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.

1999
The South Korean government issues W150 billion ($125 million) in treasury bonds to help finance the LWR project under the Agreed Framework.
--"ROK's Yonhap: Dong-ah, Hyundai Likely to Negatively Affect Nuclear Reactor Plan," Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 31 October 2000, in FBIS Document KPP2001031000052, 31 October 2000.

1 January 1999
An official from the South Korea Ministry of Unification announces that North Korea has replaced the director of its Light-Water Reactor Bureau. According to the official, Pyongyang has recently replaced Kim Pyong Ki with Kim Song Su.
--Chu Yong Song, Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 1 January 1999, in "DPRK Reportedly Replaces Chief of LWR Project," FBIS Document FTS19990102000063, 2 January 1999; Ku Pon Yong, "Shinnyonsaro Pon Olhaeui Pukhan," Taehan Maeil, 4 January 1999, p. 6, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

4 January 1999
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung urges a diplomatic solution to problems arising from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Presiding over a National Security Council meeting, Kim says, "We need to solve the pending problems, including the North's nuclear and missile issues, through dialogue and negotiation."
--Chon Shi Yong, "President Kim Advocates Measures to Avert Crisis on Korean Peninsula," Korea Herald, 5 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 January 1999
A US government official announces that Washington is considering easing economic sanctions against North Korea it Pyongyang allows unconditional access to a suspected nuclear weapons facility in Kumch'ang-ri. According to the official, Washington is considering such measures as unfreezing North Korean assets in the United States and allowing US companies to participate in mining operations in North Korea.
--"U.S. Eyes Easing Sanctions on N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 January 1999
The US, China and the two Koreas hold working level consultations at the UN in New York to prepare for the upcoming fourth round of four-party talks to be held in Geneva on 18-22 January.
--Yonhap News Agency, 6 January 1999, in "Preparatory Meeting Held for Geneva Four-Party Conference on Korea," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 6 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 January 1999
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, condemns the United States, South Korea and Japan for postponing until June 1999 the commencement of construction on the two light water reactors in Kumho-chigu, Shinp'o, and for delaying deliveries of heavy fuel oil. In a veiled threat that North Korea might restart its nuclear program, the Rodong Sinmun warns, "The United States must know that if it fails to do what it should do, while continuing to insult the dialogue partner and resort to pressure on the DPRK, the DPRK, too, will do what it should do."
--"U.S. Anti-DPRK Hostile Moves," Korean Central News Agency, 5 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mi'gug'ui Pulsonhan Pan'gong'hwa'gukhaeng'wi Pinan/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 5 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

6 January 1999
US government officials announce that the United States has recently allocated an additional $12 million necessary to fund the remaining 110,000 metric tons of heavy fuel oil to be sent to North Korea for 1998. [Note: Under the 1994 Agreed Framework, the United States agreed to supply North Korea with 500,000 metric tons of heavy fuel oil annually to meet North Korea's energy needs until the completion of two light water reactors. However, in 1998, the US Congress failed to allocate the funds necessary to meet the US commitment.]
--"U.S. to Pay for Remaining Fuel Oil Owed N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 January 1999
South Korean Defense Minister Ch'on Yong T'aek and his Japanese counterpart Housei Norota meet in Seoul to expand military cooperation to prepare for possible aggression from North Korea. The two defense ministers agree that stability in Northeast Asia requires greater transparency in North Korea's nuclear program. At the meeting, Norota also reiterates Tokyo's threat to suspend all financial contributions to the KEDO light water reactor project if North Korea test launches another long-range missile. [Note: On 31 August 1998, Tokyo suspended all financial support to KEDO after North Korea test fired a rocket over Japanese territory. Tokyo did not lift the freeze on financial contributions until late-October 1998.]
--"South Korea, Japan to Expand Defense Ties over North Korea Threat," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Tokyo Threatens to Withdraw Support for NK Nuclear Project," Korea Times, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Zeno Park, "Japanese Defense Chief Warns Tokyo May Withdraw from Nuclear Project," Agence France Presse, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Song Sang Kun, "Han - Il Kunsa Hotline Kot Kaeson...Yangguk Kukpangjanggwan Hoedam," Donga Ilbo, 8 January 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

7 January 1999
The North Korean Anti-Nuclear Peace Committee issues a statement saying that the United States owes North Korea "tens of billions of dollars" in damages incurred from delays in oil shipments and construction of two light water reactors. The statement adds, "If the US, approaching the Geneva agreement with insincerity, continues to delay implementing it although it promised before the world, the DPRK also has no intention of observing it, suffering only losses."
--"KANPC Indicts U.S. Imperialists for Violating Geneva Agreement," Korean Central News Agency, 7 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Geneva Hab'uijiyonch'aektong'uro Inhan Sonshilbosang'ul Yogu/Chosonbanhaekp'yonghwawi," Korean Central News Agency, 7 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Korean Central News Agency, 7 January 1999, in "North Korean Anti-Nuclear Body Indictment on US "Violation" of Agreed Framework," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 7 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 January 1999
North Korea's Minju Joson says that "the DPRK-US Agreed Framework has been reduced to an empty paper" due to the US failure to live up to its commitments. The paper alleges that the true US intention behind delays in implementing the Agreed Framework and demands to inspect a suspected underground nuclear facility is to weaken North Korea prior to a declaration of war.
--"U.S. Can Not Flee from Responsibility," Korean Central News Agency, 9 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Mi'gug'un Hab'uimunch'aeg'im'eso Choltaero Posonalsu Obta/Minjujoson," Korean Central News Agency, 9 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

11 January 1999
North Korea's Foreign Ministry states that US suspicion of an "underground nuclear facility" is based in "groundless information," and thus, is an insult to North Korea. A ministry spokesman reiterates the demand that if the United States wants to inspect the site, it must pay $300 million in cash. However, if the United States cannot pay in cash, the spokesman says, "it may grant the DPRK economic benefits tantamount to the amount even in any appropriate form." The spokesman adds that if the United States continues to link the issue of the suspected nuclear facility with implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, North Korea "will no longer have any interest in the agreement."
--"U.S. Urged to Pay Dlrs 300 Million for Inspection," Korean Central News Agency, 11 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "3 Okddalla'ui Posanghandamyon Chihashisolbangmunhoyong/Oemusong Taebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 11 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

11 January 1999
Gary Samore, Senior Director for Nonproliferation and Export Controls for the National Security Council, warns that the United States might end food aid to North Korea if it does not allow inspections of a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumchang-ri. Speaking at a seminar on nonproliferation in Washington, Samore says, "We have made it clear to the North it cannot expect to continue to receive the direct and indirect benefits of the Agreed Framework and improve relations with the United States" while denying access to a suspected nuclear facility.
--"U.S. Warns N. Korea Food Aid May End," Japan Economic Newswire, 12 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

11-14 January 1999
US Secretary of Defense William Cohen meets with senior Japanese officials in Tokyo to coordinate policies on North Korea. Cohen tells the Japanese officials and press that the United States has significant evidence that a suspected facility in Kumchang-ri is related to a nuclear program and a one-time inspection would not be sufficient. However, according to Cohen, the United States is committed to resolving the issue diplomatically. On 13 January, Cohen meets with Defense Minister Housei Norota, and the two reaffirm their support for the 1994 Agreed Framework and the KEDO light water reactor project. While in Japan, Cohen comments on the 11 January statement by the North Korean Foreign Ministry that reiterated the demand for $300 million in exchange for access to the Kumchang-ri facility. Cohen rejects the demand, saying, "We are not in the business of giving compensation. What we need to have is some verification."
--"Cohen Arrives in Tokyo for Four-Day Visit," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Defense Secretary Rejects North Korean Compensation Demand," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 12 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., Japanese Defense Chiefs Hold Talks on Security Issues," Xinhua News Agency, 13 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Cohen Says U.S. Does Not Consider Attacking N. Korea," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 13 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 January 1999
A Rodong Sinmun commentary calls on the United States to clarify "its stand about whether it will implement or break the Agreed Framework." The commentary claims that because the United States "has not faithfully implemented any of its commitments...(and) has intentionally delayed or evaded its implementation," North Korea "expects nothing any longer from the Agreed Framework."
--"Nothing Can Be Expected from DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework," Korean Central News Agency, 12 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "To'nun Chomihab'uimun'e Kidaerul Kolsu Obke Toeyotta/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 12 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

12 January 1999
Chang Son Sop, director of South Korea's Office of Planning for the Light-Water Reactor Project, announces that it would be physically impossible to complete the light water reactors by the original target date of 2003. Chang says that due to several events, including the September 1996 incursion of a North Korean submarine into South Korea and North Korea's firing of a rocket over Japan in August 1998, the two light water reactors will not be completed for several years beyond the original target date.
--"Completion of N. Korea N-Reactors to Be Delayed," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 13 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 January 1999
A US State Department official announces that the United States is seeking "multiple inspections" of the suspected nuclear weapons facility under construction in Kumch'ang-ri. The official says that the United States is offering North Korea the opportunity to prove that the facility is not related to a nuclear weapons program, but, the official adds, "we are not going to pay for it." [Note: North Korea has repeatedly offered to allow a one-time inspection of the facility in exchange for $300,000 in cash.]
--"U.S. Refuses Payment for North Korean Nuclear Inspections," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 13 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 January 1999
A KEDO official announces that due to difficulty in collecting funds, full-scale construction of the two light water reactors will not begin on 15 January as scheduled. Instead, construction is scheduled to begin five months later on 15 June.
--KBS Radio (Seoul), 14 January 1999, in "KEDO Organization to Delay North Reactor Construction," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 16 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 January 1999
A source close to the US-North Korean bilateral negotiations on a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri, says that the 1994 Agreed Framework contains a secret supplementary memorandum by which North Korea agrees to forgo any future construction of additional graphite-moderated nuclear reactors. However, according to the source, the supplementary memorandum contains no language on inspections to resolve suspicions should they arise.
--Kyodo News Service, 14 January 1999, in "North Korea Said to Have Pledged to Stop Work on Graphite-Moderated Reactors," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 15 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 January 1999
The Korean Central News Agency reports that the Agreed Framework "has already reached such an extent as it may break up of its own accord due to the US hypocritical and double-dealing attitude." The report also condemns as "impudent utterances" Gary Samore's 11 January statement that the United States may suspend food aid to North Korea if it does not allow access to the suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. Samore's statement, the report says, creates "serious threats to the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula in wanton violation of the DPRK-US Agreed Framework."
--"Sophism Reversing Black and White," Korean Central News Agency, 14 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Midaet'ongnyongt'ukpyolbojwa'gwan'ui <sach'alhoyong> Pal'onbinan/Chosonjung'angt'ongshin," Korean Central News Agency, 14 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

