaneously and maintain enough homogenous pressure to trigger a nuclear explosion.]
--Yomiuri Shimbun, 31 January 1999, p. 2, in "DPRK Succeeds in Nuclear Detonating Test," FBIS Document FTS19990131000289, 31 January 1999; Korea Herald, 24 November 1998, in "Anonymous Source on Evidence of DPRK Nuclear Activity," FBIS Document FTS19981123000779, 23 November 1998; Koichi Kosuge, "N. Korea Said Testing Nuke Trigger Devices," Asahi News Service, 24 November 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Min Sok, "North Korea Conducts Detonation Tests in Bid to Finish Developing Nuclear Bomb," Chungang Ilbo, 2 February 1999, in "Expert Claims DPRK Detonation Tests for Nuclear Bombs," FBIS Document FTS19990208000118, 8 February 1999; Joseph S. Bermudez, "Exposing North Korea’s Secret Nuclear Infrastructure-Part One," Jane’s Intelligence Review, July 1999, p. 38-39.

January 1998
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) issues a classified report stating that it has discovered a suspicious facility near Ha’gap, North Korea. According to the report, the facility, known as the "Ha’gap Unidentified Underground Complex," is a site "of an unconfirmed function, that possibly could be a nuclear weapons-related facility by 2003." The report states that the partially underground Ha’gap facility, which "could be intended as a nuclear production and/or storage site," contains 30 external buildings already completed, 5 external buildings in various stages of construction, and at least four tunnel entrances into the side of a hill.
--Eric Rosenberg, "U.S. Suspects North Korean Building is Nuclear Arms Facility," Times Union (Albany), 18 January 1998, p. F3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Joseph S. Bermudez, "Exposing North Korea’s Secret Nuclear Infrastructure-Part One," Jane’s Intelligence Review, July 1999, p. 37.

3 January 1998
Yonhap News Agency, quoting an official of Kim Dae Jung’s presidential transition team, reports that South Korean President-Elect Kim Dae Jung is urging the current South Korean government to ask Washington to share some of the light water reactor construction cost. Yonhap News Agency quotes the official as saying, "[South Korea’s] burden should be reduced to the minimum in view of the financial difficulties we are suffering."
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 3 January 1998, in "South Korean Transition Team Wants USA to Share North Reactor Costs," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 January 1998
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers’ Party, claims that various consultations between the United States and North Korea held in 1997 did not "come to fruition" because of the US "distrust and hostile policies against [North Korea]."
--"Confidence-Building Step Should Be Taken," Korean Central News Agency, 6 January 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Mi’gug’un Shilloejosong’ul Wihan Haengdongjoch’irul Ch’wihaeya Handa/Rodongshinmun Ronp’yong," Korean Central News Agency, 6 January 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Measures Should Be Taken to Build Trust," Rodong Sinmun, 6 January 1998, in Korean Central Broadcasting Station (Pyongyang), 6 January1998, in "Media on US Distrust, Hostile Policy Towards the Country," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 8 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 January 1998
LG-Caltex Oil Corp ships 22,000 tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea. [Note: This is the eighth shipment of heavy fuel oil sent to North Korea since it agreed to freeze its nuclear program in 1994.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 12 January 1998, in "Koreas: LG-Caltex to Ship 22,000 Tons of Heavy Oil to North Korea," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15-18 January 1998
US Senator Carl Levin travels to North Korea to discuss progress in implementing the 1994 Agreed Framework. After talks with various North Korean officials, Levin visits the Yongbyon nuclear complex and verifies that North Korea is abiding by the freeze on its nuclear activities. He also confirms that the project to safely store 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods is "occurring successfully." Evans Revere, the designated head of the yet to be established US liaison office in North Korea, accompanies Levin and meets with North Korean officials to resolve matters related to setting up the liaison office. Revere does not return with Levin, remaining in Pyongyang until 25 January.
--Jason Neely, "Levin: N. Korea Nuke Shutdown on Track," United Press International, 19 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea ‘Cautious’ on Inter-Korean Dialogue: Sen. Levin," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lim Yun Suk, "US Senator Encouraged by Signs of Change in North Korea’s Attitude," Agence France Presse, 19 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Senator to Visit Suspected N. Korean Nuke Site," Japan Economic Newswire, 15 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lucy S. Oh, "U.S. Officials Head to Asia to Study Crisis," Daily Yomiuri, 16 January 1998, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 January 1998
Seoul announces that it will provide half of the $45 million it promised to KEDO for preparatory work at the light water construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. Seoul says it will provide the funds from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund within the month, and the remaining 50 percent will be provided after the completion of site preparation.
--Yonhap News Agency, 16 January 1998, in "South to Provide Part of Promised Funds for North Reactor Site This Month," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Kwang Hyon, "Puk, Kyongsurokongsabi Nampukhyopnyokkigumso Chegong," Kukmin Ilbo, 16 January 1998, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

18 January 1998
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official, commenting on a DIA classified report recently leaked to the press, announces that Seoul has yet to confirm whether or not the reported underground facility in Ha’gap, North Korea is related to a clandestine nuclear weapons program. The official says that both Seoul and Washington have been aware of the Ha’gap underground facility since 1993 but have yet to identify its function.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 18 January 1998, in "South Korean Official Says North’s Nuclear Arms Development Not Confirmed," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 19 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Ch’ol Min, "‘Puk, Chiha Haekshisol Konsol Kanungsong’/Mi Kukpangjongbo’guk Pimilmunso Kyonggo," Chosun Ilbo, 18 January 1998, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

20-23 January 1998
KEDO and North Korea hold expert-level talks in Pyongyang. The two sides discuss technical aspects of supplying the light water reactors.
--Korean Central Broadcasting Station (Pyongyang), 24 January 1998, in "Nuclear Energy Body Delegation Leaves after Talks," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Choson, Chosonbandoenerugigaebalgigu Chinhaeng, Pyongyangch’ulbal," Korean Central News Agency, 24 January 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

22 January 1998
Yu Myong Hwan, director general of the North American Bureau of the South Korean Foreign Ministry, says that Seoul has "secured information on the underground military complex in Ha’gap from both domestic and US intelligence agencies," and based on that intelligence, Seoul does not believe that the Ha’gap facility is related to a clandestine nuclear weapons program. [Note: On 18 January, the Times Union quotes a classified DIA report as saying that the partially underground facility in Ha’gap "could be intended as a nuclear production and/or storage site.]
--Yonhap News Agency, 22 January 1998, in "South’s Spokesman Dismisses Report on North’s Hagap Nuclear Facility," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 23 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Eric Rosenberg, "U.S. Suspects North Korean Building is Nuclear Arms Facility," Times Union (Albany), 18 January 1998, p. F3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee T’ae Hui, "‘Puk Ha’gap Chihashisol Haek Mugwan’/Chongbudangukcha Palkyo," Hangyoreh Shinmun, 23 January 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

20 January 1998
US State Department spokesman James Rubin denies the report that "Ha’gap" is a nucelar-related facility.
--"Ha’gapchigu Haekshisol Podo/Mi Kungmubu Nonp’yongso Puin," Donga Ilbo, 22 January 1998, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

22 January 1998
US Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth meets with South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Song Yong Shik to discuss various issues related to North Korea such as preparations for the next round of four-party peace talks, the provision of food aid, and cost-sharing for the KEDO light water reactor project.
--"American, South Korean Officials Discuss North Korea," Associated Press, 22 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 20 January 1998, in "South Korean and US Officials to Discuss Four-Party Meeting Preparations," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 January 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chon Sok Un, "Han · Mi ·Il Taebukchongch’aek Hyobui/Idalmal Seoul So Ch’agwanbokup Hoedam" Kukmin Ilbo, 5 January 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

2 February 1998
Yonhap News Agency quotes a senior official in President-Elect Kim Dae Jung’s transition team as saying that South Korea’s financial burden of the KEDO light water reactor project must be reduced from 70 percent of the total cost to 60 percent. According to the official, the presidential transition team has "demanded the government strongly urge the United States to share the financial burden for the reactor project."
--Yonhap News Agency, 2 February 1998, in "Transition Team Requests Smaller Share in DPRK Reactor," FBIS Document FTS 19980201000617, 1 February 1998.

