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.
The US and South Korea have working-level discussions to develop a “roadmap” for a “package deal” to resolve North Korea’s ballistic missile and WMD programs. The roadmap is said to be a “step-by-step package deal involving strict reciprocity.”
—Park Doo-shik, “US Open to Talks with North Korea,” Chosun Ilbo, 8 February 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Park Tu Shik, “Taebuk Kibonjŏngch’aek ‘Road Map’ Han’gug’e Chŏndal/Mi’e ‘Ŏmgyŏkhan Sanghojuŭi’ Chŏg’yong,” Chosun Ilbo, 7 February 2002, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The South Korean government learns from Chinese sources that Kim Jong Il might visit China during mid February 2002. Speculation is that Kim is concerned the United States will expand the war on terrorism to North Korea. Other analysts believe Kim might visit China to address North Korea’s severe foreign exchange shortage, which according to the Chosun Ilbo, is due in part to North Korea’s declining missile exports.
—Yi Kyo-kwan, “Kim Chong-il To Possibly Visit Beijing Around February,” Chosun Ilbo, 29 January 2002, in “‘Source’ Says DPRK Leader To ‘Possibly’ Visit China, Vietnam in Jan-Feb,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020129000114; Lee Kyo Kwan, “Kim Chŏng Il Ddo Chungguk Kana...2 Wŏl Kke Beijing Pangmun Chang Jjŏ Min Kwa Hoedam Kanŭngsŏng,” Chosun Ilbo, 30 January 2002, p. 53, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A South Korean government source says that IAEA officials will enter North Korea on 12 January 2002 to visit Isotope Production Laboratory in Yŏngbyŏn-kun.
—“IAEA Delegation to Visit North, on 12th,” Joongang Ilbo, 7 January 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Cho Jŏng Jin, “IAEA Taepyodan 12 Il Pangbuk,” Segye Ilbo, 7 January 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>;
The IAEA announces that three inspectors will visit the Yŏngbyŏn nuclear complex in North Korea 15-19 January 2002. The inspectors will visit the Isotope Production Laboratory, but the IAEA emphasizes the visit will not constitute an “inspection.” This will be the first IAEA visit to the lab, which is used to produce nuclear materials for medical and industrial uses.
—“IAEA Team to Visit North Korean Nuclear Facilities,” WorldAtom Press Release, PR 2002/01, 10 January 2002, <http://www.iaea.org/>; Vanessa Gera, “UN to Visit N. Korea Nuclear Site-AP,” Joongang Ilbo, 8 January 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; “IAEA Taepyodan 15 Il Yŏngbyŏn Haekshisŏl Pangmun,” Joongang Ilbo, 8 January 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>; “IAEA Tae’p’yodan 15 Il Yŏngbyŏn Haekshisŏl Pangmun,” Yonhap News Agency, 7 January 2002, http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/; Agence France Presse, 7 January 2002, in “IAEA Inspection Team Reportedly To Visit DPRK 12 Jan,” FBIS Document ID KPP20020107000039.
The Sankei Shimbun reports that Russia plans to build a nuclear power plant near its border with China and North Korea, and that energy would be provided to North Korea and China. The report says that Russia plans to complete the construction of the plant by 2010.
—Kim Hee-Sung, “Russia to Build Nuclear Plant at Borderline of N. Korea and China,” Joongang Ilbo, 7 January 2002, <http://english.joins.com>; Kim Yong Su, “Rŏ, Pukhan-Chungguk Kukkyŏng’e Wŏnjŏn Kŏnsŏl Ch’ujin,” Joongang Ilbo, 7 January 2002, <http://www.joins.com>.
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage says on Radio Free Asia that North Korea must decide soon whether to accept IAEA inspections. Unless North Korea accepts inspections, Armitage says the Agreed Framework will collapse.
—“Haeksach’al Anbad’ŭ’myŏn Geneva Hab’ŭi Kkaejilsudo,” Chosun Ilbo, 14 January 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>;
US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control John Bolton says, “The fact that governments which sponsor terrorist groups are also pursuing chemical, biological, nuclear and missile programs is alarming and cannot be ignored. Countries such as North Korea and Iraq must cease their violations of NPT and allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to do its work. Further, I caution those who think that they can pursue nuclear weapons without detection: the United States and its allies will prove you wrong.” Bolton makes his comments during the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. In response, North Korea’s delegate says that North Korea was permitting international inspections of its nuclear facilities.
—Elizabeth Olson, “U.S. Warns of Arms Threat, Citing North Korea and Iraq,” New York Times, 26 January 2002, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com>; Tim Witcher, “North Korea to be Feature of Bush’s Asia Visit,” Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com>; “US, South Korea and Japan Discuss North Korea Moves,” Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com>; Peter Slevin, “U.S. Backs Rules Against Arms Spread,” Washington Post, 25 January 2002, p. A15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>.
The Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) conclude a one-day meeting in Seoul. The TCOG consists of government officials from the United States, South Korea, and Japan that meet to coordinate policy towards North Korea. The participants say North Korea will be an important topic during George W. Bush’s trip to Asia in February, and that Bush’s visits would “positively contribute to peace and stability on and around the Korean peninsula.” A South Korean government official later reveals that the US delegation informs the Japanese and South Korean participants that the Bush administration will now require “step-by-step reciprocity from North Korea, and will spell out how North Korea will be punished or rewarded for future conduct.”
—Tim Witcher, “North Korea to be Feature of Bush’s Asia Visit,” Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com>; “US, South Korea and Japan Discuss North Korea Moves,” Agence France Presse, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; “U.S. to Keep North on a Short Leash,” Joongang Ilbo, 7 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Jong-Heon Lee, “Bush Visit Seen as Peace Builder,” United Press International, 25 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; “TCOG Meeting,” Korea Update, Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2002, p. 3.
Cho Myŏng Rok, First Vice Chairman of the National Defense Committee, meets with China’s new ambassador to North Korea. [Note: Cho has reportedly been suffering from kidney disease.]
—“Cho Myŏng Rok Ch’ongjŏngch’i’gukchang’i Chunggukshin’imdaesarŭl Manatta,” Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Korean Central News Agency, 28 January 2002, in “DPRK’s KCNA: Director of KPA General Political Department Meets New Chinese Ambassador,” FBIS Document ID KPP20020128000101; Kim Tu Hwan, “Puk Cho Myŏng Rok, U Dŭng Hŏ Chungguktaesa Manna,” Joongang Ilbo, 29 January 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
During his State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush says North Korea is part of an “axis of evil.”
—George W. Bush, “The President’s State of the Union Address,” 29 January 2002, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/>.
The Joongang Ilbo reports that North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sŏk Chu is rumored to be seriously ill. Kang, 63 and last seen in public on 6 December 2001, has been in charge of relations with the United States and other Western countries. Kang was the senior North Korean delegate during the negotiations in 1994 for the Agreed Framework.
—Ch’oi Won-ki, “Kang Sok-chu, Expert in Diplomacy Toward the United State (sic), Is Reportedly Sick,” Joongang Ilbo, 28 January 2002, in “DPRK’s Vice ForMin Kang Sok-chu Reportedly Sick,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020128000119; Ch’oe Wŏn Ki, “Tae’mioegyot’ong Kang Sŏk Chu Wabyŏngsol,” Joongang Ilbo, 29 January 2002, p. 13, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry denounces the remarks of US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control John Bolton made on 24 January in Geneva. The spokesman says Bolton’s suggestion that North Korea’s nuclear program poses a threat to international security is “nothing but a provocative remark by a person totally ignorant of the contents of the Agreed Framework, to say nothing of the core of the nuclear issue.” The spokesman also says the United States “has not properly discharged its obligations under the Agreed Framework.
—“U.S. State Under Secretary’s Remarks Blasted,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 January 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Mi’gungmusŏng Ch’agwan’ŭi Sach’alsuyong Ch’okkubal’ŏn’ŭl Kyut’an / Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 January 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Li Zhengyu, “DPRK Condemns United States for Making Allegations that the DPRK Nuclear Issue Is Threatening the International Community,” Xinhua News Agency, 30 January 2002, in “DPRK FM Spokesman 30 Jan Condemns US Allegations on DPRK Nuclear Issue,” FBIS Document ID: CCp20020130000177.
Bush administration officials say that although George W. Bush labeled North Korea as part of an “axis of evil” in his 29 January State of the Union Address, the United States is not planning imminent military action against North Korea, Iran, nor Iraq.
—David E. Sanger, “Bush Aides Say Tough Tone Put Foes On Notice,” New York Times, 31 January 2002, p. 1; Sally Buzbee, “Rumsfeld: U.S. Watching ‘Axis of Evil’,” Associated Press, in Joongang Ilbo, 1 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Kim Chin and O Yŏng Hwan, “Mi’guk ‘Bush Pal’ŏn Kunsahaengdong Imbak Ddŭs Anida’,” Joongang Ilbo, 31 January 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry issues a statement in response to George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address on 29 January. The spokesman blames the US economic recession, terrorist attacks, and other US problems on the “unilateral and self opinionated foreign policy, political immaturity and moral leprosy of the Bush administration.” He says, “There has been no precedent in the modern history of DPRK-US relations that in his policy speech the US President made undisguised threatening remarks on aggression and threat against the DPRK, an independent and sovereign state. This is, in fact, little short of declaring war against the DPRK.” He also says, “The option to ‘strike’ imprudently advocated by the United States is not a monopoly.”
—“Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Slams Bush’s Accusations,” Korean Central News Agency, 31 January 2002, <http://www.kcan.co.jp/>; Bush’ŭi <Nyŏndu’gyosŏ>nŭn Uri’e Taehan Sŏnjŏnp’ogo / Chosŏnoemusŏngdaebyŏn’in Sŏngmyŏng,” 31 January 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Seo Soo-min, “NK Likens Bush’s Remarks to Declaration of War,” Korea Times, 1 February 2002, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/>; David R. Sands, “North Korea Assails ‘Axis’ Label,” Washington Times, 1 February 2002, p.1.