14-16 January 1999
US Secretary of Defense William Cohen meets with South Korean officials in Seoul to coordinate policies on North Korea. Cohen and Defense Minister Ch'on Yong T'aek issue a joint statement in which they state that "combined defense readiness should be steadfastly maintained against a wide range of possible threats" from North Korea. The two defense ministers also demanded full access to a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. At a joint press conference with Chun, Cohen says that while there is no conclusive evidence that the site is related to a clandestine nuclear weapons program, "we believe there is sufficient evidence for us to be suspicious, and the suspicions must be addressed." Chun adds that Seoul and Washington will take joint action if conclusive evidence is found that the Kumch'ang-ri facility is nuclear related.
--Pauline Jelinek, "U.S. Korea Vow Closer Military Ties against North Korean 'Threats,'" Associated Press, 14 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Seoul, Washington Ask for Full Access to Suspected DPRK Nuke Site," Xinhua News Agency, 15 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

16-17 January 1999
The US and North Korea hold closed-door negotiations in Geneva on a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The delegations are headed by Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minster Kim Kye Kwan. Following the first day of talks, Kim tells reporters that neither side had budged from its original position. After the second day of talks, neither delegation comments on details of the negotiations, but a spokesman for the North Korean mission to the UN announces that the two sides will meet again on 23 January. [Note: North Korea, insisting that the site is a civilian facility, has repeatedly offered to grant a one-time inspection in exchange for $300,000, but the United States has demanded unconditional multiple inspections of the facility. After the talks, reports surface saying that North Korea offered access to the site in exchange for 1 million tons of food aid.]
--Janet Lawrence, "US, North Korean in Talks on Suspected Nuclear Site," Agence France Presse, 16 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Elizabeth Olson, "North Korea and U.S. Meet on Inspection of Atom Plant," New York Times, 17 January 1999, p. A4, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., N Korea End Nuclear Talks: To Resume Discussion Jan 23," Agence France Presse, 17 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "US, NK End Nuke Talks with Little Sign of Progress," Korea Times, 18 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea Asks U.S. for 1 Mil. Tons of Food Aid," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 January 1999
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura announces that Tokyo "will find it difficult to win public support for KEDO financing without Pyongyang allaying suspicions over the underground nuclear site" in Kumch'ang-ri.
--Kyodo News Service, 18 January 1999, in "Japan: Foreign Minister Ties North Korean Reactor Funding to Inspections," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 18 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 January 1999
North Korea denounces the statements by US Secretary of Defense William Cohen, on a recent visit to Seoul, that the United States would provide a nuclear umbrella to South Korea in the case of war with the North. A commentary carried on the Korean Central News Agency, says that if Cohen's comments were meant as a threat, "the US hawks should know that if they think they can survive a nuclear war on the Korean Peninsula kindled by them, it would be a serious mistake."
--"What Does Cohen's Trip Show," Korean Central News Agency, 19 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Cohen'ui Haenggag'un Muos'ul Poyoju'nun'ga/Chosonjungangt'ongshin," Korean Central News Agency, 19 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

19-22 January 1999
Representatives from the United States, China and the two Koreas meet in Geneva for the fourth round of four-party peace talks aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty. For the first time the four parties meet in two earlier established subcommittees, one to address facilitating a lasting peace between the two Koreas, and the other to address reducing tension on the peninsula. The talks make little progress as North Korea reportedly renews its demand for the withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea. The four parties agree to resume talks in mid-April.
--"Korea Peninsular Talks Go into 4th Round amid Pessimism," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 19 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Geir Moulson, "Korea Negotiators Make Steady Start to Latest Peace Talks," Associated Press, 19 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Janet Lawrence, "Korean Peace Talks in Final Day, Little Sign of Progress," Agence France Presse, 22 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

19-23 January 1999
Representatives from North Korea and KEDO meet in Hyangsan, North Korea for talks on a protocol detailing the procedure for training North Korean technicians on light water reactor operations.
--"North Koreans, KEDO Open Talks on Nuclear Reactors," Agence France Press, 19 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kim Ch'ang Hyok, "Pukkyongsuro Illyok Han'gukso Yonsu...KEDO Wa Uijongsoch'egyol Hyopsang," Donga Ilbo, 19 January 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

22 January 1999
A North Korean Foreign Ministry official says that "the second Korean war will be a nuclear war," and, the official adds, North Korea, "which has been living under a nuclear threat from the United States for decades, is completely ready for nuclear war." The ministry official stresses that "if there is no avoiding hostilities, and North Korea is forced to take reply measures against America's aggression, the North Korean republic is bound to win."
--Alexander Valiyev, "North Korea Ready for Nuclear War -- Official," ITAR-TASS, 22 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

23 January 1999
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, warns of "nuclear holocaust" if the United States attacks North Korea with nuclear weapons. The paper says, "The United States, which dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, has not yet been hit by a single shell over the past five decades or so." "But the situation is different now," the commentary adds, "If the United States attempts to inflict a nuclear holocaust on the DPRK, its mainland will never be left unharmed, either."
--"DPRK Is Not Fearful of Nuclear Showdown," Korean Central News Agency, 23 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Konghwa'gug'un Haektae'gyoldo Tuyowohaji Anh'nunda/RodongShinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 23 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

23-24 January 1999
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, and North Korean Vice Foreign Minster Kim Kye Kwan resume talks in Geneva on a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. While both Kartman and Kim refuse to comment on the substance of the talks, sources close to the negotiations report that North Korea has withdrawn its earlier demand of $300 million in exchange for a one-time inspection, instead demanding that the United States provide one million tons in food aid. However, while the United States has reportedly expressed a willingness to provide additional food aid and ease economic sanctions if North Korea allows access to the suspected facility, it continues to insist that any agreement must guarantee multiple inspections. The two sides fail to reach an agreement on inspecting the site, but they agree to continue talks at a later date. [Note: Various unverified reports, commenting on details of the negotiations, surface in early February. According to a 4 February Asahi Shimbun report, North Korea offers to allow two "visits" to the site; however, the "visits" reportedly would not entail close inspections. Another 4 February report from Kyodo News Service quotes an anonymous source close to the negotiations as saying that the North Korean delegation suggests that the United States and North Korea establish a joint company at the disputed Kumch'ang-ri site. In such a case, the North Korean delegation reportedly says, the United States would be free to inspect the site whenever it wanted.]
--"U.S.-N. Korea Talks Resume, Focus on U.S. Measure," Japan Economic Newswire, 23 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S.-N. Korea Talks End in Geneva without Agreement," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Alexander G. Higgins, "U.S., North Korea End Nuclear Talks, Agree to Meet Again," Associated Press, 24 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Offers N. Korea Food for Site Inspections," Japan Economic Newswire, 4 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Takashi Uemura, "North Korea Offers U.S. 2 'Visits' for Food," Asahi News Service, 4 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea Calls for Company with U.S. at Suspected Site," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 January 1999
Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi calls on North Korea to allow international inspections of a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri.
--Anatoli Krasnov, "Japan Asks North Korea for Inspection of Underground Project," ITAR-TASS, 25 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 January 1999
Representatives from the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the EU hold a KEDO executive board meeting in News York.
--"KEDO Ambassadors Gathering in N.Y. Wed.," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 26 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 January 1999
Commenting on a recent meeting between American and North Korean officials to discuss US access to Kumch'ang-ri, a North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman says, "The US...hinted that it affirmatively (is) taking into account the DPRK's demand for compensation." [Note: Sources close to the 23-24 January negotiations reported that North Korea withdrew its earlier demand of $300 million in exchange for a one-time inspection, instead demanding that the United States provide one million tons in food aid. However, while the United States reportedly expressed a willingness to provide additional food aid and ease economic sanctions if North Korea allows access to the suspected facility, it continues to insist that any agreement must guarantee multiple inspections.]
--"No Change in DPRK's Position at Underground Facility Negotiations," Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Oemusongdaebyon'in Chomijihashisolhyopsang, <4 Chahoedam> Kwa Kwallyonhayo Tamhwa," Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Alexander G. Higgins, "U.S., North Korea End Nuclear Talks, Agree to Meet Again," Associated Press, 24 January 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 January 1999
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, accuses the United States of having no intention to fulfill its obligation under the 1994 Agreed Framework. According to the paper, the United States "had no intention to implement the Agreed Framework when it adopted it with the DPRK. It foolishly thought that the DPRK might collapse before parts of the light water reactors are provided to the DPRK." The daily continues to say that "if the US wants to break the Agreed Framework, we will not be confined only to it but will freely develop the independent power industry."
--Violated Principle of Simultaneous Action," Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mushidanghan Chomihabuimullihaengdongshihaengdongwonch'ik/
Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