3 February 1998
The US Department of Defense states that North Korea remains a "formidable" threat to South Korean security. In its Annual Defense Report submitted to the president and Congress, the Department also warns that "the pressure imposed by increasingly dire economic conditions in North Korea make this threat all the more unpredictable."
--US Department of Defense, Annual Report to the President and Congress, 1998; "U.S. Bracing for Continued N. Korean Threat," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 4 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "‘Puk Kunsaryok At’aeso Kajang Kun Wihyop’/Mi Kukpangbu Pogoso," Segye Ilbo, 5 February 1998, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

5 February 1998
US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that the United States will not share the cost of constructing two light water reactor in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. Rubin claims that despite the recent economic crisis in South Korea, it remains the world’s 11th largest economy and is capable of financing a majority of the $5.17 billion project. [Note: In 1995, South Korea agreed to finance a majority of the light water reactor construction in return for playing a central role in the project. However, the 1997 financial crisis and the subsequent IMF bailout have led Seoul to ask for larger contributions from the United States and Japan.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 6 February 1998, in "US Government Will Not Share Light-Water Reactor Construction Cost, Says Official," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 7 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5-6 February 1998
KEDO’s Executive Board meets in New York to discuss cost-sharing for the estimated $5.17 billion light water reactor project. At the talks, South Korea reportedly asks the United States and Japan to fund a larger portion of the construction costs. According to one member of the South Korean delegation, "We are asking as a matter of principle the United States and Japan to take the burden off South Korea." In a statement issued at the conclusion of the two-day meeting, KEDO says the talks were "productive, and are part of an ongoing process that will continue." However, board members fail to resolve the issue of cost-sharing.
--"South Korea Asks U.S., Japan to Pay More for Nuclear Reactors," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 5 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Partners Hold ‘Productive’ Talks on Cost-Sharing," Agence France Presse, 6 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Partners Discuss Cost-Sharing," Agence France Presse, 5 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Denies Reports Seoul Wants Relief on Cost of N. Korean Reactor," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 5 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 February 1998
US President Bill Clinton submits a presidential determination to Congress in which he verifies that "North Korea is cooperating fully in the canning and safe storage of all spent fuel from its graphite-moderated nuclear reactors and...such canning is scheduled to be completed by 1 April 1998." Clinton also confirms 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. 98-14, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 9 February 1998; David Briscoe, "Clinton, Albright Give Assurances on North Korean Nuclear Project," Associated Press, 10 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 February 1998
In testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Madeline Albright says that South Korea will be able to fulfill its financial commitment to the KEDO light water reactor project despite its recent financial crisis. Albright also presents President Clinton’s presidential determination which confirms that North Korea is adhering to its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--"Testimony February 10, 1998 Madeline K. Albright Secretary Department of State Senate Foreign Relations FY99 Foreign Policy Request," Federal Document Clearinghouse, Congressional Testimony, 10 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; David Briscoe, "Clinton, Albright Give Assurances on North Korean Nuclear Project," Associated Press, 10 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Confident S. Korea, Japan Can Fund KEDO Project," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 12 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 February 1998
US Assistant Secretary of State Stanley Roth suggests that the United States might share some of the reactor construction cost. Speaking in Tokyo, Roth says, "If the US Congress receives a request from the administration to approve the cost of the light water reactors, Congress will positively review it." [Note: Up to this date, the United States has been adamant that, despite its recent economic crisis, South Korea is capable of funding the construction of the reactors, and the United States will only pay for the annual heavy fuel oil shipments as was agreed when KEDO was established in 1995.]
--Yonhap News Agency, 14 February 1998, in "USA ‘Studying Ways’ to Share Reactor Costs," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 16 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chosun Ilbo, 16 February 1998, p. 1, in "Seoul Daily Says USA Willing to Help with Cost of North Reactors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "‘Mi, Puk Kyongsuro Piyong Pun’dam Kanungsong’/Roth Kukmubuch’agwanbo Palkyo," Munhwa Ilbo, 14 February 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

15-17 February 1998
The US and South Korea hold working-level talks in Hawaii on issues related to the Korean Peninsula. The delegations are headed by Charles Kartman, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, and Song Yong Shik, South Korean Assistant Foreign Minister. The two sides discuss food aid to North Korea, progress on the KEDO light water reactor project, and the second round of the four-party talks scheduled for mid-March. Kartman reportedly informs Song that the United States is prepared to lift economic sanctions against North Korea if the four-party talks produce results.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 15 February 1998, in "South and US Officials Discuss Four-Party Peace Conference," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lim Yun Suk, "US Considers Lifting Economic Sanctions on N. Korea," Agence France Presse, 20 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Isangajok Sangbong Nonui/Nambuk Taehwachaenol Cheui/Chongbu, Naedal 4 Chahwoedamso," Joongang Ilbo, 21 February 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

16 February 1998
The Chosun Ilbo reports that the United States has informed South Korea that it will help fund the construction of the light water reactors in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. According to the report, South Korea expects the United States to contribute up to $400 million to the project.
--Chosun Ilbo, 16 February 1998, p. 1, in "Seoul Daily Says USA Willing to Help with Cost of North Reactors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 February 1998
Kim Dae Jung is sworn in as South Korea’s president. Immediately following his inauguration, Kim calls for an exchange of envoys and a summit with North Korea. Commenting on the 1991 Basic Agreement between the two Koreas that calls for cooperation and nonaggression, Kim says, "If we only carry out these agreements faithfully, we can successfully resolve inter-Korean problems and move forward on a broad path toward unification." Kim also reaffirms South Korea’s commitment to the KEDO light water reactor project.
--Lim Yun Suk, "South Korea Proposes Exchange of Special Envoys, Summit with the North," Agence France Presse, 25 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yun Sok In and Song Han Yong, "Kim Dae Jung 15 Tae Taet’ongnyong Ch’wiim...‘Kukminjongbu’ Sonon," Hangyoreh Shinmun, 26 February 1998, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; "Kim Dae Jung Taet’ongnyong Ch’wiimsa Chonmun," Kyunhyang Shinmun, p. 6, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

26 February 1998
The South Korean sea vessel Taewonkatamaran-ho, transports 19 technicians and 10 tons of supplies to the light water construction site in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o. [Note: Taewonkatamaran-ho is the first ship to travel on a temporary shipping route directly connecting North and South Korea.]
--"Inter-Korean Passenger Ferry Makes First Run from South to North," Agence France Presse, 26 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 25 February 1998, in "South-North Shipping Route to Transport Material for Reactor Project," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Pak Yong Ch’ae, "Pundanhu Ch’ot Yo’gaekson Nambuk Chikhaeng/KEDO Kisulchadul Susong," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 25 February 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

27 February 1998
Taiwan’s Central News Agency reports that North Korea has threatened to file a complaint with an international court if Taipower abandons its contract to ship up to 200,000 barrels of nuclear waste to North Korea. The report follows an announcement by Taipower that it is considering storing the nuclear waste on Hsiao Chiu, a small island located in the Taiwan Strait. [Note: In January 1997, Taipower and North Korea signed a contract for the storage of low-grade nuclear waste, but in December, Taiwan’s Atomic Energy Council vetoed the plan, claiming that North Korea had failed to build adequate facilities for the safe storage of the radioactive material.]
--Deborah Kuo, "Pyongyang Threatens to Sue Taipower if Nuclear Deal Stalls," Central News Agency, 27 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Taiwan Plans to Store Nuclear Waste on Island off China Coast," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 27 February 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 March 1998
Stephen Bosworth, US ambassador to South Korea and former executive director of KEDO, says that the United States is prepared to help South Korea pay for the construction of two light water reactors in North Korea. Referring to Washington’s previous stance that it was only responsible for funding the annual heavy fuel oil deliveries, Bosworth says, "Maybe it’s time to stop thinking separately about the light water reactors and heavy fuel oil." Bosworth suggests that in order to temporarily relieve the burden on South Korea, "the United States and Japan can pay more early on and Korea can pay later on." However, Bosworth believes that the economic situation in South Korea will soon improve, and stresses that any cost-sharing would be temporary.
--"US to Temporarily Cut S. Korean Nuclear Reactor Payments," Asia Pulse, 3 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2-3 March 1998
Jean-Pierre Leng, the EU ambassador to KEDO, meets with South Korean officials and Stephen Bosworth, US ambassador to South Korea, to discuss the EU’s role in the KEDO light water reactor project.
--"EU Ambassador to N. Korean Nuclear Project in Seoul," Agence France Presse, 2 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 March 1998
General John Tilelli, Commander ofUnited States Forces Korea, says that implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework is on track and is achieving its goals of preventing a nuclear weapons program in North Korea. However, Tilelli says that the United States must uphold its commitment to provided annual shipments of heavy fuel oil to North Korea in order to ensure the success of the agreement. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Tilelli warns that "walking back from [heavy fuel oil deliveries] will set a bad precedent and may stimulate a starting of another [nuclear] program."
--"Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee," Federal News Service, 3 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 March 1998
In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, US Undersecretary of Defense Walter Slocombe says, "North Korea’s extensive NBC [nuclear, biological and chemical] weapons program threatens Japan, South Korea and US forces and interests in the region."
--"Testimony March 5, 1998 Walter B. Slocombe Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Department of Defense Senate Armed Services 21st Century Security Threats," Federal Document Clearing House Congressional Testimony, 5 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korean Weapons Threatening Japan: Slocombe," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 6 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 March 1998
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry accuses the United States of not honoring the terms of the 1994 Agreed Framework. In a statement carried on the Korean Central News Agency, a ministry spokesman says that North Korea has frozen its nuclear program and is allowing the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel rods, but the United States has yet to ease economic sanction against North Korea and is making little progress on the construction of two light water reactors. The spokesman adds, "Nobody can predict what will happen unless the US seeks new practical measures and takes decisive action to implement its obligations."
--"LWR Provision is U.S. Obligation= DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman," Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 6 March 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "North Korea Denounces Washington over Nuclear Deal," Associated Press, 6 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "DPRK Urges Washington Full Compliance with Nuclear Deal," Xinhua News Agency, 6 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 March 1998
South Korea decides to allow Japan and the United States to provide additional labor and materials for the KEDO light water reactor project in exchange for funding a larger portion of the construction cost. The South Korean government makes the decision at the first meeting of ministers responsible for security and unification under Kim Dae Jung’s government.
--"S. Korea to Provide In-Kind Help in KEDO Reactors," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 March 1998
The Chosun Ilbo reports that KEDO has accumulated a $47 million debt in its three years of activity.
--Pak Tu Shik, "Pittomi KEDO/Pak Tu Shik Washington T’ukp’awon (Kijasuch’op)," Chosun Ilbo, 9 March 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr;> Chosun Ilbo, 8 March 1998, in "South Korea Daily Reports US Troubles with Growing Energy Project Debt," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Mid-March 1998
North Korea reportedly conducts military exercises in response to the growing threat it perceives from Washington, Seoul and Tokyo.
--Lim Yun Suk, "South Korea Set to Meet the North, Breakthrough in Peace Talks Unlikely," Agence France Presse, 17 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 March 1998
The US and North Korea meet in Berlin for bilateral negotiations before the four-party peace talks to be held 16-20 March in Geneva. The two sides reportedly discuss the gradual easing of US economic sanction against North Korea, the establishment of liaison offices and the resumption of missile talks.
--Lim Yun Suk, "US-N. Korea to Meet before Peace Talks, Seoul to Announce Aid for North," Agence France Presse, 6 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Sets Agenda for Meeting on Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 11 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16-21 March 1998
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas meet in Geneva for the second round of four-party peace talks aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty. North Korea reportedly continues to set as preconditions of a peace treaty the withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea and normalization of ties between Washington and Pyongyang. The talks break down due to disagreement over whether the removal of US forces from South Korea should be included on the agenda of future talks.
--Elizabeth Olson, "Talks to End Korea Conflict Hit Another Impasse," New York Times, 22 March 1998, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http:/web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lim Yun Suk, "Korean Peace Talks Unlikely to Take Place over US Troop Withdrawal," Agence France Presse, 21 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "First Day of Korean Peace Talks Adjourn in Disappointment," Agence France Presse, 16 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19-20 March 1998
The KEDO Executive Board meets in New York to discuss sharing the construction costs for the light water reactor project. The board fails to reach an agreement on how much each country will contribute, but according to Chang Son Sop, director of South Korea’s Office of Planning for the Light-Water Reactor Project, all board members "concurred that reactor construction should not be halted under any circumstances."
--"KEDO to Have Talks in N.Y. March 19-20," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 12 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea, Japan, US Undecided on Cost Sharing for N. Korea’s Reactors," Agence France Presse, 25 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 25 March 1998, in "No Agreement on Cast Sharing of North Korean Reactor Construction," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Kon Yong, "Kyongsuro Piyong Pundam Non’ui/KEDO Isahoe Kaech’oe," Taehan Maeil, 20 March 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