US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice tells the Conservative Political Action Conference that North Korea is “the world’s number one merchant for ballistic missiles. Rice says the United States has offered a “road map to for reciprocal steps that would enable North Korea to take a better course.” However, she adds, “We’ve had no serious response from Pyongyang.”
—Condoleezza Rice, “Remarks by the National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice to CPAC,” 31 January 2002, <http://www.cpac.org/>; “North Korea Leads World in Ballistic Missile Exports,” World Tribune.com, 4 February 2002, <http://www.worldtribune.com/>; Peter Slevin, “Powell Offers Reassurance to South Korea; U.S. Remains Willing to Hold Talks With North, Seoul Counterpart Is Told,” Washington Post, 2 February 2002, p. A19, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; George Gedda, “Powell Plans Talks with Leaders from Europe, the Middle East and Asia on Terror-Fighting Policy,” Associated Press, 1 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Bob Deans, “Despite ‘Axis of Evil’ Status, U.S. Open to Talks with North Korea,” Cox News Service, 1 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Choi Won-ki, “North Korea Refused Talks with U.S.” Joongang Ilbo, 4 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>.
North Korean print and broadcast media criticize the US policy towards North Korea, saying the “US is using the nuclear issue as a pretext to escalate its hard line policy and ignite a second Korean war.” A North Korean television broadcast says that George W. Bush’s “axis of evil” remark in the State of the Union Address is an “unbearable insult to a sovereign nation.”
—“U.S. Accusation Against DPRK over ‘Nuclear Issue’ Refuted,” Korean Central News Agency, 4 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Mi’guk’ŭi <Haengmunjae> Rŭl Kŏlgo Tŭ’nŭngŏs’ŭn Chŏnjaenggwa Korip’ŭl Wihan’gŏt / Rodongshinmun,” Korean Central News Agency, 4 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Kim Hee-sung, “’Axis of Evil’ Called a U.S. Ploy to Gain Hegemony,” Joongang Ilbo, 5 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com>; Ch’oe Sŏn Yŏng, “’Mi, Haengmunjaero Puk Korip Noryŏ’ <Puk Shinmun>,” Yonhap News Agency, 4 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>.
The Chosun Ilbo reports that intelligence officials believe about 50-60 percent of North Korea’s ballistic missile warheads are armed with chemical weapons. [Note: The report is ambiguous about the “intelligence officials,” but they are almost certainly South Korea.]
—Yu Yong Wŏn, “Pukhanŭi Saenghwahangmugi Poyushilt’ae...Hwahangmugiryang 5000t ‘Segye 3 Wi’,” Chosun Ilbo, 4 February 2002, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Yu Yong-won, Chosun Ilbo, 3 February 2002, in “DPRK reportedly Ranks Third in Possessing Chemical Weapons,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020203000047.
Former South Korean Minister if Foreign Affairs and Trade, Han Sŭng Su, who was dismissed yesterday, says that the United States has informed South Korea that North Korea has continued to develop and export missiles. Han says that before 11 September 2001, North Korea’s WMD were not such a problem, but now the US basic strategy is that North Korea’s WMD programs must be stopped. Han also says that the United States is not likely to extend the next stage of the “war on terrorism” to North Korea.
—Oh Young-hwan, “North Persists in Arms Sales, U.S. Tells Seoul,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; O Yŏng Hwan, “Pukhan Missile Such’ul Kyesok Chŭngga,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 February 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Park Tu Shik, “Han Sŭng Su Chŏn Oegyo ‘Mi, Ag’ŭi Ch’uk Palŏn Kŭ’gŏ’itta,” Chosun Ilbo, 6 February 2002, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Yonhap News Agency, 5 February 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Outgoing Minister Says U.S. Unlikley To Take War on Terror to N.K.” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020205000069; Hwang Chae Hun, “Mi ‘Puk Missile Such’ulhwaktae’ T’ongbo,” Yonhap News Agency, 5 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>.
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Colin Powell says that George W. Bush’s reference to Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an “axis of evil” was “not a rhetorical flourish—he meant it.” Powell also says, “it does not mean that we are ready to invade anyone or that we are not willing to engage in dialogue. Quite the contrary.” Committee Chairman Joseph Biden says, “I agree with the president that each nation poses a security threat to the United States and to the civilized world, but they are hardly identical or allied with each other, and our policies toward them have up to now involved very different strategies.”
—Richard Wolffe, “Powell Acts to Defend Policy on Rogue States “Axis of Evil” Bush Stance Challenged,” Financial Times (London), 6 February 2002, p. 8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Todd S. Purdum, “Powell Says U.S. Plans To Work Out Binding Arms Pact,” New York Times, 6 February 2002, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; “Powell, Puk-MI Taehwa ‘Kong’ŭn Ije Pukhan’e’ (Chonghap),” Yonhap News Agency, 6 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>.