1 February 1999
Washington reiterates its demand that North Korea allow multiple inspections of a suspected nuclear weapons facility in Kumch'ang-ri. Commenting on the stalled bilateral talks to address the issue, State Department spokesman James Rubin says, "We've made clear that we need multiple site access to the Kumch'ang-ri facility in order to resolve our concerns."
--"U.S. Seeks Multiple Inspections of N. Korea Site," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 February 1999
US Central Intelligence Agency Director George Tenet tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that the North Korean military "has become more volatile and unpredictable." He adds that the current situation "will encourage the North to rely more heavily on risky brinkmanship in its dealings with the United States."
--"Prepared Statement of George J. Tenet Director of Central Intelligence Before the Senate Armed Services Committee," Federal News Service, 2 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 February 1999
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka announces that Japan will halt all financial contributions to KEDO if North Korea test fires another long-rang missile. [Note: On 31 August 1998, Japan temporarily froze contributions to KEDO after North Korea fired a rocket over its territory. Tokyo did not resume contributions to KEDO until late October.]
--"Japan Not to Fund KEDO If N. Korea Fires Missile: Nonaka," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 4 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

6-10 February 1999
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, meets with senior South Korean officials in Seoul to discuss progress in the four-party peace talks and US desire to gain access to North Korea's suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. On 9 February, Kartman meets with Kwon Chong Rak, director general for the North American Affairs Bureau of the South Korean Foreign Ministry, and Terusuke Terada, Japanese special envoy for Korean affairs, to coordinate US, South Korean and Japanese policies on various North Korean issues including the suspect Kumch'ang-ri facility, implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework, and the possibility of another North Korean missile test. According to a government official in Seoul, Kartman informs Kwon and Terada that the United States will not ease economic sanctions against North Korea until Pyongyang allows inspection of the Kumch'ang-ri site. Terada also reportedly says that Japan will not send additional food aid to North Korea until suspicions about the site are erased.
--"U.S. Envoy Kartman Due in Seoul Today in N. Korean Site," Korea Herald, 6 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "S. Korea, U.S., Japan to Hold Talks Tues. on N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "3-Way Talks on Underground Site to Open Today," Korea Times, 8 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "US, S Korea and Japan Begin Talks over N Korea's Nuclear Site," Agence France Presse, 8 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Lim Yun-Suk, "US likely to Lift Sanctions on N Korea if Nuclear Suspicions Cleared," Agence France Presse, 9 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kim Ch'ang Hyok, "Hanmiil Taebukchongch'aekhyop, Puk Missile Okche Kinmilhyob'ui," Donga Ilbo, 10 February 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

8 February 1999
US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott meets with Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shunji Yanai in Washington and urges Japan to pay its pledged $1 billion to KEDO as soon as possible.
--"U.S. Asks Japan to Pay KEDO as Early as Possible," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 February 1999
The Czech Republic becomes a member of KEDO.
--"About Us: Member Nations," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, www.kedo.org/au_members.asp.

9 February 1999
The Korea Times, quoting a South Korean government official, reports that the United States is prepared to offer North Korea up to 500,000 tons in additional food aid in exchange for access to a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The report claims that Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, revealed the offer in a three-way meeting with senior South Korean and Japanese officials in Seoul earlier in the day. Later in the day, a US State Department spokesman James Rubin denies the report, saying, "Our policy is to provide food on a humanitarian basis and we do not link it to other issues...We are not prepared to pay for access to the site."
--"US Moves to Offer 500,000 Tons of Grain to NK This Year," Korea Times, 9 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Denies Food-for-Access Deal with DPRK," Xinhua News Agency, 9 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "James Rubin Hold State Department New Briefing," Federal Document Clearing House Political Transcripts, 9 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

9-13 February 1999
Representatives from KEDO and North Korea meet in Hyangsan, North Korea to discuss various issues related to the implementation of the KEDO light water reactor project.
--"High-Level Meeting between KEDO and North Korea over Nuclear Reactors," Agence France Presse, 8 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "KEDO-Puk Kyongsurogwallyonhyobui," Hangyoreh Shinmun, 9 February 1999, p. 4, in KINDS, web.lexis-nexis.com.

10-11 February 1999
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura visits South Korea to discuss North Korea's suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. While in Seoul, Komura meets with President Kim Dae Jung and Foreign Minister Hong Sun Yong. Speaking to reporters after his two-day visit, Komura reiterates that Japan will not resume food aid to North Korea until Pyongyang resolves suspicions about the suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. Komura also states that Japan will once again freeze financial contributions to KEDO if North Korea tests another long-range missile. [Note: On 31 August 1998, Japan temporarily froze contributions to KEDO after North Korea fired a rocket over its territory. Tokyo resumed contributions to KEDO in late-October.]
--Kyodo News Service, 11 February 1999, in "Japanese Minister Reiterates Condition for Resuming Food Aid to North Korea," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 11 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "South Korean, Japanese Foreign Ministers Discuss North Korea," Agence France Presse, 11 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kang In Tok, "Han · Il Oemuhoedam Taebukkwangye Nonui," Kukmin Ilbo, p. 2, in KINDS, web.lexis-nexis.com.

10-11 February 1999
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, consults with Chinese officials in Beijing on the progress of the four-party peace talks and North Korea's suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri.
--"U.S. Envoy Discuss North Korea with Chinese Diplomats," Associated Press, 11 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

13 February 1999
Kyodo News Service, quoting US government sources, reports that Japan's Finance Ministry has insisted on loan guarantees for the $1 billion Japan has pledged to KEDO. The ministry's insistence on loan guarantees has reportedly slowed down negotiations between KEDO executive board members on financing the light water reactor project.
--Kyodo News Service, 13 February 1999, in "Kyodo: Talks Face Difficulties Over North Korea Loan," FBIS Document FTS19990213000265, 13 February 1999.

21 February 1999
The Tokyo Shimbun, quoting a KEDO source, reports that the KEDO light water reactor project will not be completed until at least 2007. According to the source, delays are mainly due to stalled negotiations between KEDO executive board members on financing the project.
--Tokyo Shimbun, 21 February 1999, p. 1, in "KEDO Source: No Completion of DPRK Reactors until 2007," FBIS Document FTS19990222000719, 22 February 1999.

24-25 February 1999
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright tells the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 24 February and the House International Relations Committee on 25 February that US-North Korean relations will not improve until Pyongyang resolves suspicions over a suspected underground nuclear weapons facility in Kumch'ang-ri.
--"Testimony February 24, 1999 Madeline Albright Secretary Senate Foreign Relations F2000 Foreign Relations Budget Proposal," Federal Document Clearing House Congressional Testimony, 24 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Secretary of State Madeline Albright Testifies Before the House International Relations Committee on Budget Issues," Federal Document Clearing House Political Transcripts, 25 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 February 1999
The North Korean Foreign Ministry, responding to recent reports that the KEDO light water reactor project will not be completed until at least 2007, says that if such reports are true, "it means the US side's violation of the DPRK-USA Agreed Framework and...accordingly, it cannot but give rise to serious matters." In this regard the ministry calls on the US to clarify its stand on the light water reactor project, so that North Korea can "make relevant decisions according to it."
--"USA Urged to Make Clear Position," Korean Central News Agency, 25 February 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Kyongsurodaesanggonsollipchang'ul Mi'gukch'ug'e Ch'okku/Oemusogdaebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 25 February 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

27 February 1999
According to a 28 February report in the Daily Yomiuri, US government sources say that the United States is prepared to extend direct food aid to North Korea in exchange for multiple inspections of a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The government source reportedly says that the 100,000 tons of grain would be sent in April and an additional 100,000 would be sent again in July. These proposed food shipments would be sent directly to Pyongyang without going through the usual channel of the UN World Food Program.
--Takashi Sakamoto, "U.S. to Send Food Aid Directly to N. Korea," Daily Yomiuri, 28 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

27 February - 15 March 1999
The United States and North Korea meet in New York for the fourth round of talks on a suspected North Korean nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The US and North Korean delegations are once again respectively headed by Charles Kartman, special envoy for Korean affairs, and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan. According to sources close to the talks, the main point under negotiation is the amount of food aid to be provided by the United States in exchange for access to the suspected site. On 6 March, the two sides hit a stalemate, because, according to Kim, "the US side is making excessive demands which go far beyond the scope of clarifying suspicions (over the Kumch'ang-ri site)." The two sides resume negotiation on 8 March after consultations with their capitols. On 10 March, the two sides break again for consultations with their capitols. On 11 March the two delegations resume negotiations, and US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that "there has been some progress, some headway." Despite the early setbacks, on 15 March the two sides reach an agreement, and on the following day issue a joint statement in which North Korea agrees to provide the United States with "satisfactory access to the site at Kumch'ang-ri," including multiple "visits to remove US concerns about the site's future use. The US agrees "to take a step to improve political and economic relations between the two countries." While the joint statement does not mention the specifics of the agreement, on 16 March US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that the United States has agreed to take part in a bilateral agricultural project to improve North Korea's potato production. However, Rubin stresses that any agricultural assistance or increased food aid is for humanitarian reasons and should not be viewed as compensation for access to the Kumch'ang-ri site.
-- "US, North Korea Resume Talks on Nuclear Inspections," Agence France Presse, 27 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., N Korea Remain Split over Amount of Food Aid," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "NK-US Talks Stall on US Inspection of Suspected Nuclear Site," Korea Times, 7 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency, 7 March 1999, in "North Korea-USA Talks End Seventh Day without Agreement," 8 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Says Progress Made in U.S.-DPRK Talks," Xinhua News Agency, 11 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Full Text of U.S.-N. Korea Joint Press Statement," Japan Economic Newswire, 16 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Says DPRK Agrees to Access to Kumchang-ri Site," Xinhua News Agency, 16 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 March 1999
US officials announce that Washington has agreed to Tokyo's demand that KEDO provide loan guarantees for the $1 billion it has pledged to the consortium. [Note: In mid-February, Japan's Finance Ministry, fearing that North Korea would default on the loan, insisted on guarantees for the $1 billion. The ministry's insistence on loan guarantees slowed down negotiations between KEDO executive board members on financing the light water reactor project.]
--Takaaki Mizuno, "U.S. Gives in to Japan on KEDO," Asahi News Service, 3 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Japan-KEDO Talks Face Difficulties over N. Korean Loan," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 February 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