26 March 1998
Paul Cleveland, US ambassador to KEDO, says that due to a KEDO debt of $47 million and a shortage of funds for heavy fuel oil shipments, the shipments of oil to North Korea could stop "in the not too distant future."
--Peter Montagnon, "Fuel Oil Supplier Seeks N Korea Cash," Financial Times (London), 26 March 1998, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

30 March 1998
North Korea accuses the United States of suspending heavy fuel oil shipments. In a Korean Central News Agency commentary, the agency says, "At a time when the light water reactors project has been postponed as divergences of opinion on cost sharing exist within the US-led KEDO, the United States has decided to tentatively suspend the supply of heavy oil for April in a bid to share even costs for heavy oil among its allied nations."
--"Mi’gug’ui 4 Wolbun Chungyugumaejamjongjungdan’ul Pinan/Chosonjung’angt’ongshin Ronp’yong," Korean Central News Agency, 30 March 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "U.S. Perfidious Behaviour, Korean Central News Agency, 30 March 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "North Korea Accuses United States of Delaying Oil Shipments," Agence France Presse, 30 March 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 April 1998
Taiwan’s Economics Minister Wang Chih Kang announces that the agreement between Taipower and North Korea for the disposal of up to 200,000 barrels of nuclear material is still valid. [Note: In December 1996 Taiwan’s Atomic Energy Council temporarily suspended the contract, claiming that North Korea did not have facilities to adequately dispose of the nuclear waste, but according to Kang, the contract has not been terminated.]
--Sofia Wu, "Nuclear Waste Pact with North Korea Remains Valid," Central News Agency, 2 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 April 1998
Taipower confirms that it has not abandoned the plan to ship nuclear waste to North Korea, claiming that it is waiting for an export permit from the Atomic Energy Council. However, according to Atomic Energy Council officials, the council must inspect the North Korean disposal site before it will issue an export permit. To date, North Korea has not allowed the council to inspect the proposed disposal site in P’yongsan-kun.
--"Nuke Deal to Go Ahead, Taipower," FT Asia Intelligence Wire, 3 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 April 1998
Kim Ch’ang Guk, North Korean Deputy Ambassador to the UN, calls on the United States to give a legally biding security assurance that it will not use nuclear weapons against North Korea. Kim, speaking at the UN First Committee on Disarmament, also calls on the United States to remove all nuclear weapons from the Korean Peninsula and remove South Korea from underneath its nuclear umbrella.
--"DPRK Calls for Security Assurance from U.S.," Xinhua News Agency, 9 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 April 1998
US Undersecretary of State Thomas Pickering meets with Pak Chong Su, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Im Tong Won, South Korean Senior Presidential Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Security, and requests that South Korea help fund the annual heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea. Pak and Im reportedly inform Pickering that it would be difficult to convince the National Assembly to accept the additional financial burden given the current economic crisis in South Korea. [Note: The US had originally agreed to completely fund the 500,000 tons/year of oil to North Korea until the completion of two light water reactors. However, following Congress’s refusal to allocate the necessary funds, the United States has asked South Korea and Japan to share approximately $20 million/year of the costs.]
--Chosun Ilbo, 8 April 1998, in "South Korea-USA ‘Discord’ over Cost of North’s Heavy Oil," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 10 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kong Yong Un, "Mi, Kyongsurobi 70% Han’guk Pudam Konggae Yogu/Panghan Pickering Kungmu Ch’agwan," Munhwa Ilbo, 9 April 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

10 April 1998
A senior US official announces that due to lack of funds, preparatory construction for the KEDO light water reactor project could soon halt.
--Jim Mann, "N. Korea Nuclear Deal at Risk, U.S. Fears; Financing: Officials Say That Bickering over Funding for $5.1-Billion Reactor Project Threatens 1994 Pact," Los Angeles Times, 10 April 1998, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 April 1998
North and South Korea hold high-level talks in Beijing, and the South promises to follow through with its pledge to finance the construction of two light water reactors in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o, North Korea. [Note: The Beijing talks are the first high-level consultations between the two Koreas in over four years.]
--Andrew Browne, "Move to Reunite Millions; Two Koreas Take Tentative Steps Towards Reconciliation at Their First High-Level Talks in Four Years," The Guardian (London), 13 April 1998, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 April 1998
Pak Chong Su, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, suggest that heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea may halt due to lack of funding from the United States, but Pak reaffirms South Korea’s position that it "will not share the burden for the heavy fuel oil because the United States is responsible for the provision of the heavy oil."
--"South Korea: United States May Be Unable to Offer Heavy Oil to North Korea," Malaysia General News, 13 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 April 1998
A North Korean official reportedly says that North Korea may resume its graphite-moderated nuclear program if the United States suspends heavy fuel oil shipments.
--"KEDO Delay Said to Revive N. Korean Threat," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 15 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 April 1998
North Korea reportedly unseals its 5MW(e) nuclear reactor in Yongbyon-kun to "conduct maintenance activities," and halts the canning of spent fuel rods from the reactor. North Korea’s Foreign Minister Kim Yong Nam discloses the information in a meeting with a US academic on 9 May. According to Kim, North Korea decided to suspend certain aspects of the Agreed Framework due to the US failure to ease sanction against North Korea and make prompt deliveries of heavy fuel oil. [Note: On 13 May, US State Department spokesman James Rubin refutes the claims and says that the United States has "confirmed through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that [the 5MW(e) reactor’s] seals remain in place and that the freeze at North Korea’s nuclear complex remains in place." Rubin adds that although North Korea did suspend clean-up operations at the reactor, the canning process was completed in mid-March. Rubin says that the United States is "confident that North Korea has not violated the across-the-board freeze on its nuclear activities, and that the Agreed Framework is alive and well." However, on 25 May, Washington confirms that in mid-April, US nuclear technicians were in fact expelled from the Yongbyon nuclear complex before the canning process was completed.]
--Elisabeth Rosenthal, "North Korea Says It Will Unseal Reactor," New York Times, 13 May 1998, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 May 1998, in "USA Says North Korea Maintains Freeze at Yongbyon nuclear complex," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Expelled U.S. Technicians from Yongbyon Plant," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 April 1998
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright urges Japan to share some of the cost of annual heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea. Albright makes the request in a meeting with Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi. Later in the day, the Foreign Ministry announces that "Japan, at this moment, wants to concentrate its efforts on light water nuclear reactors," suggesting that Tokyo remains reluctant to share any of the cost of heavy fuel oil shipments.
--"Albright Asks Japan to Help with Fuel Oil for N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 April 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