Yang Sŏng Ch’ŏl, South Korean ambassador to the United States, says that recent harsh comments from US officials towards North Korea indicates that must have significant evidence that North Korea is selling weapons of mass destruction. Yang says relations between the United States and North Korea could turn around if North Korea clarifies its position on WMD and allays fears that it possesses nuclear weapons.
—Oh Young-hwan, “North Persists in Arms Sales, U.S. Tells Seoul,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Park Doo-shik, “US Steps Up NK Missile Monitoring,” Chosun Ilbo, 5 February 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; “Puk Missile Munjae Choyul Chaengjŏmhwa-2,” Yonhap News Agency, 5 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>.
The Rodong Sinmun criticizes George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address as being “little short of declaring war.” The official daily of the Korean Workers’ Party says the “options to ‘strike’ on the lips of the US is not its monopoly.”
—“Bush’s Accusation against DPRK Under Fire,” Korean Central News Agency, 5 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “<T’agyŏk>ŭi Sŏnt’aekkwŏn’ŭn Mi’guk’ŭi Tukjŏmmul’i Anida / Rodongshinmun,” Korean Central News Agency, 5 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
Three US House members, Benjamin Gilman, Christopher Cox, and Edward Markey, send a letter to President Bush asking him to reconsider the implementation of the Agreed Framework.
—“Lawmakers Call on Bush to Cancel Transfer to NKorea (sic) of Light Water Reactors,” Agence France Presse, 13 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Three Lawmakers Seek Reevaluation of Commitment to Pyongyang,” Associated Press, 7 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
In testimony before the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, CIA Director George Tenet says North Korea is exporting ballistic missiles and missile components to countries like Iran, Libya, Syria, and Egypt. Tenet says North Korea could have a ballistic missile that could reach the United States by 2015, and that North Korea has enough plutonium for one or two nuclear bombs. According to Tenet, North Korea is using the profits from its missile exports to further develop its missiles, and probably to covertly develop WMD.
—James Risen, “A Nation Challenged: The Threat; Al Qaeda Still Able to Strike U.S., Head of C.I.A. Says, New York Times, 7 February 2002, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Associated Press, “Countries, Groups and Others that Are Considered Risks to U.S. Security,” St. Petersburg Times, 7 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Han Ki Hŭng, “Mi CIA Kukchang ‘Puk 2015 Nyŏn Mibont’o Konggyŏk Kanŭng,” Donga Ilbo, 7 February 2002, <http://www.donga.com>.
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung says that nuclear and missile problems must be resolved peacefully. Kim says that recently North Korea has been harshly criticizing the United States because of the US attitude towards North Korea. Kim also says that there can be policy differences among allies, but that anti-Americanism is not in Korea’s interest.
—Chŏng Jae Yong, “Kim Taet’ongnyŏng, ‘Haek, Missile Munjae, Taehwaro Pulŏya’,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 February 2002, <http://www.joins.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 6 February 2002, in “ROK Leader Says ‘Anti-US’ Voices ‘No Help’ To ROK-DPRK Relations,” FBIS Document ID 200202060000121; Chŏng Chae Yong, “Kim Taet’ongnyŏng ‘Taehwaro P’ulŏya’-1,” Yonhap News Agency, 6 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>; “President Urges Dialogue with North Korea,” Chosun Ilbo, 7 February 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>.
Im Dong Wŏn, national security and unification advisor to the South Korean president, says that North Korea poses a threat to security on the Korean peninsula, but the threat must be reduced through peaceful dialogue. Im says that the use of military force will only result in the danger of igniting another Korean war.
—Kwŏn Kyŏng Bok, “Im T’ŭkpo ‘P’yŏnghwajŏgŭro Anbowihyŏp Haeso’,” Yonhap News Agency, 6 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>.
North Korean UN Ambassador Pak Kil Yŏn says that North Korea is prepared to renew dialogue with the United States even though President George W. Bush labeled North Korea as a member of the “axis of evil.” Park says that Bush’s speech amounts to a declaration of war, which surprised North Korea and caused confusion in governments around the world. Park says that if the United States has a hostile or confrontational approach to North Korea, then North Korea will response in similar ways. On the other hand, Park says, “Nice words will be answered by nice words.”
—Edith M. Lederer, “North Korea Takes Wait-And-See Tone,” Associated Press, in Joongang Ilbo, 11 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; “UN Chujae Puktaesa ‘Ŏnjedŭn Puk-Mi Taehwa Yongŭi’,” Joongang Ilbo, 8 February 2002, <http://www.joins.com>; Zeno Park, “North Korea Calls US ‘Empire of Devil’,” Agence France Presse, 8 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>.
South Korean Unification Minister Chŏn Se Hyŏn tells the National Assembly that the South Korean government will seek the opening of a direct air route between North Korea and South Korea to facilitate the construction of the LWRs in North Korea under the Agreed Framework.
—Yonhap News Agency, 7 February 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Gov’t Looking to Open Direct Air Route to N.K. for KEDO Project,” FBIS Document ID KPP20020207000049.