Early March 1999
According to a 10 March report by the Yonhap News Agency, US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director Patrick Hughes meets with South Korean intelligence officials in Seoul. Yonhap quotes an intelligence source as saying, "(Hughes') trip this time was very meaningful." [Note: The DIA has reportedly conducted intensive reconnaissance work on North Korea's suspected nuclear and missile facilities.]
--Yonhap News Agency, 10 March 1999, in "DIA Director Reportedly Visited ROK Secretly before Perry," FBIS Document FTS19990310000046, 10 March 1999; "Mi Kukpangjongbo'bonbujang Pang'han," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 11 March 1999, p. 3, in KINDS, web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 March 1999
US President Bill Clinton issues a presidential determination, which is subsequently submitted to Congress on 5 March, verifying that "North Korea is complying with all provisions of the Agreed Framework and with the confidential minute between North Korea and the United States." Clinton also states that "North Korea is cooperating fully in the canning and safe storage of all spent nuclear fuel from its graphite-moderated nuclear reactors." [Note: On 20 October 1998, Congress passed a budget for fiscal year 1999 allocating $35 million for heavy fuel oil deliveries to North Korea. However, the budget stipulated the funds would not be allocated until 1 March 1999, and no more than $15 million would be allocated before 1 June 1999. Thirty days prior to each date, President Clinton must certify that North Korea is taking steps to implement the 1994 Agreed Framework and is no longer exporting ballistic missiles. Congress also specifies that "30 days before the June deadline, the White House must certify that it has reached an agreement with North Korea on the means for satisfying US concerns regarding suspect underground construction."]
-- Presidential Determination No. 99-16, The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 5 March 1999; "Clinton Wants 15 Mil Dlrs Disbursed for KEDO," Japan Economic Newswire, 5 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

8 March 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, travels to Seoul and meets with President Kim Dae Jung, Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Hong Sun Yong and Im Dong Won, senior presidential secretary for foreign affairs and national security. Perry, who for the past few months has been writing a review of Washington's policy on North Korea, discusses the differences between Washington's and Seoul's approach to addressing concerns arising from North Korea. After meeting Perry, Hong announces that the two sides agreed to "solve North Korea's nuclear and missile issues within the framework of Seoul's engagement policy."
--"Perry to Coordinate NK Policy with Seoul Officials," Korea Times, 8 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Seoul, Washington to Continue "Sunshine Policy" Toward DPRK," Xinhua News Agency, 9 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 9 March 1999, in "South Korea, USA Discuss Outlook If Package Solution to North Fails," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 9 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

9-13 March 1999
An IAEA delegation meets with North Korean officials in Pyongyang to negotiate over access to information necessary to determine the completeness and correctness of North Korea's initial declaration of nuclear material. After the talks, IAEA delegation head Demetrius Perrikos says that "nothing serious has happened" at the talks.
--"Delegation of International Atomic Energy Agency Arrives," Korean Central News Agency, 9 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Alexander Valiyev, "IAEA Delegation Leaves North Korea for Beijing," ITAR-TASS, 13 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 March 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, meets with senior Japanese officials in Tokyo to coordinate US and Japanese policies on North Korea. Speaking to reporters after meetings with Prime Minster Keizo Obuchi, Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura, Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka and Defense Agency Director General Hosei Norota, Perry says that "any successful policy toward North Korea must be a closely coordinated joint effort of the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea."
--Shingo Ito, "US, Japan Agree for United Front against North Korean Threat," Agence France Presse, 10 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 March 1999
The Washington Times, citing a Department of Energy (DOE) intelligence report, reports that North Korea is currently pursuing uranium enrichment technology to be used in a nuclear weapons program. According to the DOE report, North Korea's Taesong Yushin Trading Company recently ordered two frequency converters from a Japanese company. Frequency converters provide a special electric current for gas centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. The intelligence report adds, "On the basis of Pakistan's progress with a similar technology, we estimate that North Korea is at least six years from the production of highly enriched uranium, even if it has a viable centrifuge design." "On the other hand," the report notes, "with significant technical support from other countries, such as Pakistan, the time frame would be decreased by several years." Given North Korea's support of Pakistan's missile program, the report claims that Pakistan, which obtained uranium enrichment technology from China in 1996, could very well assist North Korea in its pursuit of uranium enrichment technology. US State Department spokesman James Rubin, speaking to reporters later in the day, says that while he cannot comment on specifics of the report, Washington remains concerned about North Korea's "intentions regarding nuclear weapons, including the possibility that North Korea may be seeking uranium enrichment technology." [Note: While the transfer of the frequency converters is not confirmed, on 8 May 2003, Tokyo police raid Meishin, a Japanese company run by pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan, for reportedly exporting frequency converters to North Korea.]
--Bill Gertz, "Pyongyang Working to Make Fuel for Nukes," Washington Times, 11 March 1999, p.A1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Concerned about Nuke Moves by N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; John Larkin and Donald Macintyre, "Arsenal of the Axis: North Korea Already Supplies Missiles to Rogue States. Now It Poses a New Threat: Nuclear Proliferation," Time Asia, 14 July 2003, vol. 162, no. 1, www.time.com/time/asia;.

11 March 1999
Former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, speaking to reporters at the Brookings Institute, says that North Korea's suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri does not pose an immediate threat since it would take three to five year to produce a nuclear weapon there. However, Perry adds, North Korea "seem(s) the have other programs under way which are part of the nuclear weapons program." [Note: Perry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the US policy toward North Korea.]
--Robert Burns, "Former Pentagon Chief Sees Possible 'Sterner Measures' against North Korea," Associated Press, 11 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Elizabeth Becker, "Clinton Advisor Says North Korea Is Advancing Its Nuclear Program," New York Times, 12 March 1999, p. A11, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 March 1999
Pakistan categorically denies that it has assisted North Korea in obtaining uranium enrichment technology. Tariq Altaf, acting spokesman for Pakistan's Foreign Office, denounces as "false and tendentious" a Washington Times report on 11 March that suggests Pakistan might be assisting North Korea with uranium enrichment in return for North Korea's past support of Pakistan's missile program. The spokesman reiterates Pakistan's policy not to export sensitive nuclear technology to any other country.
--"Pakistan Denies Nuke Cooperation with DPRK," Xinhua News Agency, 12 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Pakistan Denies Nuclear Cooperation with N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 March 1999
The Joongang Ilbo, quoting a South Korean government official, reports that North Korea is removing evidence from the suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri in anticipation of a US inspection. The Seoul official says, "The USA, which has been watching the Kumch'ang-ri site, confirmed that trucks carrying construction equipment are frequently coming in and going out of this facility. This is judged as the North carrying out engineering works to remove evidence from the suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri, which has been under construction for several years." The official adds, "The US government recently informed our government of such movements. These movements seem to be a measure to prepare for the possible opening of the Kumch'ang-ri facility on case an agreement is reached at the New York talks."
--Chungang Ilbo, 12 March 1999, in "DPRK Suspected of 'Removing Evidence' from Kumch'ang-ri," FBIS Document FTS19990313000168; Kim Min Sok and O yong Hwan, "Puk Haekuihokshiol Sach'aldaebi Chunggoobsaegi Kongsa Chinhaengjung," Joongang Ilbo, 13 March 1999, p. 1, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr.

13 March 1999
An official in South Korea's Planning Office for the North Korean Light-Water Reactor Project says that the canning of the spent-fuel rods from the 5MW(e) nuclear reactor in Yongbyon-kun will be complete sometime in May or June 1999.
--Chungang Ilbo, 13 March 1999, in "Article Notes Sealing of Fuel Rods Expected to End Soon," FBIS Document ID: FTS19990314000166, 13 March 1999.

18 March 1999
Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi tells the Diet that Japan should be allowed to inspect the suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri in North Korea since it has pledged $1 billion to the KEDO light water reactor project. "If Japan can check (the suspected site) for itself, it will find it easier to solicit cooperation from the Japanese people," Obuchi says, "Japan should check how plutonium development is under way (in North Korea) before it pays for the light water reactors."
--Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 18 March 1999, in "Japanese Premier Wants Tokyo to Join US Visits to Suspected Nuclear Facility," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 20 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Obuchi: Japan Should Join North Korean Inspections," Mainichi Daily News, 19 March 1999, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Shigemi Sato, "Japan Presses to Join North Korean Underground Site Inspection," Agence France Presse, 18 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 March 1999
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman says that while North Korea will allow the United States access to a suspected site in Kumch'ang-ri for an "inspection fee," North Korea "will take a determined countermeasure if the US raises suspicion of any other [facility]."
--"4th DPRK-U.S. Underground Facility Negotiations," Korean Central News Agency, 18 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Chomihyopsang Kwallyonhan Oemusongdaebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 18 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

18 March 1999
The Yomiuri Shimbun, quoting a source familiar with US intelligence on North Korea's nuclear developments, reports that the Kumch'ang-ri facility is not the only underground facility under construction in North Korea with suspected ties to a clandestine nuclear weapons program. The source claims that US intelligence has confirmed the construction of two large underground facilities in Chagang Province. According to the source, US intelligence has monitored many scientific and technical experts traveling to and from one of the Chagang Province facilities, leading them to believe the facility is to be used for nuclear tests. The other facility has reportedly been repeatedly visited by many North Korean military experts. The other two suspected underground facilities are located in an area known as "Ha'gap" and a location between T'aech'on-kun and Kusong in North P'yong'an Province. [Note: The second location is probably located in Kump'ung-ri (???), Kusong (???), North P'yon'an Province.]
--Chiharu Mori, Yomiuri Shimbun (Tokyo), 18 March 1999, p. 2, in "'Source' Notes US Suspects 4 More DPRK Nuclear Facilities," FBIS Document FTS19990318000499, 18 March 1999; Kim Kwang Hyon, "Pukhan HAekshisol 4 Kunde Uihok...Yomiuri Podo," Kukmin Ilbo, 19 March 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr.