May 1998
North Korean defector Hwang Chang Yop says that the United States made a mistake in agreeing to supply 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea annually as part of the 1994 Agreed Framework. Hwang, speaking to Selig Harrison, says, "The policy of avoiding war over the nuclear crisis was the correct policy, but you were naïve in letting them bluff you about the potential of the nuclear program." According to Hwang, North Korea "did not have the technical or financial means to complete the 50MW(e) and 200MW(e) nuclear reactors then under construction that you were so concerned about." [Note: Hwang, a former secretary of the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party, and chief architect of the North Korean ideology of chuch’e, is the highest ranking North Korean ever to defect. After seeking asylum in the South Korean Embassy in Beijing on 12 February 1997, Hwang warned that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons and is prepared to use them against South Korea and Japan.]
--Selig S. Harrison, "North Korea from the Inside Out," Washington Post, 21 June 1998, p. C1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

May 1998
The United States, Japan, and South Korea hold informal talks aimed at reducing the cost of the KEDO light water reactor project. Japan proposes that the overall budget be reduced from $5.18 billion to $4.5 billion.
--"Japan Urges S. Korea to Cut Plant Cost," Nikkei Weekly, 18 May 1998, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 May 1998
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright meets with South Korean officials to discuss funding for the KEDO light water reactor project. An official from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade announces that Albright "said that her government will consider contributing to the construction of the light water reactors if South Korea pays for the purchase of the heavy fuel oil." Albright reportedly says that the United States will donate $55 million for safety equipment if South Korea assists with the oil deliveries. However, according to the official, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Pak Chong Su informs Albright that Seoul has no intention of funding the oil shipments. Despite recent difficulties in funding the KEDO project, Albright stresses that the United States will not abandon its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 1 May 1998, in "Koreas: US to Contribute to Reactors of South Provides Heavy Fuel Oil," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 1 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Barry Schweid, "Albright Vows to Maintain Accord with North Korea," Associated Press, 1 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Differences over Cost-Sharing for N. Korea Nuclear Reactors Narrowed," Agence France Presse, 5 may 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 19 June 1998, in "South Korea Seeks US, Japan Talks on North Reactor Funding," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 19 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5-10 May 1998
KEDO and North Korea hold high-level consultations at a resort hotel near Mt. Myohyang in North Korea. The two delegations discuss various issues related to the light water reactor project such as heavy fuel oil deliveries, quality guarantees for the reactors, and training for North Koreans working on the project. The delegations also set a schedule for concluding negotiations on the remaining follow-up protocols to the light water reactor supply agreement.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 1 May 1998, in "Peninsula Energy Organization to Hold Working Meeting with North 5th-10th May," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 2 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Officials Begin Reactor Talks in N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 5 May 1998, in "‘High-Level Expert Meeting’ Starts on Reactor, Oil Supply to North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 6 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 May 1998
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry condemns the United States for not honoring its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework, and says Pyongyang might restart its nuclear program. In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, the Foreign Ministry accuses the United States of failing to ease sanctions against North Korea as promised and purposefully delaying heavy fuel oil deliveries. According to the ministry’s statement, "All facts show that the DPRK has gone farther in implementing the agreement whereas the US side is not sincerely fulfilling its obligations." Given the situation, the ministry suggests that North Korea "should no longer lend an ear to the empty promises of the US side, but open and readjust the frozen nuclear facilities." The United States calls North Korea’s statements "unfortunate, because they’re not founded on the reality of what the United States is doing on implementing the Agreed Framework." Responding to North Korea’s comment, State Department spokesman James Foley says, "The United States has fulfilled its part of the Agreed Framework and will continue to do so." Foley continues, "We expect and trust that North Koreans will continue to implement their side of the agreement."
--"U.S. Should Take Practical Steps as Soon as Possible," Korean Central News Agency, 8 May 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Mi’gug’un Shilchejokhaengdongjoch’i’rul Chosokhi Ch’wihaeya Handa/Oegyobudaebyon’in," Korean Central News Agency, 7 May 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 8 May 1998, in "Pyongyang Warns USA over Non-Implementation of Nuclear Accord," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 9 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US Says N. Korea Nuclear Threats ‘Unfortunate,’" Agence France Presse, 8 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 May 1998
US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering announces that the United States will soon make a heavy fuel oil shipment to North Korea. [Note: Pickering’s announcement a day after a North Korean threat to reactivate its frozen nuclear program because of the apparent US failure to honor its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework.]
--"U.S. Vows to Ship Fuel to N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 May 1998
North Korea’s Foreign Minister Kim Yong Nam meets with Selig Harrison and announces that on 19 April North Korea unsealed its 5MW(e) nuclear reactor to "conduct maintenance activities" and suspended the canning of spent nuclear fuel rods. According to Kim, North Korea decided to suspend certain aspects of the Agreed Framework due to the US failure to ease sanction against North Korea and make prompt deliveries of heavy fuel oil.
--Elisabeth Rosenthal, "North Korea Says It Will Unseal Reactor," New York Times, 13 May 1998, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 May 1998
US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that the United States, Japan and South Korea have thus far failed to rectify problems in funding and cost-sharing for the KEDO light water reactor project.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 12 May 1998, in "USA Said to Admit Differences on Financing Reactor, Heavy Fuel Oil for North Korea," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 12 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 May 1998
US State Department spokesman James Rubin refutes the 9 May claim by North Korea’s Foreign Minister Kim Yong Nam that on 19 April North Korea unsealed its 5MW(e) nuclear reactor and suspended the canning of spent nuclear fuel rods. Rubin says that the United States has "confirmed through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that [the reactor’s] seals remain in place and that the freeze at North Korea’s nuclear complex remains in place." Rubin adds that although North Korea did suspend clean-up operations related to the canning of spent nuclear fuel rods, the canning process "was essentially completed in mid-March." Rubin says that the United States is "confident that North Korea has not violated the across-the-board freeze on its nuclear activities, and that the Agreed Framework is alive and well." [Note: On 25 May, Washington confirms that in mid-April North Korea expelled US technicians from the Yongbyon nuclear complex before they could complete the safe storage of 8,000 spent fuel rods.]
--State Department Regular Briefing, Briefer: James Rubin, Federal News Service, 13 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 May 1998, in "USA Says North Korea Maintains Freeze at Yonbyon nuclear complex," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Expelled U.S. Technicians from Yongbyon Complex," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 May 1998
Kim Myong Gil, minister councilor at the North Korean Mission to the UN, says that if the United States continues to delay heavy fuel oil shipments, North Korea may reactivate its nuclear program. Kim adds that there is growing pressure in Pyongyang to abandon the 1994 Agreed Framework and revert back to North Korea’s graphite-moderated nuclear technology. According to Kim, "The peaceful nuclear industry says they want to continue to develop their technology rather than replace it with new KEDO [technology]. The military people support them."
--Betsy Pisik, "N. Korea Threatens Nuclear Activity; Reactor Reopening Hinged on Fuel Deal," Washington Times, 14 May 1998, p. A17, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Mid-May 1998
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charles Kartman travels to South Korea to discuss cost-sharing for the KEDO light water reactor project and the four-party peace talks. [Note: While Kartman was expected to reiterate the US request that South Korea help fund the heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea, Kartman reportedly does not bring up the issue.]
--"US Official Due in Seoul Amid North Korea Nuclear Concern," Agence France Presse, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 May 1998, in "US Official in Seoul to Discuss Korean Peace Talks, Other Issues," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 May 14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chosun Ilbo, 20 May 1998, in "US Envoy Says Washington Not to Ask Seoul to Share Cost of Oil for North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 May 1998
North Korea's ambassador to China, Chu Ch’ang Chun, says that pressure is growing in North Korea to reactivate its nuclear program and resume construction of two graphite-moderated reactors. According to Chu, this growing sentiment is due to perceived US failure to honor its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework by delaying heavy fuel oil shipments and failing to ease economic sanctions against North Korea. Commenting on the nuclear test explosions conducted by India on 11 and 13 May, Chu says that North Korea is "opposed to the production, stockpiling and use" of nuclear weapons.
--"China Urges North Korea, U.S. to Implement 1994 Nuclear Pact," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Leicester, "North Koreans Call for Restarting Frozen Nuclear Program," Associated Press, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korea Rejects Nuclear Weapons, Slams US," Agence France Presse, 14 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 May 1998
A KEDO official announces that the two light water reactors being constructed in North Korea will not be completed by the original target date of 2003.
--"Light-Water Reactors for N. Korea to Miss 2003 Deadline," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 May 1998
South Korea’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Pak Chong Su announces that Seoul is exploring ways to reduce the cost of the KEDO light water reactor project.
--"S. Korean Govt Trying to Cut Costs of Light-Water Reactors," Daily Yomiuri, 24 May 1998, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 May 1998
Washington confirms that North Korea expelled US nuclear technicians and IAEA personnel from the Yongbyon nuclear complex in mid-April before they were able to complete the safe storage of 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods. According to US government officials, the storage process has yet to resume.
--"N. Korea Expelled U.S. Technicians from Yongbyon Complex," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 May 1998
A Japanese Foreign Ministry official says that there is a threat of Pakistan transferring nuclear weapons technology to North Korea in exchange for North Korea’s past support of Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The statement follows a nuclear test conducted by Pakistan on the same day. [Note: On 1 June, Vice Foreign Minister Shunji Yanai announces that Japan is not aware of any transfer of nuclear technology from Pakistan to North Korea.]
--Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), Pakistan: Japan to Impose Sanctions, Says Nuclear Transfer to N Korea Possible," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 29 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Kyodo News Summary," Japan Economic Newswire, 1 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; O Yong Hwan, "Pakistan Haekkisul Pukhan’e Chegong Malla," Joongang Ilbo, 29 May 1998, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