The Korean Central News Agency criticizes President Bush’s defense budget, saying “Though it has the largest number of weapons of mass destruction in the world, the US is sharply increasing military expenditure. This clearly proves that the US, ‘empire of devil,’ is posing a grave threat to the world peace and stability.”
—“KCNA on U.S. National Defense Budget,” Korean Central News Agency, 8 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Segye’rŭl Wihyŏpha’nŭn Mi’gug’ŭi Kukpang’yesan / Chosŏnjungangt’ongshin Ronp’yŏng,” Korean Central News Agency, 8 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Zeno Park, “North Korea Calls US ‘Empire of Devil’,” Agence France Presse, 8 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>.
North Korea cancels the proposed visits of four former US ambassadors to South Korea. The US delegation was to include William Gleysteen, Richard Walker, Donald Gregg, Stephen Bosworth, and University of California Professor Emeritus Robert Scalapino. North Korea proposed the visit in recent months as a way to maintain a channel of communication with the United States. Park Kil Yŏn, North Korean Ambassador to the UN, says he received instruction from Pyongyang to cancel the trip, but he does not link the move to George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address. However, Gleysteen and Scalapino say Bush’s speech is clearly the reason for the cancellation.
—Micheal Gordon, “A Nation Challenged: Korea; North Korea Cancels Trip By 4 Experts From the U.S.,” New York Times, 9 February 2002, p. A9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Vanessa Palo, “N. Korea Tells US Envoys Not to Come,” Associated Press, in Joongang Ilbo, 11 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>.
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ch’oe Sŏng Hong tells the National Assembly that South Korea will take issue with North Korea’s WMD programs when inter-ministerial talks resume. Ch’oe says that South Korea has told North Korea to address the suspicions surrounding its missile and WMD programs during the June 2000 summit and other occasions.
—Yonhap News Agency, 9 February 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Seoul to Issue Direct Appeal to Pyongyang over WMD,” FBIS Document ID KPP20020209000014.
In response to CIA Director George Tenet’s testimony before the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Korean Central News Agency says North Korea’s development of weapons of mass destruction is “non-existent.” KCNA says the information provided by the CIA has “always been nothing but sophism designed to slander and do harm to other countries.”
—“KCNA on CIA Chief’s Remarks,” Korean Central News Agency, 11 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Mijungangjŏngboguk Changgwan’ŭi Moryag’in <Taeryangsallyungmugigaebal> Mangbal / Chosŏnjungangt’ongshin Ronp’yŏng,” Korean Central News Agency, 11 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
According to a South Korean government source, snowfall this winter has been below normal, which will have a negative effect on North Korea’s hydroelectric power generation later this year.
—Chu Yong Sŏng, “Puk Ol Kŏulch’ŏl Chŏllyŏk Shimhae,” Yonhap News Agency, 11 February 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/>.
The Mainichi Shimbum reports that the LWRs under construction in North Korea will be delayed beyond the target date of 2003, and will only be completed by 2008 if the project progresses well from now on. According to the report, the delay in construction might increase costs.
—Kim Yong Su, “Taepuk Kyŏngsuro Kŏnsŏl Bballaya 2008 Nyŏn Ihu,” Joongang Ilbo, 11 February 2002, <http://ww.joins.com/>; “Keisuiroteikyo, Ohhabaokure,” Mainichi Shimbum, 11 February 2002, <http://www.mainichi.co.jp/>.
In testimony before the Senate Budget Committee, Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States has no plans to start a war with North Korea. Powell says, “We want to see a dialogue. We want to contain North Korea’s activities with respect to proliferation, and we are going to keep the pressure on them.” Powell adds that George W. Bush will offer to restart dialogue with North Korea without conditions.
—Alan Sipress, “Powell: No Plans Now for War With ‘Axis’; Diplomatic, Political Approaches Stressed,” Washington Post, 13 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Michael R. Gordon and David E. Sanger, “A Nations Challenged: Iraq; Powell Says U.S. Is Weighing Ways to Topple Hussein,” New York Times, 13 February 2002, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Barry Schweid, “Powell Says President Will Offer North Korea Unconditional Talks,” Associated Press, 12 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Xinhua News Agency, “U.S. to Offer Unconditional Talks to DPRK: Powell,” Xinhua General News Service, 12 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.nexis.com/>; Kim Jin, “U.S. Hopes to Draw North from Isolation, Powell Says,” Joongang Ilbo, 14 February 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>.
During a hearing held by a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, Secretary of State Colin Powell says the Agreed Framework will come to a halt unless North Korea allows safeguards inspections. Representatives Christopher Cox, Benjamin Gilman, and Edward Markey say they have introduced legislation to deny funding for KEDO.