18 March 1999
South Korean Foreign Minister Hong Sun Yong calls on Japan and the United States to extend diplomatic recognition to North Korea. Hong says that the agreement is "just the beginning of the process of confirming whether or not North Korea has a nuclear program."
--Don Kirk, "Korea Accord Applauded: Seoul Is Delighted by U.S. Deal With the North," International Herald Tribune (Paris), 18 March 1999, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 March 1999
The Korean Central News Agency denounces recent allegations that North Korea is seeking uranium enrichment technology from Japan and Pakistan. The news agency calls the reports "a whopping lie which was invented out of an ulterior intention to charge the DPRK with violating the DPRK-USA Agreed Framework of 1994 at any cost and put pressure upon it." [Note: According to a classified DOE report quoted in the 11 March issue of the Washington Times, North Korea's Taesong Yushin Trading Company recently ordered two frequency converters for a Japanese company. Frequency converters have applications in gas centrifuges for uranium enrichment.]
--"KCNA on U.S. Ill-Intentioned False Propaganda," Korean Central News Agency, 19 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Kom'un Sokshim'eso Kku'myo'naen Kojitsonjon/Chosonjung'angt'ongshin," Korean Central News Agency, 19 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Bill Gertz, "Pyongyang Working to Make Fuel for Nukes," Washington Times, 11 March 1999, p.A1, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

19-21 March 1999
Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi meets with South Korean President Kim Dae Jung in Seoul to coordinate policy on North Korea. Obuchi and Kim state that they intend to fully cooperate with the United States in their future dealings with North Korea.
--Sang Hun Choe, "Leaders of Japan, South Korea Urge North Korea to Work for Peace," Associated Press, 20 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Obuchi Backs Kim's Engagement Policy," Korea Times, 21 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

22 March 1999
US State Department spokesman James Foley announces that the United States will send an additional 100,000 metric tons of corn and corn-soy blend to North Korea through the UN World Food Program. Foley denies any link to the increased food aid to North Korea's recent agreement to allow the United States to inspect a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. [Note: In 1998, the United States sent 500,000 tons of food aid to North Korea, and the recent addition brings the 1999 total to 200,000 tons.]
--"State Department Regular Briefing," Federal News Service, 22 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "US to Give 100,000 tonnes of food aid to North Korea," Agence France Presse, 22 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Reuters, "U.S. Details Food Aid Plan for North Korea," New York Times, 23 March 1999, p. A11, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 March 1999
An IAEA official reports that critical parts of the North Korean 50MW(e) nuclear reactor in Yongbyon-kun have been missing since 1994 when IAEA inspectors first arrived at the site. The parts, vital for controlling nuclear reactions in the reactor's graphite core, could be used to construct another nuclear reactor. According to the official, the IAEA has repeatedly asked North Korea to clear up the issue in multiple bilateral meetings. Originally, North Korea denied it had ever built the critical reactor parts, but in subsequent meetings, according to the IAEA official, North Korea said, "it was checking into the missing parts."
--Stewart Stogel and Ben Barber, "Parts Missing in N. Korea Reactor; State Officials Knew About the Disappearance, Kept Mum," Washington Times, 24 March 1999, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 March 1999
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka says that the recent incursion of a North Korean spy vessel into Japanese territorial waters will not affect Japan's commitment to the KEDO light water reactor project. Nonaka says that Japan "must separate this matter, since the assistance to KEDO is the scheme that includes the IAEA's inspection of a suspected North Korean nuclear facility."
--Shino Yuasa, "Japan to Keep Spy Boat Case Separate from N Korea Nuclear Talks," Agence France Presse, 25 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 March 1999
US North Korean Policy Coordinator William Perry confirms that his upcoming report to the Clinton administration will not include "time limits" for when the United States should consider alternatives to diplomatic engagement with North Korea. He says, "I believe military confrontation is so serious, we should exhaust every diplomatic measure." [Note: Since December 1998, Perry has been writing a comprehensive review of the US policy on North Korea.]
--Son Key-young, "No Time Limits' for Engagement Policy: Perry," Korea Times (Seoul), 26 March 1999, www.koreatimes.co.kr; "US Report on N Korea to Be Finished Later Than Expected," Agence France Presse, 26 March 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 March 1999
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, rebukes Japan's request to inspect a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. A commentary printed in the paper claims that the issue of the Kumch'ang-ri site is between only the United States and North Korea. The commentary adds that Japan's request to participate in the "inspections" illustrates an ignorance of the agreement since the United States will not conduct an "inspection." Rather, the commentary points out, North Korea has granted the United States permission to "visit" the facility. The commentary also claims that North Korea will not care if the agreement is abandoned, adding that implementation "wholly depends on the US side." [Note: On 18 March, Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said that Japan should be allowed to inspect the Kumch'ang-ri site for itself since it is funding $1 billion of the KEDO light water reactor project.]
--"Preposterous Remarks of Dishonest Elements," Korean Central News Agency, 30 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Olbbajin Ilbon'ui <Sach'al'uihyang>Sori/Rodongshunmun," Korean Central News Agency, 30 March 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

30 March-3 April 1999
A team of seven US officials and nuclear experts, headed by Joel Wit of the US State Department Korea Desk, travels to Pyongyang to negotiate the itinerary and scope of agreed upon access to a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The experts fail to resolve the scope of US access to the site and agree to meet again soon to conclude negotiations.
--Yonhap News Agency, 1 April 1999, in "USA, North Korea Negotiate Access to Suspected Nuclear Facility in North," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 1 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "DPRK, U.S> Discuss Details on Visiting Underground Facility," Xinhua News Agency, 5 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "US and N. Korea Discuss Technical Issues on Nuclear Inspection," Agence France Presse, 5 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea, U.S. Fail to Reach Terms on Access to Site," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

7-18 April 1999
Representatives from North Korea and KEDO meet in New York for the second round of talks on the training of North Korean engineers to operate the two light water reactors to be built in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp'o.
--Yonhap News Agency, 8 April 1999, in "North Korea and Nuclear Development Body Begin Second Round of Talks," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 8 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kim yong Shik, "KEDO Chiphaengisahoe Kaech'oe," Segye Ilbo, 5 April 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr.

3 April 1999
A Rodong Sinmun commentary says that nuclear war with the United States is imminent. The editorial says that "belligerent relations between the DPRK and USA cannot be avoided because the USA is getting frantic in their moves to stifle the DPRK through a nuclear war." The commentary adds that if the United States chooses to use nuclear weapons, North Korea "will have no alternative but to take a countermeasure against it. In that case, the United States will be held wholly responsible for all consequences."
--"Bellicose Remarks of U.S. War Hawks," Korean Central News Agency, 3 April 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mi'gug'i Tobalharyo'nun Che 2 Ui Chosonch'imnryakchonjaeng'un Haekchonjaeng/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 3 April 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

7 April 1999
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka reiterates Japan's pledge to support the KEDO light water reactor project despite the incursion of two North Korea spy vessels into its territorial waters in March.
--"Japan to Honour Nuclear Deal with North Korea Despite Spy Ship Incident," Agence France Presse, 7 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

Early April 1999
The KEDO Executive Board meets in New York to discuss loan guarantees for the $4.6 billion project. The United States, EU, South Korea, and Japan reportedly agree that contracts with KEDO should include the consortium's guarantee to pay back the loans if North Korea defaults. However, the United States reportedly demands assurance that it would not assume responsibility for paying back the loans even though it is a KEDO board member.
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 14 April 1999, in "South Korea, USA, Japan Fail to Agree on Recovering North's Reactor Costs," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 April 1999
Chang Yong Shik, president of KEPCO, the primary contractor of the KEDO light water reactor project, tells reporters in Japan that the reactors to be constructed in North Korea should never use mixed oxide fuel (MOX), a mixture of uranium and plutonium.
--"South Korean Rules Out Plutonium at N. Korea's KEDO Reactors," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 12 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 April 1999
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura and IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei meet in Tokyo and reaffirm their support for the KEDO light water reactor project. Komura says that Japan intends to continue its support of KEDO because "the KEDO framework is the most realistic and effective way now to stop the North from developing nuclear weapons."
--"IAEA, Japan Agree to Promote Nuke Program in N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

15 April 1999
Japan ruling Liberal Democratic Party agrees to support Tokyo's plan to provide $1 billion to KEDO.
--Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 15 April 1999, in "Japan: Ruling Party to Sign Contract on Nuclear Reactors to North Korea," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 15 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

23-28 April 1999
Representatives from the United States and North Korea meet in Geneva to finalize the terms of US access to a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The US and North Korean delegations, headed respectively by Charles Kartman, special envoy for Korean affairs, and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan, meet before the scheduled four-party peace talks, but after failing to reach an agreement, the two sides continue to meet on the sidelines for the duration of the talks. On 28 April, a source close to the talks reports that the two sides agree that a US delegation, comprising approximately 15 experts from the Departments of Defense, State and Energy, will visit the Kumch'ang-ri facility from 15 to 20 May. However, the source notes, "the period can be readjusted according to the circumstances, as the visit needs at least five to seven days."
--Yonhap News Agency, 29 April 1999, in "Government Agrees to Allow 15th-20th May US Visit to Suspected Nuclear Facility," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 30 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "15 Americans to Visit Suspected Nuke Site in N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., N. Korea Discuss Timetable of Nuclear Inspection," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

24-25 April 1999
The US, South Korea, and Japan meet in Hawaii to coordinate their policies on North Korea. The three nations, taking note of the threat North Korea's nuclear and missile programs pose to regional security, agree to establish the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) to institutionalize the process of coordinating policies on North Korea.
--"ROK, US, Japan to Set Up Panel to Coordinate NK Policy," Korea Times, 26 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Japan, U.S., S. Korea to Form Coordination Group on N. Korea," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 26 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

24-28 April 1999
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas meet in Geneva for the fifth round of peace talks aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty. The four parties fail to make any progress in the talks as North Korea reportedly continues to refuse to agree on any confidence-building measures as long as the issue of US troop withdrawal from South Korea is not on the agenda. Speaking to reporters after the talks, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan, head of the North Korean delegation, says that North Korea will continue to insist on US troop withdrawal from South Korea, and if future talks do not address that issue, North Korea would have no interest in participating. Regardless, the four parties agree to meet again in August.
--Tani Freedman, "Four Party Talks for Korean Peace Resume in Geneva," Agence France Presse, 24 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "4-Way Peace Talks End Without Progress," Japan Economic Newswire, 27 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Geir Moulson, "U.S., China, Koreas Wrap up Latest Peace Talks," Associated Press, 27 April 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