29 May 1998
Responding to the 28 May comment by a Japanese Foreign Ministry official that Pakistan might transfer nuclear weapons technology to North Korea, US State Department spokesman James Rubin says that the United States is not aware of any nuclear cooperation between the two countries and believes that North Korea is adhering to its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--"State Department Regular Briefing," Federal News Service, 29 May 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 June 1998
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung calls on the United States to end economic sanctions against North Korea. In an interview conducted in Seoul, Kim says that in his upcoming visit to Washington he will urge President Clinton and Congress to end sanctions in order to ease tension on the Korean Peninsula. [Note: North Korea has threatened to abandon the 1994 Agreed Framework and restart its nuclear program if the United States does not lift economic sanctions.]
--Nicholas D. Kristof, "Seoul Leader Asks End to Sanctions on North Koreans," New York Times, 2 June 1998, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

1-2 June 1998
KEDO’s Executive Board meets in New York to discuss cost-sharing for reactor construction and heavy fuel oil deliveries. The executive board, comprised of the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the EU, also discuss ways to reduce the cost of the $5.18 billion project. Japan reportedly proposed a new cost estimate that would reduce the total cost by $500 million. Executive board members fail to reach an agreement on cost-sharing and new cost estimates, but they agree to continue talks in Brussels on 29-30 June.
--Akinori Uchida, "N. Korea Reactor Cost May Be Cut 500 Mil. Dollars," Daily Yomiuri, 1 June 1998, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Robert Reid, "Korea Board Agrees to Talk More About Nuclear Program for North," Associated Press, 2 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Fails to Work Out Cost-Sharing Accord," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 3 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 June 1998
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun quotes a Japanese Defense Agency internal report as saying that the recent South Asian nuclear tests might encourage North Korea to restart its nuclear program. According to the report, the Defense Agency believes it is possible that North Korea already possesses at least one nuclear weapon.
--"Japan Sees N. Korea Having At Least 1 Nuclear Weapon," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Teruaki Ueno, "Jpn: Japan Report Focuses Nuclear Fears Back on N Korea," AAP Newsfeed, 3 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Paper Raises Fear of North Korean Nuclear Weapon," Nikkei Weekly, 8 June 1998, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 June 1998
Japan announces that it will still provide $1 billion to the KEDO light water project even though the total cost of the project is expected to be decreased by as much as $500 million. [Note: Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi informs the Diet about the decision on 8 June.]
--"Japan to Pay 1 Bil. Dlrs for KEDO Project as Planned," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Japan to Pay 1 Bil. Dlrs for KEDO, Obuchi Says," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 June 1998
Georgiy Kaurov, press secretary for Russia’s Atomic Energy Ministry, says that according to Russian nuclear experts, North Korea does not have nuclear weapons. Kaurov says that "if North Korea did have a nuclear bomb, it would have been tested," and such a test would have been easily detected. Kaurov adds that developing a nuclear weapon also requires hundred of test explosions without fissile material. Such tests, according to Kaurov, would have to be conducted at a special test site which would "be clearly visible from space." [Note: According to intelligence sources in US, South Korea and Japan, North Korea has constructed an explosive test site approximately 8km north of Kusong, and conducts at least two explosive tests of nuclear warhead triggering devices in 1998. CNS analysts believe this explosives test site is located in Kump’ung-ri (???), Kusong (???), North P’yon’an Province (????).]
--ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 3 June 1998, in "Russia Rules Out Possibility That North Korea Has Nuclear Weapons," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 3 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chungang Ilbo, 2 February 1999, in "Expert Claims DPRK Detonation Tests for Nuclear Bombs," FBIS Document FTS19990208000118, 8 February 1999; Joseph S. Bermudez, "Exposing North Korea’s Secret Nuclear Infrastructure-Part One," Jane’s Intelligence Review, July 1999, p. 38-9.

5 June 1998
Washington announces that it is willing to pay for all of the heavy fuel oil to be delivered to North Korea as a substitute energy source until the two KEDO light water reactors are completed. A government official says that the United States will continue to seek cooperation from the EU and Middle Eastern countries, but if no financial support is given, the United States will pay the entire amount for the annual shipments of 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil.
--"U.S. Ready to Pay All of KEDO’s Fuel Oil Shipment Costs," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 June 1998
Charles Kartman, US deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, meets with Lee Kun, North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the UN, to discuss various issues including the provision of heavy fuel oil, progress on the KEDO light water reactor project, and the four-party peace talks. At the meeting, Kartman reassures Lee that the United States will continue to seek cooperation from the EU and Middle Eastern countries, but if no financial support is given, the United States will pay the entire amount for the annual shipments of 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 6 June 1998, in "Koreas: US, North to Discuss Four-Way Talks, Reactors, South President’s Visit," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 6 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S., N. Korea to Hold Discussions in New York," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Tells N. Korea Delivery of Fuel Oil to Be Resumed," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 June 1998, Japan Economic Newswire, 7 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Mi, Taebuk Chungyu’gongguup Chaegae/Puk-Mijopch’okso Yaksok," Kyungyang Shinmun, 8 June 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

8 June 1998
Lee Jong Ch’an, director of South Korea’s National Security Planning Agency, says, "At this moment, we have not found any signs that North Korea has reneged on the nuclear agreement with the United States and is actively trying to resume its nuclear weapons program."
--"S. Korea Spy Chief Says North Not Developing Nukes," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 June 1998
Speaking at a joint press conference with US President Bill Clinton in Washington, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung says, "We have nothing to fear from North Korea." [Note: Kim, on a nine-day diplomatic trip to the United States, has encouraged the United States to lift economic sanctions against North Korea in order ease tension on the Korean Peninsula and pave the way for a lasting peace between the two Koreas.]
--Sarah Jackson-Han, "US Vows More Help for South Korea, Under Right Conditions," Agence France Presse, 10 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S., South Korea to Work Together on North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 9 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Betsy Pisik, "Kim Proposes an Approach to North Korea," Washington Times, 9 June 1998, p. A15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 June 1998
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright and South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Pak Chong Su meet in Washington to discuss various bilateral issues. Albright and Pak agree to hold working-level talks in July on easing economic sanctions against North Korea.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 11 June 1998, in "South Korea, USA to Hold July Talks on Lifting North Sanctions," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 12 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ben Barber, "N. Korea Sanctions Likely to Be Eased; South’s President Sways U.S. Policy," Washington Times, 12 June 1998, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 June 1998
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan sends a letter to US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Stanley Roth stating that North Korea will soon restart its nuclear program unless the United States honors its yearly commitment to supply North Korea with 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil per year until the completion of the KEDO light water reactor project. [Note: For 1998, the United States has thus far only supplied 152,000 tons of oil.]
--"Pyongyang Threatens to Resume Nuke Program within 1 Month," Japan Economic Newswire, 16 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 June 1998
A North Korean submarine is captured by South Korea 11.5 miles off the South Korean port city of Sokch’o. The 70-ton submarine is detected after becoming ensnared in the nets of a fishing vessel. Following the incident, South Korea places its military on the east coast on high alert.
--Marc Lavine, "South Korea on Alert as Tension Escalates Despite Landmark Talks," Agence France Presse, 22 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Don Kirk, "North Korea Sub Is Snagged off South," International Herald Tribune, 23 June 1998, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US Protests over Submarine during Military Talks with North Korea," Agence France Presse, 23 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 June 1998
North Korea warns the United States of unspecified "consequences" if it does not ease economic sanctions "in accordance with the Agreed Framework."
--Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 22 June 1998, in "North Korea Decries US Failure to Lift Sanctions," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 24 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lim Yun Suk, "N. Korea Warns US of ‘Consequences’ Ahead of Landmark Military Talks," Agence France Presse, 22 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 June 1998
The US-led United Nations Command (UNC) and North Korean military officials meet in the truce village of Panmunjom and commence the first high-level military talks in seven years. During the course of the talks, which last several weeks, the UNC delegation reportedly condemns the 22 June incursion of a North Korean submarine into South Korean waters as a violation of the 1953 Armistice Agreement.
--"US Protests over Submarine during Military Talks with North Korea," Agence France Presse, 23 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lim Yun Suk, "US and N. Korea Hold First Military Talks Since 1991 amid Tension," Agence France Presse, 23 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 30 July 1998, in "North Korea: UN to Discuss Sub Cases Today, 30th June, at Panmunjom Talks," 30 June 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23-26 June 1998
IAEA inspectors travel to North Korea to negotiate the implementation of the inspection regime agreed under the 1994 Agreed Framework. This, the tenth round of technical discussions, fails to produce any results as North Korea reportedly continues to refuse to grant the inspectors access to information necessary to determine the completeness and correctness of North Korea’s initial declaration of nuclear material.
--"IAEA Delegation Here," Korean Central News Agency, 23 June 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Kukchewonjaryokkigudaep’yodan Toch’ak," Korean Central News Agency, 23 June 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Donga Ilbo, 14 September 1998, in "Pyongyang Remains ‘Uncooperative’, Atomic Agency’s Top Official Says," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