—“Lawmakers Urge Scuttling of U.S. Pact with North Korea,” Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 13 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, “U.S. Threatens to Stop KEDO Plan if N. Korea Denies Inspections,” Japan Economic Newswire, 13 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Ju Yong-joon, “US Reps Urge Reconsidering NK Reactor Project,” Chosun Ilbo, 14 February 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Kim Chin, “Powell ‘Pukhan Haeksach’al Kŏbu’ddaen Kyŏngsuro Chiwŏn Chungdan,” Joongang Ilbo, 14 February 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>; “Mimaep’a, ‘Pukkyŏngsuro Indo Ch’wiso’,” Munhwa Ilbo, 14 February 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
North Korean radio reports “there is no reason for our nuclear and missile policies to attract suspicion.” The broadcast says these programs are “transparent, clear and are intended for self-defense.” The report also calls George W. Bush the “most ferocious war fanatic among previous US presidents and an ignorant political hooligan.”
—Kim Ho-sam, 15 February 2002, in “DPRK Calls Bush ‘Ignorant Political Hooligan,’ Decries US ‘Hypocrisy’ Over Missile Threat,” FBIS Document ID KPP20020215000205.
AFI Research reports that North Korea and Iraq have cooperated in the “area of nuclear weapons technology.” [Note: This report is unsubstantiated.]
—AFI Research, “The Axis of Evil—Why These Three Countries?” A MILNET Analysis, 16 February 2002, <http://www.milnet.com/>.
During his visit to South Korea, George W. Bush says the United States has no intention of invading North Korea. Bush also says that he supports Kim Dae Jung’s “sunshine policy” of engagement with North Korea, and that Washington is prepared to renew dialogue with Pyongyang.
—O P’ung Yŏn, Kim Su Chŏng, and Hong Wŏn Sang, “Bush, ‘Pukch’imgong Ŭisa Ŏpta’,” Taehan Maeil, 21 February 2002, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Kim Min Bae, “Bush ‘Pukch’imgong Ŭisa Ŏptta’,” Chosun Ilbo, 20 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>;
Nucleonics Week reports that North Korea “will now concede there are apparent discrepancies requiring explanation between its 1992 declared nuclear inventory and other evidence from the US and the IAEA.” The report says that according to North Korea, the discrepancies “could at least be partially reconciled by the past operation history of the Isotope Production Laboratory in Yŏngbyŏn-kun.” North Korea admits it separated a few hundred grams of plutonium at the lab in 1975, but denies any was separated after that.
—Mark Hibbs, “North Korea Points to Isotope Lab as Key to Inventory Discrepancies,” Nucleonics Week, Vol. 43, No. 8, 21 February 2002, <http://www.mhenergy.com/>.
During a press conference in Beijing, President George W. Bush says that he has asked Chinese President Jiang Zemin to help the United States renew bilateral talks with North Korea.
—“Bush Seeks Jiang’s Help in NKorea Dialogue,” Agence France Presse, 21 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Lee Sang Min, “Bush ‘Puk-Midaehwa Chaegae’e Chung Chiwŏn Yoch’ŏng’,” Joongang Ilbo, 21 February 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry releases a statement that rejects George W. Bush’s call for dialogue with the United States. The English version reads, “We are not willing to have contact with his clan which is trying to change by force of arms the system chosen by the Korean people.” However, the Korean version of the statement is slightly different, “While the US has no intention of recognizing our system, we do not need any proposals for a dialogue that is looking for a pretext to invade [North Korea].”
—“DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Bush’s Slanders,” Korean Central News Agency, 22 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Uri Ch’eje’e Taehan Bush’ŭi Mangbal’ŭn Uriwaŭi Taehwabujŏngsŏn’ŏn / Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in Tamhwa,” Korean Central News Agency, 22 February 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Kim Yŏng Shik, “Puk, Bush Taehwaje’ŭi Kŏbu,” Donga Ilbo, 22 February 2002, <http://www.donga.com/>.
The US and South Korea complete the first of a joint study on confidence-building measures (CBMs) with North Korea to address Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles, WMD programs and conventional forces. The initial part of the study is said to have 32 items to be proposed for CBMs with North Korea. The joint study team reportedly began the study in June 2001.
—Jong-Heon Lee, “U.S. Moves to Tackle Conventional Weapons,” United Press International, 28 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; C.W. Lim, “US and South Korea Study Ways to Ease Tensions with North,” Agence France Presse, 28 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Min-Seok, “U.S. to Join Effort to Limit North’s Arms,” Joongang Ilbo, 28 March 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Yu Yong Wŏn, “[Han-Mi] Taebuk Kunsashilloejoch’i Maryŏn...Hotline Tŭng Hyŏpsang,” Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>; Kim Kwi Kŭn, “[Han-Mi, CBM Kongdong’yŏn’gusŏnggwawa Chŏnmang],” Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>; Kim Kwi Kŭn, “Hanmi, Kunsashilloejoch’i Kongcongdaeŭng Hab’ŭi,” Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>; “Military Confidence-Building,” Korea Now, Vol. 31, No. 5, 9 March 2002, p. 9.