Late April 1999
South Korea's Defense Ministry submits a report to the National Assembly Defense Committee stating that "Team Spirit was never completely terminated," and the United States and South Korea could agree at any time to resume the joint military exercise. [Note: Team Spirit was suspended in 1994 as part of a deal to encourage North Korea to give up its graphite-moderated nuclear program and ease tension on the Korean Peninsula.]
--Lee Sung Yul, "Team Spirit, Combined Forces Exercise, Poised to Resume Anytime, Ministry Says," Korea Herald, 4 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 May 1999
Japan signs a contract with KEDO to provide $1 billion to the light water reactor project. The loan, to be provided by the Export-Import Bank of Japan, must still be accepted by the Diet. [Note: The Diet approves the funding on 30 June.]
--"Japan Inks KEDO Contract to Provide 1 Bil. Dlrs," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Gus Constantine, "Tokyo to Help N. Korea Build 2 Reactors," Washington Times, 4 May 1999, p. A13, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

4 May 1999
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung, in a CNN interview, calls on the United States and North Korea to improve relations by reducing mutual threats and faithfully implementing the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--"Pres. Kim Calls on US, NK to Improve Relations by Reducing Mutual Threats," Korea Times, 5 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

7 May 1999
The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, warns the United States that any preemptive attack would trigger "a total war between the DPRK and the US." In such a case, the paper says, North Korea "will mercilessly strike and annihilate" the United States.
--"Former U.S. Defense Secretary's Remarks," Korean Central News Agency, 7 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mi'gug'ui Kunsajog'apsal'un Mangsang'irago Chijok/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 7 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

13-14 May 1999
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, travels to Pyongyang to make final arrangements for the 15 member team of US experts that is schedule to visit a suspected underground nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri later in the month. Kartman's visit is also reportedly to arrange a meeting between Kim Jong Il and William Perry, coordinator for US policy on North Korea, during his upcoming visit to North Korea. [Note: After his visit to North Korea, Kartman travels to Seoul to brief South Korean officials abut his trip. During the briefing, Kartman reportedly says that he is satisfied with North Korea's preparations for the upcoming visit of US inspectors to the Kumch'ang-ri facility.]
--"Kartman to Visit NK to Arrange Perry's Trip," Korea Times, 9 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Jun Kwan Woo, "U.S. Envoy to Meet with Seoul Officials Tomorrow after Visit to North Korea," Korea Herald, 15 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency, 16 May 1999, in "Sources in ROK Expect DPRK Nuclear Suspicion to Clear Up," FBIS Document FTS19990515001087.

13-17 May 1999
South Korean Foreign Minister Hong Sun Yong meets with US officials in Washington to encourage the United States to support a comprehensive approach to North Korea based on South Korean President Kim Dae Jung's "sunshine policy." At a 17 March joint press conference with US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, Hong says that William Perry, in his upcoming trip to North Korea, will deliver a package of "attractions and incentives" to Pyongyang. Hong adds, "North Korea is well-advised to seize this opportunity."
--"Hong Urges US Congress to Support Comprehensive Approach," Korea Times, 14 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Matthew Lee, "US to Give 400,000 Tonnes of Food Aid to North Korea," Agence France Presse, 17 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; NAPSNet Special Report, 18 May 1999, www.nautilus.org/napsnet.

17 May 1999
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright announces that the United States will send an additional 400,000 tons of emergency food aid to North Korea, bringing the total food donations in 1999 to 600,000 tons. Albright, speaking at a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minster Hong Sun Yong, says the food aid is in response to an April request from the UN World Food Program and not related to nuclear talks with North Korea.
--George Gedda, "U.S. Raises Food Aid to North Korea," Associated Press, 17 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. Administration Decides to Deliver Food to DPRK Again," Korean Central News Agency , 21 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

20-24 May 1999
A 14-member US team, comprising nuclear scientists and officials from the departments of state, defense, and energy, inspects a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri. The team, headed by Joel Wit, deputy director of the State Department's office of Korean affairs, is allowed to measure the dimensions of all underground areas at the main complex, and videotape and photograph agreed above-ground facilities. They are also allowed to take soil and water samples to be analyzed for radioactive substances. Upon the completion of the inspection, State Department spokesman James Rubin announces that the team "received good cooperation from North Korean officials." On 27 May, Rubin announces that "the team found an unfinished site, the underground portion of which was an extensive, empty tunnel complex...A careful technical analysis of the team's work will now take place before further judgments can be made and reported." On 25 June, Rubin gives a more detailed account of the visit and concludes that the Kumch'ang-ri site does not violate the 1994 Agreed Framework. [Note: While the inspectors do not find any evidence of nuclear activity at the Kumch'ang-ri facility, US officials say that the facility could still be used to store nuclear equipment in the future, and that North Korea had plenty of time during the course of negotiations to remove any incriminating evidence.]
--"US Inspection Team Gets 'Good Cooperation' from North Koreans," Agence France Presse, 24 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Philip Shenon, "Suspected North Korean Atom Site Is Empty, U.S. Finds," New York Times, 28 May 1999, p. A3, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 May 1999
The Korean Central News Agency says that, "The US decision to offer food to the DPRK is linked to the on-going discussions on outstanding issues between the two countries."
--"U.S. Administration Decides to Deliver Food to DPRK Again," Korean Central News Agency, 21 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mijongbuga Ttodashi Shingnryang'ul Chegonghagiro Kyolchong," ," Korean Central News Agency, 21 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

24 May 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, Im Dong Won, South Korea's Minister of Unification, and Ryozo Kato, Japanese director general for foreign policy, meet in Tokyo to fine-tune their respective policies on North Korea. The three also discuss Perry's upcoming trip to Pyongyang and the package deal he is to present to high-ranking North Korean officials. The three say in a joint statement that they hope Perry's meetings in Pyongyang "will produce useful insights as the review of a joint approach toward North Korea moves toward a conclusion."
--"Japan, U.S., South Korea Agree on Message to North Korea," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 24 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Perry to Visit NK Today with Message from Top Leaders," Korea Times, 24 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Shino Yuasa, "Japan, South Korea and US Seek United Front on North Korea," Agence France Presse, 24 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25-28 May 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, meets with senior North Korean officials in Pyongyang to present a package deal aimed at halting North Korea's nuclear and missile programs as well as reducing tension on the Korean Peninsula. Perry reportedly urges Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions, increased food aid, and normalization of diplomatic relations with Washington and Tokyo. On 26 May, Perry gives Kim Yong Nam, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, a letter from President Bill Clinton to be passed on to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. The letter reportedly contains a personal proposal to end the 50-year-old economic sanctions on North Korea in return for North Korea's halting its nuclear and missile programs. Perry also delivers messages to Kim Jong Il from Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and South Korean President Kim Dae Jung.
--Shigemi Sato, "US Envoy Perry Arrives in North Korea with Carrot-And-Stick Initiative," Agence France Presse, 25 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Envoy to North Korea Delivers Clinton Letter," New York Times, 27 May 1999, p. A3, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kyodo News Service, 29 May 1999, in "Japan, USA, South Korea Confirm 1994 Pact on North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 31 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; NAPSNet Special Report, 2 June 1999, www.nautilus.org/napsnet; "U.S. President's Special Envoy Here," Korean Central News Agency, 25 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "U.S. President's Special Envoy and His Party Leave," Korean Central News Agency, 28 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Midaet'ongnyong T'uksa Ilhaeng Toch'ak," Korean Central News Agency, 25 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Midaet'ongnyongt'uksa'ilhaeng'ul Wihan Yonhoega Issotta," Korean Central News Agency, 25 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Choson'oemusong Che 1 Pusanggwa Midaet'ongnyongt'uksaui Hoedam," Korean Central News Agency, 28 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mihapchungguk Taet'ongnyongt'uksa Yonhoe," Korean Central News Agency, 28 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mihapchungguk Taet'ongnyong T'uksailhaeng Kwiguk," Korean Central News Agency, 28 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

29 May 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, meets with South Korea's Unification Minister Im Dong Won and Ryozo Kato, Japanese director general for foreign policy, in Seoul to discuss his recently concluded trip to North Korea during which he proposed a package deal to Pyongyang by which it would halt its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for an easing of economic sanctions, increases food aid, and diplomatic recognition from Washington and Tokyo. At a press conference later in the day, Perry says that he "clearly and firmly" expressed the combined concerns of the United States, South Korea and Japan over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. However, Perry adds, "It will take some time for (North Korea) to further reflect upon the views I have expressed and for us to reflect on our visit."
--"U.S., S. Korea, Japan Discuss Result of Perry's DPRK Tour," Xinhua News Agency, 29 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Sang Hun Choe, "U.S. Envoy Says He Achieved His Goal in North Korea," Associated Press, 29 May 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; NAPSNet Special Report, 2 June 1999, www.nautilus.org/napsnet.

31 May 1999
North Korea threatens to pull out of the 1994 Agreed Framework. The Rodong Sinmun, official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, accuses the United States of trying to "backpedal on the Agreed Framework, crying for a new framework agreement." The newspaper adds that North Korea "can no longer pin hope on the Agreed Framework, even while sacrificing its self-reliant nuclear energy industry."
--" U.S. Stand on DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework Flayed," Korean Central News Agency, 31 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Chomihab'uimun'e Taehan Ripchang'un Myongbaekhada/Rodongshinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 31 May 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Our Position Is Clear," Rodong Sinmun, 31 May 1999, in "North Korea: Party Paper Criticizes USA for Not Following Agreed Framework," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 1 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 June 1999
Japan's lower house of the Diet unanimously passes a bill allocating $1 billion for the KEDO light water reactor project. The bill is passed on to the upper house of the Diet.
--Kyodo News Service, 3 June 1999, in "Japan: Lower House Approves Contribution for North Korea's Nuclear Reactors," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 3 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

7-8 June 1999
Senior US and South Korean officials meet in Hawaii to discuss recent developments in North Korea including the recent US inspection of a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri.
--Jun Kwan-woo, "Seoul, Washington to Discuss N.K. Policy in Hawaii," Korea Herald, 7 June 1999, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr; Korea Herald, 12 June 1999, in "ROK Official Comments on US-DPRK Missile Talks," FBIS Document FTS19990611000645.