29-30 June 1998
KEDO’s Executive Board meets in Brussels to discuss cost-sharing and reducing the total cost of the light water reactor project. The executive board decides to lower the total cost for the light water reactor construction from $5.2 billion to $4.6 billion and agree to meet in mid-July to formalize the new cost estimate. However, the board members fail to reach an agreement on sharing the cost of the project. [Note: Even with the new figure of $4.6 billion, KEDO still needs at least $300 million to cover construction costs.]
--"KEDO Lowers Cost Estimate for N. Korea Reactors," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 1 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Construction Cost of N. Korean Reactors Lowered," Japan Economic Newswire, 1 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

30 June 1998
Japan reiterates its pledge to provide $1 billion to the KEDO light water reactor project. Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi says that "although the exchange rate is uncertain (depending on when the payment is actually made), Japan has expressed its intention to contribute that dollar amount."
--Koydo News Service (Tokyo), 30 June 1998, in "Tokyo Reconfirms 1Bn-Dollar Vow for North Reactors," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 1 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 July 1998
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shunji Yanai and his South Korean counterpart meet in Tokyo and agree to seek an early resolution on how to share the construction costs of the KEDO light water reactor project. The foreign ministers agree that US cooperation in funding the reactor construction is indispensable.
--"Japan, ROK Hope to Settle KEDO Cost-Sharing Dispute," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 2 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Japan, S. Korea Seek More U.S. Cooperation for KEDO," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 July 1998
The Washington Post reports that North Korea has recently begun maintenance work at a "plutonium separation plant" located in the Yongbyon nuclear complex. According the US officials quoted by the paper, the resumption of maintenance work is intended "to make sure Washington got the message North Korea is capable of resuming its nuclear program." [Note: The "plutonium separation plant" probably a reference to the Radiochemistry Laboratory.]
--Thomas W. Lippman, "N. Korea-U.S. Nuclear Pact Threatened; Funding Hold Up Promised Oil," Washington Post, 6 July 1998, p.A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Elisabeth Rosenthal, "North Korea Says It Will Unseal Reactor," New York Times, 13 May 1998, p. A10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 July 1998
US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that the United States has not yet raised enough funds to meet its yearly obligation to supply North Korea with 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil. By August the United States will have delivered 216,000 tons of oil, but Congress has yet to allocate the funds for the remaining 284,000 tons. However, Rubin states that the United States is actively seeking financial contributions from other countries and the Clinton Administration has expressed a readiness to use "certain provisions of US law" (Rubin does not give details on the "certain provisions") to come up with the additional funds. Rubin also denies a 6 July Washington Post report that accused North Korea of conducting maintenance work at a "plutonium separation plant." Rubin says that Washington "believe(s) that North Korea is in compliance with its obligations under the Agreed Framework."
--State Department Regular Briefing, Briefer: James Rubin, Federal News Service, 6 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. to Raise Funds for DPRK Oil Supply," Xinhua News Agency, 6 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; George Gedda, "U.S. Confident Commitments to North Korea Will Be Met," Associated Press, 6 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nuclear Pact Not Threatened, Washington Says," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 July 1998
The Japanese Foreign Ministry announces that it recently proposed a compromise plan to the United States for sharing the cost of the KEDO light water reactor project. At the KEDO Executive Board meeting held in Brussels on 29-30 June, board members agreed to lower the cost of the reactor project from an estimated $5.2 billion to $4.6 billion. However, even with the reduced cost estimate, KEDO still lacks approximately $350,000. Under the Japanese proposal, the United States would pay part of the remaining cost and take the leading role in raising the rest of the necessary funds. [Note: As preparatory construction in Kumho-chigu, Shinp’o is scheduled to be completed in August and reactor construction cannot begin until the issue of funding is resolved, board members are under great pressure to reach on agreement on sharing the costs of construction.]
--Kyodo News Service, 11 July 1998, in "North Korea: Japan Proposes Compromise Plan to USA on Light-Water Reactors," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 11 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 July 1998
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Rust Deming tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the United States has been unsuccessful in persuading other nations to donate funds for heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea. Urging the Senate to allocate additional funds for the 1998 oil shipments, Deming says, "It is not realistic to think that the shortfall (in funding the oil shipments) will be met in the near term by contributions from abroad."
--Hearing of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Federal News Service, 14 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Laura Myers, "U.S. Needs More Money for North Korea Fuel Shipments," Associated Press, 14 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Congress Asked to Fund Fuel Oil Shipment to N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 15 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Laura Myers, "North Korean Nuclear Freeze Costs Double for US," Associated Press, 15 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 July 1998
The US General Accounting Office (GAO) releases a report saying that there are many monitoring problems that affect the IAEA's "ability to determine whether North Korea is complying fully with certain aspects of the nuclear freeze." North Korea has not allowed the IAEA to install monitoring devices in the nuclear waste tanks, which are connected to a "complex and inaccessible piping system that, if operating, would permit the waste to be removed and/or altered." The GAO report warns that North Korea may have "secretly removed some of the nuclear waste in order to hide evidence of earlier diversions of plutonium." [Note: GAO presented the report to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on 7 July.] Commenting on the GAO report, US State Department spokesman James Rubin confirms there are "significant" discrepancies between the amount of plutonium North Korea declared and the amount discovered. Rubin adds that while the 1994 Agreed Framework remains intact, the United States will not deliver "key components" for the KEDO light water reactors until North Korea clears up discrepancies about the amount of plutonium it possesses.
--"Nuclear Nonproliferation: Difficulties in Accomplishing IAEA’s Activities in North Korea," United States General Accounting Office, GAO/RCED-98-210, 7 July 1998; Philip Shenon, "North Korea Said to Block Inspection of Nuclear Sites," New York Times, 15 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Report: "Discrepancies" in North Korean Nuclear Plant," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 15 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; State Department Regular Briefing, Briefer: James Rubin, Federal News Service, 15 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 July 1998
The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Budget Committee and the Committee on Research, Technological Development and Energy allocate €15 million for the annual contribution to KEDO.
--Glyn Ford, "The EU Confirms Its Commitment to Asia," Japan Times, 8 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 July 1998
The Chosun Ilbo quotes a South Korean official working on the KEDO light water reactor project as saying that even through preparatory construction is scheduled to be completed in early August, construction on the actual reactors will probably not begin until October because the United States, South Korea and Japan have yet to reach a final agreement on each party’s share of the construction costs.
--"N. Korea Reactor Project to Start in Oct.: Official," Japan Economic Newswire, 22 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim In Ku, "Kyongsuro Pujigongsa 3 Kaewol Yonjang/Piyongbudam Habui Andwoe," Chosun Ilbo, 22 July 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