General Thomas Schwartz, Commander in Chief US Forces, Korea, tells the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Agreed Framework is “the roadmap to the future in my opinion. It is serving us well at this time. It stopped their nuke development, there is no doubt about it.” However, Schwartz also says that North Korea “still refuses to comply with nuclear nonproliferation protocols.”
—“Statement of General Thomas A. Schwartz, Commander in Chief United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command & Commander, United States Forces Korea, before the 107th Congress Senate Armed Services Committee, 5 March 2002, p. 9, <http://www.senate.gov/~armed_services/
statemnt/2002/Schwartz.pdf>; “North Korea Expanding Missile Sales: US General,” Agence France Presse, 5 March 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Chu Yong Chung, “[Schwartz Chŭng’ŏn] ‘Puk Haeksach’al Kŏbuhamyŏn Wigisanghwang Olsudo’,” Chosun Ilbo, 6 March 2002, <http://www.chosun.com/>.
North Korea and Russia sign an agreement for scientific exchanges during 2002-2004.
—Ch’oe Sŏn Yŏng, “Puk-Rŏ, Munhwa.Kwahakkyoryugyehoeksŏ Ch’egyŏl,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 April 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman says that North Korea has decided to resume suspended negotiations with KEDO. According to the spokesman, US and North Korean officials met in New York on 13 and 20 March to discuss bilateral relations and the resumption of dialogue.
—“Foreign Ministry Spokesman on DPRK-U.S. Contacts,” Korean Central News Agency, 3 April 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Chomi New York Chŏpch’ok Chinhaeng, KEDO Waŭi Hyŏpsang’ŭl Chaegae/Chosŏn Oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 3 April 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lt. General Leon J. LaPorte says that the Agreed Framework has proven successful in freezing North Korea’s nuclear program. In absence of the Agreed Framework, North Korea could have produced weapons-grade plutonium for dozens of nuclear weapons.”
—“Advance Questions for Lieutenant General Leon J. LaPorte, USA Nominee for the Position of Commander in Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/Commander, United States Forces Korea,” April 2002, <http://www.senate.gov/~armed_services/
statemnt/%202002/April/LaPorte.pdf>; Jim Garamone, “Korea, Pacific Command Nominees Testify,” American Forces Press Service, 26 April 2002, <http://www.defenselink.mil/news/
Apr2002/n04262002_200204265.html>.
National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il, Kim Il Ch’ŏl, Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, and Vice Marshal Kim Yŏng Ch’un, chief of the general staff of the Korean People’s Army, and other high-ranking officials meet with a Russian military delegation from the Far Eastern Military District. The Russian delegation is led by Colonel General Yuri Yakubov, the commander of the district. Andrei Karlov, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, and Vladislav Prokopenko, the Russian military attaché from the embassy also attend the meetings. The delegation arrived in Pyongyang on 31 May, and was preceded by a “Red-Flag Ensemble” that arrived on 27 May.
—“Kim Jong Il Meets with Russian Military Delegation,” Korean Central News Agency, 2 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Kim Jong Il Ch’ongbisŏ Russia Ryŏnbangmuryŏk Wŏndonggun’gwan’gudaep’yodan’ŭl Chŏpkyŏn,” Korean Central News Agency, 2 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Chief of KPA general Staff Meets Russian Military Delegation,” Korean Central News Agency, 2 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Kim Yŏng Ch’un Ch’ongch’ammojang’i Russia Ryŏnbangmuryŏk Wŏndonggun’gwan’gudaep’yodan’ŭl Mannatda,” Korean Central News Agency, 2 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Delegation of Far Eastern Military District of Russia Here,” Korean Central News Agency, 31 May 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Russia Ryŏnbangmuryŏk Wŏndonggun’gwan’gudaep’yodan Toch’ak,” Korean Central News Agency, 31 May 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Russian Military Delegation Feted,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Inminmuryŏkpu’esŏ Russia Ryŏnbangmuryŏk Wŏndonggun’gwan’gudaep’yodan’ŭl Wihayŏ Yŏnhoe Maryŏn,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Delegation and Ensemble of Far Eastern Military District of Russia Here,” Korean Central News Agency, 27 May 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Russia Ryŏnbangmuryŏk Pulg’ŭn’giwŏndonggungwan’guhyŏpchudan Toch’ak,” Korean Central News Agency, 27 May 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “<Pukhandanshin> Russia Kunhyŏpchudan Pyongyang Toch’ak,” Yonhap News Agency, 27 May 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>; “N.K. Defense Minister Meets with Russian Military Delegation,” Joongang Ilbo, 3 June 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; “Puk Kim Il Ch’ŏl, Rŏgun Taep’yodan Manna,” Chosun Ilbo, 3 June 2002, <http://nk.chosun.com/>.
Ambassador Jack Pritchard, Special Envoy for Negotiations with the DPRK, meets with Ambassador Pak Kil Yŏn at North Korea’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York. Pritchard asks the Mission if there are any convenient dates for a US delegation to visit North Korea. On 25 June, the United States informs the Mission that a delegation could be prepared to visit Pyongyang on 10 July. On 27 June, the US side asks for a confirmation of the date, and for a timely response in consideration of time needed for travel arrangements. Following the naval clash between North and South Korea on 29 June, and the lack of a response from Pyongyang, the United States cancels the proposed visit on 1 July 2002.