7-11 June 1999
The IAEA Board of Governors meets in Vienna. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei tells the board that North Korea has made no progress in implementing its nuclear safeguards agreement since the last meeting in March. However, ElBaradei adds that two IAEA official remain in North Korea. On the final day of the meeting, the board of governors issues a report stating that while the safeguards agreement North Korea signed with the agency remains "binding and in force," the agency has been unable to "verify the correctness and completeness of the initial declaration of nuclear material" due to lack of cooperation from Pyongyang. The report adds that "there was still no progress in technical discussions with the DPRK regarding the preservation by the DPRK of information that the agency deems necessary for verification of the correctness and completeness of the DPRK's initial declaration."
--Yonhap News Agency, 7 June 1999, in "UN Nuclear Body Says "No Progress" in North Korean Implementation on Accord," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 7 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency, 11 June 1999, in "IAEA Unable to Verify North Korea's Declaration of Nuclear Material," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 11 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

8-15 June 1999
North Korean vessels cross the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea on 8 Junr, apparently to fish in the crab-rich waters. South Korean Navy vessels respond by bumping the ships back across the line that separates the two countries. The tense standoff continues and comes to a head on 15 June, when the two nations, still technically at war, exchange heavy gun fire for ten minutes. The ten-minute naval clash, the largest since the 1953 Armistice Agreement, results in casualties on both sides and the sinking of a North Korean gunship. In response to the rising tension on the peninsula, the United States sends air and naval reinforcements to South Korea. [Note: North Korea does not recognize the Northern Limit Line because it was not part of the 1953 Armistice and was established unilaterally by the UN Command in Seoul following the war. On 29 June 2002, a South Korean naval vessel is sunk in a similar clash.]
--Robert Whymant and David Watts, "Korean Dispute Ends in Sea Battle," Times (London), 16 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 16 June 1999, in "US Military Reinforcements Arrive in South Korea," 16 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Marc Lavine, "Tensions Boil in Yellow Sea as US Sends Warships, Planes," Agence France Presse, 17 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Song Sang Kun, "'Puk Kyongbijong Sohae Ch'ulhyon' Yonghae Ch'imbomhaenna? Anhaenna?" Donga Ilbo, 10 June 1999, p. 1, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr; Ch'oe Sang Yon, "Jjokkyonan Pukkyonbijong Tashi Ch'imbom...Sohae Nambuk Ch'oginjang Taech'i," Joongang Ilbo, 12 June 1999, p. 1, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr; Kim Yong Bom and Lee Che Kyo, "Nambuk Sohae Kyojon Puk'oroejong Kyokt'oe," Munhwa Ilbo, 15 June 1999, p. 1, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr.

9 June 1999
North Korea's Foreign Ministry announces that US inspectors found only empty tunnels at the Kumch'ang-ri site, thus proving that North Korea is faithfully implementing the 1994 Agreed Framework. However, in a veiled threat, the Foreign Ministry says that while the Kumch'ang-ri site is empty for the time being, what the tunnels will be used for in the future "depends entirely upon the attitude of the US side concerning the implementation of the DPRK-US agreement."
--"DPRK FM Spokesman on Kumchang-ri Underground Facility," Korean Central News Agency, 9 June 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Kumch'angnijihashisol Haekkwa'nun Mu'gwan'gyehan'gos'ul Hwakchung/Oemusongdaebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 9 June 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

9 June 1999
William Perry, coordinator of US policy on North Korea, briefs Congress on his recent trip to Pyongyang during which he met with senior North Korean officials. Perry, who since December 1998 has been authoring a comprehensive review of the US policy toward North Korea, indicates that he will present his review to the president and Congress as early as July. [Note: Perry submits his report to Congress on 14 September.]
--Sarah Jackson-Han, "North Korea Envoy Briefs Congress, Postpones Policy Report Again," Agence France Presse, 10 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

23-24 June 1999
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, meets with North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan in Beijing to discuss the recent visit of US inspectors to a suspected nuclear facility in Kumch'ang-ri, progress of the four-party peace talks, and other issues related to the 1994 Agreed Framework. The talks also address recent reports that North Korea is preparing for another test-launch of a long-range ballistic missile.
--"U.S. and North Korea Discuss Pyongyang's Nuclear Plans," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Elisabeth Rosenthal, "U.S. And North Korea Meet on Suspected A-Site," New York Times, 24 June 1999, p. A5, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Robert J. Saiget, "North Korea And US Hold Second Day of Talks amid Nuclear Suspicions," Agence France Presse, 24 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25 June 1999
Japan and South Korea hold working-level talks in Sapporo to discuss implementation of the KEDO light water reactor project. The talks focus on the contract between KEDO and KEPCO, the primary contractor for the light water reactor project.
--Kyodo News Service, 24 June 1999, in "Japan, South Korea to Hold Talks on Reactors for North," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

25-26 June 1999
The US, Japan, and South Korea hold a meeting of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) in Washington to coordinate their policies on North Korea amid rising tension on the Korean Peninsula following a naval clash on 15 June. The delegations are headed by Wendy Sherman, councilor for the US State Department, Ryozo Kato, director-general of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and Chang Chae Ryong, deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade.
--Yonhap News Agency, 27 June 1999, in "ROK, US, Japan Repeat Pledge for Engagement Policy," FBIS Document FTS19990627000023; "Han-Mi-Il Taebukchoyul 3 Ch'a Koui Chongch'aekhyobui Naeilbut'o Washington So," Chosun Ilbo, 24 June 1999, p. 3, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

25 June 1999
US State Department spokesman James Rubin announces the US inspection team witnessed no effort by North Korea to conceal the site at Kumch'ang-ri during the May 1999 visit. He says that the site was incomplete and that there was no equipment present during the inspectors' visit. Furthermore, additional work remained to be completed, as almost all of the tunnels were still bare rock. Rubin dismisses allegations that nuclear equipment could have been removed prior to the inspectors' arrival. Rather, he says that Kumch'ang-ri was at a stage of construction at which no other equipment other than construction equipment would be expected to be present. Rubin concludes that the site does not contain a plutonium-production reactor or reprocessing plant, either completed or under construction. Given the size and configuration of Kumch'ang-ri and the type of graphite-moderated reactor North Korea previously built in Yongbyon-kun, the site is not suitable for a reprocessing plant. "Nevertheless," Rubin adds, "Since the site is a large underground area, it could support a facility in the future with substantial modifications." At present, however, Kumch'ang-ri does not violate the Agreed Framework.
--"State Department Regular Briefing," Federal News Service, 25 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

30 June 1999
Japan's upper house of the Diet approves $1 billion for the KEDO light water reactor project, thus clearing the way for Tokyo to send the much needed funds to KEDO. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura says that Japan hopes "North Korea will take it [the Diet approval] positively." However, Komura warns that Japan would find it difficult to send the funds if North Korea test launches another long-range missile. [Note: On 3 June, the lower house of the Diet unanimously approved the funds.]
--Kyodo News Service, 30 June 1999, in "Japan: Diet Approves Warns North Korea on Missiles," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 30 June 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 July 1999
A senior US government official says that even if North Korea test-fires another long-range missile, the United States, Japan, and South Korea should adhere to their commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework. In the case of such a missile launch, the official says, the United States, Japan, and South Korea should "coordinate a response that will seek to, as much as possible, preserve our national security interests and not lead to the rupture of the Agreed Framework."
--Paul Flatin, "U.S. Wants KEDO Preserved Even If 2nd Missile Launched," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 July 1999
South Korea signs a contract with KEDO to provide $3.2 billion for the light water reactor project. The contract is signed by Chang Son Sop, South Korea's representative to KEDO, and KEDO Executive Director Desaix Anderson. According to an official from South Korea's Office of Planning for the Light-Water Reactor Project, South Korea will provide the funds in won, at a fixed rate of 1,100 won per dollar. [Note: The contract is unanimously approved by the National Assembly on 12 September.]
--"S. Korea, KEDO Sign Agreement for Financing by Seoul," Japan Economic Newswire, 1 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency, 2 July 1999, in "South Korea to Pay in Won for North's Reactor Project," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 2 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Yu Kwang Chong, "Hanguk, Puk Kyongsuro Konsolbi 70% Chiwon," Joongang Ilbo, 3 July 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

4 July 1999
Kyodo News Service, quoting a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry source, reports that Tokyo has not ruled out freezing financial contributions to the KEDO light water reactor project if North Korea test-fires another long-range missile.
--"Japan May Freeze Funding If N. Korea Launches Missile," Japan Economic Newswire, 4 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 July 1999
South Korean Ambassador to Japan Kim Sok Kyu urges Tokyo not to freeze contributions to the KEDO light water reactor project even if North Korea test-fires another long-range ballistic missile. Addressing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's Research Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kim says that freezing KEDO funds "is not the best policy from a diplomatic point of view."
--"Japan Should Keep KEDO Program Intact: ROK Amb. Kim," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 6 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Envoy Concerned with Possible Freezing of KEDO Funds," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 July 1999
Japanese Ambassador to the United States Kunihiko Saito announces that Washington understands Tokyo's position that it would be difficult to continue funding the KEDO light water reactor project should Pyongyang conduct another long-range missile test.
--"No Gap between Japan, U.S. over KEDO, Japan Envoy Says," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 July 1999
KEDO's Executive Board meets in New York to resolve issues related to signing loan agreements between member states and KEDO.
--"Korea to Provide $3.22 Billion Loan for Light-Water Reactor," Korea Economic Weekly, 8 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis.nexis.com.