22 July 1998
Desaix Anderson, executive director of KEDO, says that he is confident that the United States will be able to meet its commitment to deliver 500,000 tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea. Commenting on his recent congressional testimony and request for additional fund for the oil shipments, Anderson says, "I got a strong impression from both the Republicans and Democrats that they supported this project."
--"KEDO Chief Confident N. Korea Will Get Fuel Oil," Japan Economic Newswire, 22 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 July 1998
Australia pledges an additional A$2 million to help prevent nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula. According to Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, part of the contribution will be for the supply of heavy fuel oil.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 24 July 1998, in "Australia to Donate 2M Australian Dollars to North Korean Energy Programme," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 24 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Talks on Burden-Sharing to Be Held in New York Monday," Korea Times, 24 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24 July 1998
North Korea condemns the recent deployment of a US nuclear submarine and eight P-3C antisubmarine patrol aircraft to the Sea of Japan (East Sea). A commentary printed in Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers’ Party, says the deployment is an attempt "to drive the South Korean puppets to confrontation with the DPRK and stifle the DPRK with strength at any cost." The commentary adds that if the United States continues with its "military adventures...it will be held wholly responsible for all consequences that arise." [Note: The deployment of additional US Navy forces was at the request of Seoul. In late August, US and South Korean forces patrol the East Sea searching for North Korean mini-submarines, one of which was discovered in South Korean waters on 22 June.]
--"Rodong Sinmun Castigates United States," Korean Central News Agency, 24 July 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 24 July 1998, in "North Korea Criticizes US Support for South over Submarine Incident," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 24 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chosun Ilbo, 22 July 1998, in "US Navy in Joint Hunt with South for North Submarines," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 25 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27-28 July 1998
KEDO’s Executive Board meets in New York and tentatively agrees on how to share the cost of constructing two light water reactors in North Korea. South Korea will be responsible for $3.22 billion, or 70 percent of the estimated $4.6 billion project. Japan is to pay $1 billion, and the remaining $380 million will be split between the United States and EU. The board does not announce the specifics on how the $380 will be divided between the United States and EU. [Note: The tentative agreement must still be accepted by each of the governments involved.]
--"KEDO Members Tentatively Agree on Cost Sharing," Korea Times, 29 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Agrees on Funding for North Korean Nuclear Reactors," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 29 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 29 July 1998, in "South Korea Agrees to Fix US Obligation for North’s Reactor," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 29 July 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 August 1998
Time reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is actively "pushing the construction of a new nuclear reactor--underground, to confound US spy satellites." The rector is reportedly designed to develop "usable atom bombs, possibly including missile warheads." [Note: According to the Times article, some Clinton administration officials believe the reports of a new underground nuclear facility is misinformation leaked by Washington hardliners to "choke off congressional support" for KEDO heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea.]
--J.F.O. McAllister, "More Nukes: Is North Korea the Latest to Proliferate?," Time, 3 August 1998; "U.S. Suspects N. Korea of Resuming Nuclear Program: Time," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6-7 August 1998
Representatives from the United States and South Korea meet in Hawaii to discuss lifting economic sanctions against North Korea. The two sides fail to agree to what degree sanctions should be eased. An official from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says on 10 August that the United States did not completely rule out the possibility of easing sanctions, but "the conditions for lifting sanctions, however, is not favorable on the Republican Congress mainly because of the recent infiltration of a North Korean submarine into the South and the North’s suspected transfer of missile technology." [Note: Under the 1994 Agreed Framework, the United States agreed to take steps to ease economic sanctions against North Korea.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 10 August 1998, in "South Korea, USA Fail to Agree on Sanctions Against North," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 10 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Jun Kwan Woo, "Washington, Pyongyang to Open Talks in New York," Korea Herald, 17 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 August 1998
Admiral Joseph Prueher, commander-in-chief of the US Pacific Command, meets with South Korean Defense Minister Ch’on Yong T’aek and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Kim Jin Ho, and promises to make additional assets of the US Pacific Command available in order to counter any small scale North Korean military provocations, such as the recent submarine incursion.
--"US Committed to Continue Joint Operations Against NK Subs," Korea Times, 13 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 August 1998
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry warns that North Korea might restart its nuclear program if the United States continues to delay fulfilling its obligations under the 1994 Agreed Framework. According to the spokesman, North Korea’s decision will be based on the success of upcoming US-North Korean high-level talks scheduled to begin 21 August in New York. The spokesman says that Pyongyang hopes "the two sides will settle the problems smoothly at the upcoming DPRK-US high level talks lest we should take an undesirable option."
--Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 13 August 1998, in "Spokesman Says No Third Party Needed for Talks with USA," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 15 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 August 1998
The New York Times reports that US intelligence agencies have recently detected activity at a large underground complex, located 25 miles north of the Yongbyon nuclear complex, which they believe to be an attempt to revive North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. According to the report, US spy satellites have detected "thousands of North Korean workers...swarming around the new site, burrowing into the mountainside." Other unspecified intelligence led Washington to believe that North Korea is constructing a reactor and reprocessing facility under the mountain located near the village of Kumch’ang-ri. In response to the report, a US State Department official says, "We continue to monitor the situation closely. At this time, we have no basis to conclude there has been a violation of the Agreed Framework." However, the official continues, "if the construction is a violation of the Agreed Framework, it would be of serious concern."
--David E. Sanger, "North Korea Site an A-Bomb Plant, U.S. Agencies Say," New York Times, 17 August 1998, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korea Builds Underground nuclear complex, U.S. Says," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 17 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 August 1998
Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon says that the US satellite images that show massive underground construction at a site 25 miles north of the Yongbyon nuclear complex are inconclusive. Responding to a 17 August New York Times article claiming that North Korea is currently constructing a new reactor and reprocessing plant, Bacon says, "Right now I do not believe we have a firm basis to conclude that they are out of compliance [with the 1994 Agreed Framework]."
--John Diamond, "U.S.: No Evidence North Korea Reneged on Nuclear Weapons Agreement," Associated Press, 18 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 August 1998
A US Congressional source claims that US reconnaissance satellite imagery confirms that the recently discovered underground complex in North Korea is in fact related to a nuclear program. The source says that the satellite photos show equipment particular to a nuclear facility being transported to the underground construction site.
--"U.S. Confirms N. Korea Building Nuclear Facility," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21-25 August 1998
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, meets with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan in New York to discuss various issues including resuming four-party peace talks, delays in heavy fuel oil shipments, and the recent discover of a suspected underground nuclear complex located 25 miles north of Yongbyon-kun. After the conclusion of the talks, both delegations refuse to comment on the details of the meetings and return to their capitals for consultations. [Note: On 30 August, the Chosun Ilbo, citing an anonymous source in Washington, reports that at the talks, North Korea denied that the underground facility being built is related to a nuclear weapons program and expressed willingness to allow an outside inspection. The talks are concluded on 5 September when the two sides reach a tentative package agreement.]
--"US, DPRK Hold Talks in New York," Xinhua News Agency, 21 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. to Ask N. Korea to Stop Building Nuclear Facility," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S., DPRK End Third Day of Talks," Xinhua News Agency, 25 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea-U.S. Talks Enter 3rd Day," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US, NK Talks Amid Cost-Sharing Agreement Announcement," Korea Times, 26 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Choson Ilbo, 30 August 1998, in "DPRK Reportedly Willing to Show US Underground Facility," FBIS Document FTS19980830000191, 30 August 1998; Lee Min Ch’ol, "Haekshisol Uihok Yongbyon chihashisol/Puk, Mi Pangmunjosa Hoyong Shisa," Chosun Ilbo, 31 August 1998, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

22 August 1998
North Korea denounces the Ulchi Focus Lens joint military exercise currently being conducted by US and South Korean troops. A Korean Central News Agency broadcast says Ulchi-Focus Lens, which is merely "a replica of the Team Spirit nuclear war exercise," is bringing the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war.
--Korean Central News Agency, 22 August 1998, in "North Reports Kim Chong-il Saying Confrontation Has Increased," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 25 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "‘Ulji Focus Lens’ Haptonggunsayonsubul Kyut’an/Rodongshinmun Ronp’yon," Korean Central News Agency, 22 August 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

25 August 1998
South Korea’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Hong Sun Yong submits a report to the National Assembly in which he claims that while there does not yet exist any proof the North Korea has violated the 1994 Agreed Framework, the recently discovered underground facility is most likely linked to a clandestine nuclear program.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 25 August 1998, in "South’s Foreign Minister Admits No Proof on North’s Suspected Nuclear Facility," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kwon Tae Yol, "Large-Scale Construction Project in Yongbyon in North Korea," Chosun Ilbo, 25 August 1998, BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kwon tae Yol, "Puk Yongbyonso Taegyumo Chihagonsa/‘Heak Kwallyonshisol Ch’ujong’," Chosun Ilbo, 26 August 1998, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