13 July 1999
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka announces that "should North Korea fire another Taepodong missile, it would be extremely difficult [for Japan] to contribute to KEDO, as gaining public understanding on funding would be hard."
--Kyodo News Service, 13 July 1999, in "Japan May Freeze Reactor Funds If North Korea Fires Missile," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 13 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

13-14 July 1999
Senior officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea meet in Tokyo to coordinate policies on North Korea. During the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting, the three nations agree to work together to deter North Korea from testing another long-range ballistic missile. According to an official from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, the three nations will face similar domestic problems in funding KEDO if North Korea shows signs of preparing for a missile launch.
--Kyodo News Service, 14 July 1999, in "Tokyo, Seoul Agree to Deter North Korea's Missile Test," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 July 1999
Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi warns that "if North Korea fires [another Taepodong missile], it will be difficult to gain public understanding for our cooperation with KEDO." Addressing the lower house of the Diet, Obuchi adds, "In practical terms, that would make it very difficult for the government to contribute to KEDO."
--Koichi Iitake, "Obuchi KEDO Cut-Off an Option If Pyongyang Fires Missile," Asahi News Service, 14 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

Mid-July 1999
South Korea establishes sound detection stations in Kang'won Province that are capable of detecting a nuclear test explosion in North Korea. The stations, located near the demilitarized zone and consisting of four ultra-low frequency reception facilities, are set one kilometer apart and are capable of detecting explosions up to 1,000km away.
--"Seoul Sets Up Observation Station Able to Detect NK's Test of Atomic Bomb," Korea Times, 17 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

20 July 1999
LG-Caltex Oil Corp delivers 32,000 metric tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea. This is the sixth oil delivery to North Korea since Pyongyang agreed to freeze its graphite moderated nuclear program in exchange for two light water reactors and 500,000 metric tons of heavy fuel oil per year to meet its interim energy needs.
--Yonhap News Agency, 16 July 1999, in "Koreas: LG Caltex to Send Heavy Oil to North 20 July," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 16 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 July 1999
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura meets with Desaix Anderson, executive director of KEDO, and reiterates Tokyo's position that it would find it difficult to continue funding KEDO if North Korea tests another long-range missile.
--Kyodo News Service, 21 July 1999, in "Japan: North Korea Reactor Body Chief Calls for Continued Contributions," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 22 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "Japan Ready to Freeze Fund for North Korea If Missile Is Launched," Agence France Presse, 21 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

21 July 1999
The US House of Representatives passes an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2000 International Relations Authorization Act that predicates US nuclear cooperation with North Korea on the latter's compliance with the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and the 1994 Agreed Framework. The amendment, named the North Korea Nuclear Threat Act of 1999, passes by a 305-120 vote in the House of Representatives. The bill is based on a similar amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 1999, but unlike the 1999 appropriations bill, the North Korea Threat Reduction Act requires congressional approval of the President's certification that North Korea is complying with the requirements. In addition, it carries no provision for waiving the preconditions for nuclear cooperation should they not be met. [Note: Congressmen Benjamin Gilman originally proposed the North Korea Threat Reduction Act on 19 May.]
--Yonhap News Agency (Seoul), 22 July 1999, in "US Passes Bill to Restrict Nuclear Cooperation with DPRK," FBIS Document FTS19990721001756; "North Korea Threat Reduction Act of 1999," Northeast Asia Peace and Security Network Special Report, 20 May 1999, www.nyu.edu/globalbeat/asia/napanet052099.html.

26 July 1999
US Secretary of State Madeline Albright, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hong Sun Yong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura meet on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum. The three foreign ministers issue a joint statement warning Pyongyang that if it launches another long-range missile, "it would adversely affect peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond, and would have serious negative consequences" for North Korea. While the three foreign ministers do not specify what consequences would follow a missile launch, Komura reiterated Tokyo's threat to freeze contributions to KEDO if Pyongyang tests another missile.
--Tom Raum, "U.S., Japan and S. Korea Join In Issueing Missile Challenge to N. Korea," Associated Press, 26 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Kohei Murayama, "Japan Reiterates Possible Freeze of KEDO Funding," Japan Economic Newswire, 26 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "United States, Japan, ROK Warn N. Korea on Missile Launch," Korea Times, 27 July 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 July 1999
A North Korea Foreign Ministry spokesman says that North Korea has "sincerely fulfilled" its obligations under the 1994 the US-North Korea Agreed Framework. "The US, however," the spokesman says, "has neglected the implementation the DPRK-US Agreed Framework." The spokesman warns that "if the United States wishes to abrogate the Agreed Framework on the pretext of the DPRK's satellite launch, which has nothing to do with the framework, we will be compelled to take a relevant measure."
--"US Urged to Show Faith," Korean Central News Agency, 26 July 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "Mi'gug'i Shin'ui'rul Po'i'myon Shin'uiittkye Taehalgos'ida/Oemusongdaebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 26 July 1999, www.kcna.co.jp.

2 August 1999
The US State Department says that the United States will abide by its commitments under the 1994 Agreed Framework even if North Korea conducts another long-range missile test. State Department spokesman James Rubin says, "The Agreed Framework is a very important instrument that benefits the security of the United States...and we would intend and want to see that program and agreement continued, even if we have problems and serious concerns about the missiles."
--"State Department Regular Briefing," Federal News Service, 2 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 August 1999
New Zealand pledges an additional $795,000 to KEDO. Foreign Minister Don McKinnon announces the pledge, saying, "KEDO is a major plank in moves to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and can also play an important role in improving relations between North and South Korea."
--"New Zealand Commits More Funds to KEDO," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

5 August 1999
South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Hong Sun Yong tells the National Assembly's Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee that Seoul intends to continue supporting the KEDO light water reactor project even if North Korea tests another long-range missile.
--Shin Yong Bae, "Hong Reaffirms KEDO Project Will Continue," Korea Herald, 6 August 1999, in KINDS, www.kinds.co.kr.

5-9 August 1999
Representatives from the United States, China, and the two Koreas meet in Geneva for the sixth round of four-party peace talks aimed at replacing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement with a formal peace treaty. The talks once again fail to make significant progress reportedly due to North Korea's continuing insistence that the talks address US troop withdrawal from South Korea. Despite the lack of noticeable progress, the four nations, in a joint statement, describe the talks as "useful and productive."
--Konstantin Pribytkov, "New Round of Koreas Talks Opens in Tense Air," ITAR-TASS, 5 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; Geir Moulson, "North Korea Expresses Frustration as Latest Talks Wind Up," AAP News, 10 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

6 August 1999
The Washington Times reports that North Korea is providing military assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in exchange for uranium ore from the Congo's Shinkolabwe uranium mine. According to the paper, Pentagon intelligence agents have witnessed hundreds of North Korean military advisors training the forces of Congolese President Laurent Kabila. [In September, the South Korean Ministry of Defense submits a report to the National Assembly stating that 147 North Korean military officers are in the Democratic Republic of Congo.]
--Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough, "North Koreans in Congo," Washington Times, 6 August 1999, p. A6, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "NK Sends 442 Military Officers O'seas for Dollars," Korea Times, 28 September 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 August 1999
The South Korean National Assembly unanimously approves a loan of $3.2 billion [to be paid in won] to fund the KEDO light water reactor project. The loans, to be provided through the Inter-Korea Cooperative Fund, will cover 70 percent of the estimated $4.6 billion project.
--"House Passes KEDO Assistance Law," Korea Times, 12 August 1999, www.koreatimes.com; "S Korea's Parliament Approves Funds for Nuclear Reactors in North," Associated Press, 12 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 August 1999
The South Korean Office of Planning for the Light-Water Reactor Project announces that preliminary site preparation in [Kumho-chigu], Shinp'o will be extended until 15 December. An official from the office says that delays in negotiations among the nations responsible for financing the KEDO project have in turn delayed the conclusion of a contact between KEDO and KEPCO, the primary contractor for the project.
--"Construction of Reactors in North Delayed," Korea Herald, 17 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

16-28 August 1999
The US and South Korea hold the joint military exercise "Ulchi Focus Lens." Pyongyang condemns the exercise as a rehearsal for an invasion of North Korea, and threatens to take "corresponding measures" if the United States and South Korea insist on creating tension on the peninsula.
--"UN Generals Seek Tension-Easing Measures from North Korea," Agence France Presse, 17 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "DPRK FM Spokesman on "Ulji Focus Lens" Military Drill," Korean Central News Agency, 16 August 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; "<Ulchi P'ok'o'su Renju> Hapdonggunsayonsub'ul Kyut'an/Chop'yongt'ong Taebyon'in," Korean Central News Agency, 16 August 1999, www.kcna.co.jp; Korean Central News Agency, 16 August 1999, in "Koreas: North Foreign Ministry Decries 'Ulchi Focus Lens' Exercise," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 16 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

18 August 1999
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung tells visiting Japanese official Taku Yamasaki that the 1994 Agreed Framework and KEDO are vital to ensuring that North Korea does not develop nuclear weapons. Kim also urges Japan not to follow through with its threat to freeze funding for the KEDO light water reactor project if North Korea tests another long-range missile.
--"KEDO Framework Needs to Be Maintained: S Korea's Kim," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 18 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com; "2002 Nyon Woldkoptaehoe Apso Akihito Ilhwang Panghan Kidae," Taehan Maeil, 19 August 1999, p. 2, in KINDS, www.kinds.or.kr.

23 August 1999
The Los Angeles Times quotes a US official as saying that "it is highly probable" that North Koran technicians are working in Pakistani nuclear labs in a continuing deal between the two countries in which nuclear technology is exchanged for missile technology and components.
--Dexter Filkins, "N. Korea Aid to Pakistan Raises Nuclear Fears," Los Angeles Times, 23 August 1999, in Lexis-Nexis, web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 August 1999
Pyongyang claims that the United States is purposefull