27 August 1998
Commenting on the recently discovered underground facility in North Korea, South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry spokesman Lee Ho Chin announces that "the government has no ground to prove that the facility is for nuclear development and the governments of South Korea and the United States share such an evaluation." However, Lee says, South Korea is "closely watching the facility with every possibility in mind, including the possibility of the facility being reserved for nuclear development."
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 27 August 1998, in "South Korean Spokesman Says No ‘Solid’ Proof of North’s Nuclear Facility," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 27 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Gov’t Denies NK’s Development of Nuclear Facilities," Korea Times, 28 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 August 1998
North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan denies that the recently discovered underground facility in North Korea is part of a clandestine nuclear program. Speaking to US congressional staff members, Kim says that the facility is a "civilian structure." Kim reportedly reiterates the offer to allow international inspections of the site.
--Lucy S. Oh, "N. Korea Says Site Not Nuclear Facility," Daily Yomiuri, 30 August 1998, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chosun Ilbo, 30 August 1998, in "North Korea Reportedly Willing to Show USA Suspected Nuclear Facility," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 1 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 August 1998
KEDO’s Executive Board postpones signing an agreement on sharing the cost of the $4.6 billion light water reactor project after North Korea test-fires a ballistic missile over Japan. Following the missile test, Tokyo informs Seoul and Washington that it will not sign the agreement as scheduled and is currently suspending all financial support to KEDO.
--"N. Korea Reactor Cost-Sharing Accord Put on Hold," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 31 August 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Betsy Pisik, "Test Threatens Aid from Tokyo, Washington," Washington Times, 1 September 1998, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Japan Halts Air Traffic to North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 2 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 August 1998
The United States and North Korea meet in New York to continue bilateral talks on various issues including the implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, resuming four-party peace talks, and the suspected underground nuclear facility recently discovered near Yongbyon-kun. The US and North Korean delegations are once again headed respectively by Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan. The United States reportedly demands that North Korea allow periodic inspections of the suspected underground nuclear facility currently under construction, but North Korea insists that the United States will be allowed to inspect the site only once. [Note: The meeting was supposed to continue on 1 September, but the North Korean delegation, reportedly awaiting instructions from Pyongyang, failed to show up. The talks resume on 3 September.]
--"US-N Korea Talks Resume, Clouded by Test of Missile," Korea Times, 1 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "High-Level N. Korea-U.S. Talks Focus on Missile Launch," Asia Pulse, 1 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea, U.S. to Resume Talks Thurs. in New York," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 September 1998
The US Senate votes to place tough conditions on allocating funds for KEDO. In a 80-11 vote, the Senate added an amendment to a foreign aid bill stipulating that no money would be allocated for heavy fuel oil shipments to North Korea unless the president certifies that North Korea is not pursuing a nuclear weapons program and is not exporting ballistic missiles to countries on the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.
--Jim Abrams, "Senate Votes on North Korea; Gingrich Criticizes IMF," Associated Press, 2 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Sean Scully, "Senate Exacts Price for N. Korean Acts; Move Cuts $35 Million for Rector," Washington Times, 3 September 1998, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 September 1998
KEDO Executive Director Desaix Anderson meets with Keizo Takemi, Japan’s state secretary for foreign affairs, and requests that Tokyo sign the cost-sharing agreement so that construction of the two light water reactors in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp’o can begin at the earliest date. Despite Anderson’s request that Tokyo separate the KEDO issue from the 31 August missile incident, Takemi says that Tokyo cannot sign the agreement so soon after North Korea test-fired a missile over Japanese soil.
--"Japan Sky of KEDO Request on N. Korea," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 3 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEDO Urges Japan to Promote N. Korea Reactor Project," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 September 1998
The United States and North Korea resume bilateral talks in New York. The US and North Korean delegations are once again headed respectively by Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan. The talks reportedly break down.
--"US and North Korea Fail to Reach Agreement after Critical Talks," Agence France Presse, 4 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 September 1998
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan meet once again in New York for bilateral talks. The delegations refuse to comment on the details of what was discussed, but after the talks, Kim tells reporters, "We have come out with substantial progress." The two sides reportedly created a package of agreed upon steps, which will be finalized after approval from Washington and Pyongyang. Under the tentative agreement, the United States agrees to resume heavy fuel oil shipments, ensure that construction on the KEDO reactors begins in November, and take steps to ease economic sanctions against North Korea. North Korea agrees to resume sealing the remaining 200 spent nuclear fuel rods from its 5MW reactor, resolve suspicions about a recently discovered underground facility, participate in upcoming four-party peace talks scheduled for October, and resume missile talks with the United States. [Note: The talks, held intermittently since 21 August, have addressed various bilateral issues such as implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, the suspected underground nuclear facility recently discovered near Yongbyon-kun, and the resumption of four-party peace talks.]
--"U.S., N. Korea Resume High-Level Talks in New York," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Malene Jensen, "Hopes of Accord as N Korea, US Speak of Progress at Nuclear-Related Talks," Agence France Presse, 5 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US and North Korea Tentatively Reach Deal on Several Issues: Report," Agence France Presse, 6 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. and NK Reach Tentative Accord," Korea Times, 8 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "High-Level North Korea-US Talks End on a High Note," Asia Pulse, 9 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

5 September 1998
North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) revises 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.
--"DPRK Socialist Constitution," Korean Central News Agency, 5 September 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Chosonminjujuuiinmin’gonghwaguk Sahoejuuihonbop," Korean Central News Agency, 5 September 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Central Broadcasting Station, 5 September 1998, in "‘Text’ of North Korea’s Socialist Constitution," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 8 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Nicholas D. Kristof, "Death Doesn’t End Rule of Kim Il Sung, ‘Eternal President’," New York Times, 7 September 1998, p. A5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Sang-Hun Choe, "North Korea Makes Kim Jong Il Head of State," Associated Press, 5 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korean Lawmakers Re-Appoint Kim Head of Military," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 5 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 September 1998
According to Japanese Foreign Ministry sources, Tokyo is willing to resume contributions to KEDO if there is "a certain level of progress" in missile talks between the United States and North Korea.
--Kyodo News Service, 9 September 1998, in "Tokyo May Cooperate on North Korean Power Project of Progress Seen in North-US Talks," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 11 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 September 1998
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka announces that Japan will not yet resume contributions to KEDO despite the tentative agreement reached between the United States and North Korea on 5 September. Nonaka Notes the progress in the talks, but says, "We have announced our new policy toward North Korea, including the suspension of our assistance to the KEDO project--and we will stick by it."
--"Nuclear Aid to N. Korea to Stay Frozen," Japan Times, 10 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 September 1998
Charles Kartman, US special envoy to the recent US-North Korean talks, reports to the Senate on the outcome of the talks. In prepared testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Kartman claims that he views the outcome with skepticism, saying, "We do not trust North Korean intentions." However, Kartman says that the commitments recently obtained from North Korea "will facilitate our ability to deal squarely with the issues of great and immediate concern," including the suspected underground nuclear facility, the safe storage of spent nuclear fuel rods, and North Korea’s missile program. Kartman continues to say that the Agreed Framework "is still the only viable alternative we have that has a chance to keep North Korea’s nuclear activities in check and keep the North engaged on other matters."
--Prepared Testimony by Charles Kartman Special Envoy Korean Peace Process Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Federal News Service, 10 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 September 1998
North Korea’s mission to the UN issues a statement granting the United States permission to inspect a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch’ang-ri. However, the statement stipulates, "If the US allegations are proved groundless through a visit to the site, the United States is obliged to make appropriate compensation, particularly for slandering and disgracing (North Korea)."
--Sau Chan, "North Korea Says It Will Allow US Visit to Suspected Underground Site," Associated Press, 10 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 September 1998
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura implies that Japan is ready to resume contributions to the KEDO light water reactor project. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Komura says, We will consult with the US government closely over the issue in order to decide what to do...We know that Japan should not ruin the project in North Korea, which is the only way to have North Korea give up its nuclear weapons program." [Note: Japan froze all contributions to KEDO after North Korea test-fired a suspected ballistic missile over Japan on 31 August.]
--"Tokyo Softens Stance on Pyongyang," Asahi News Service, 11 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Shingo Ito, "Japan Backs N Korea’s Reactor Project Despite Suspending Support," Agence France Presse, 11 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 September 1998
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei announces that the tenth round of technical discussions between the IAEA and North Korea (24-26 June) failed to make any progress. ElBaradei, addressing the IAEA board of governors, says that points of contention include the "preservation of information which must remain available to enable the agency to verify in the future the correctness and completeness of the DPRK’s nuclear freeze declaration, and the continuous refusal by the DPRK to accept measures at the reprocessing plant." ElBaradei stresses that the IAEA must be allowed to monitor liquid nuclear waste in order to ensure that the waste--valuable evidence of North Korea’s nuclear history--is not altered in any way.
--Donga Ilbo, 14 September 1998, in "Pyongyang Remains ‘Uncooperative’, Atomic Agency’s Top Official Says," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 17 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "‘Puk Haeksach’al Hyopcho anhae’/IAEA Samuch’ongjang," Chosun Ilbo, 15 September 1998, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

18 September 1998
The US House of Representatives adopts a foreign relations appropriations bill that cuts all $35 million earmarked for heavy fuel oil deliveries to North Korean in 1999. The bill also carries an amendment stating that President Clinton cannot divert other parts of the foreign relations budget to fund the oil deliveries. The House bill goes farther that the recently adopted Senate bill which prevents the administration from using the $35 million unless Clinton can certify that North Korea is not pursuing nuclear weapons and has halted all missile exports. [Note: The two houses of Congress will soon hold a joint session to coordinate their foreign relations appropriations bills.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 19 September 1998, in "N Korea: US Congress Fails to Approve Budget for Supplying Heavy Oil," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 19 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 September 1998
North Korea condemns the United States for alleging that an underground civilian structure is in fact a "secret underground nuclear facility." A commentary in the Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers’ Party, calls the accusation "groundless slander," a "violation of (North Korea’s) sovereignty," and an attempt to break the Agreed Framework. The commentary continues, "If the United States continues to delay the implementation on the framework agreement on unreasonable pretexts and puts pressure on the DPRK, we will be compelled to take relevant action and measures."
--"Sophism Will Not Work," Rodong Sinmun, 19 September 1998, in Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 19 September 1998, in "Government Says US Allegations on Nuclear Facility Violation of Sovereignty," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 21 September 1998, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. "Nyongbyonjubyon Chihagujomul’un ‘Haekshisol’i Anida/Rodongshinmun ronp’yong," Korean Central News Agency, 19 September 1998, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

20 September 1998
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura in New York in an attempt to urge Tokyo to remove its freeze on financial contributions to KEDO and to sign the KEDO cost-sharing agreement. Albright says that the August 31 missile incident and the KEDO light water reactor project should be dealt with separately. Komura acknowledges that "KEDO is the best means to prevent North Korea’s nuclear (weapons) development" and that Tokyo does not plan to permanently withhold financial support for KEDO. However, he maintains that the financial freeze will remain in place for the time being. According to Komura, "If Japan immediately signed the agreement on the cost sharing, that would give the wrong impression to Pyongyang." [Note: Japan was scheduled to sign the KEDO cost-sharing agreement on 31 August, but