—Press Statement, Richard Boucher, Spokesman, “Status of Political Dialogue with North Korea,” US Department of State, 2 July 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Office of the Spokesman, “Taken Questions From Daily Press Briefing of June 14, 2002: North Korea – Talks in New York,” US Department of State, 14 June 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Yonhap News Agency, 28 June 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Washington Suggests Sending Envoy to Pyongyang Second Week of July,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020629000007; “ROK“Mi T’ŭksabangbuk Ch’ŏlhoe Kongshik Palp’yo,” Joongang Ilbo, 3 July 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
Government delegations from the United States, Japan, and South Korea hold a Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting in San Francisco. The three sides agree about the importance of holding “comprehensive and flexible talks with North Korea.” The US and Japanese delegations reaffirmed support for Kim Dae Jung’s policy of engagement with Pyongyang, and for the implementation of the Agreed Framework.
—Press Statement, Richard Boucher, Spokesman, “Joint Statement by the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group,” US Department of State, 18 June 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; “U.S. Hopes to Ease N. Korea Tension – AP,” Joongang Ilbo, 19 June 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Shim Jae-yun, “ROK Urges US to Upgrade Level for Dialogue with NK,” Korea Times, 21 June 2002, <http://www.hk.co.kr/times.htm>; Kim Ji-ho, “North Korea Urged to Allow International Nuclear Inspection,” Korea Herald, 20 June 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>.
An anonymous South Korean government official says that an IAEA delegation will visit Pyongyang 26-29 June for working-level talks. The discussions are to cover the implementation of nuclear safety regulations and safeguards inspections among other issues.
—Kim Hee-sung, “IAEA Plans 5-Day Negotiation in Pyeongyang (sic),” Joongang Ilbo, 18 June 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; “IAEA Officials to Visit N.K. Next Week,” Korea Herald, 19 June 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; Ryu Cahe Hun, “IAEA Taep’yodan 25 Il Pangbuk / ‘Haeg’anjŏn’ Shilmu Hyŏpsang,” Hankryoreh Shinmun, 19 June 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Kim Yŏng Shik, “IAEA Taep’yodan Pangbuk...Puk Haeg’anjŏnjoch’i Ihaeng Hab’ŭi,” Donga Ilbo, 19 June 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The Korean Central news Agency reports that North Korea will host the “2002 Pyongyang International Technology and Infrastructure Exhibition” 17-20 September 2002. The event will be co-sponsored by the DPRK International Exhibition Company and the Munich International Exhibition Corporation. The exhibition will display “equipment for developing the latest technology and machines and equipment to be used in building, building materials, metal, mining, transport, communications and chemical industry.” [Note: Transfers of mining machines and technologies could be applied to uranium mining in North Korea. Furthermore, metallurgy technologies could possibly be applied to other aspects of nuclear bomb development.]
—“Pyongyang International Technology and Infrastructure Exhibition to Be Held,” Korean Central News Agency, 24 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “P’yŏngyang Kukchegyŏngje Mit Habugujo Chŏllamhoega Chinhaeng Toenda / 9 Wŏl 17 Il ~ 20 Il,” Korean Central News Agency, 24 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
North and South Korean naval forces clash in coastal waters off the west coast. One South Korean vessel is sunk and four sailors are killed. North Korean casualties are estimated to be about 30. During the skirmish, South Korean elint indicates that North Korean radars have been turned on for ship-borne anti-ship Styx missiles and for Silkworm missiles based onshore. The South Korean vessels disperse chaff as a countermeasure and reportedly break off their aggressive pursuit of the North Korean vessels in fear that a North Korea could respond with a missile attack, which would potentially result in a serious escalation of the conflict.
—“The Naval Clash on the Yellow Sea on 29 June 2002 between South and North Korea: The Situation and ROK’s Position,” Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea, 1 July 2002, <http://www.mnd.go.kr/>; “Pukhan’gun’ŭi NLL Ch’imbŏm Mit Tobal’gwa Uri Kun’ŭi Taeŭng,” Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea, 2 July 2002, <http://www.mnd.go.kr/>; “Sŏhae’gyojŏn Chosa Kyŏl’gwa [Sŏhae’gyojŏnsat’ae Kwallyŏn Podo Briefing (’02.7.7)],” Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea, 7 July 2002; Ministry of National Defense, 7 July 2002, in “ROK Defense Ministry Announces Investigation Results of West Sea Clash—Graphics,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020707000007; Hwang Jang-jin, “N.K Readied Anti-Ship Missiles During Naval Exchange of Fire,” Korea Herald, 5 July 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; Yonhap News Agency, 4 July 2002, in “ROK DefMin (sic) Refutes Criticism, Says DPRK Was Preparing Missile Launch in Sea Clash,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020704000034; Hwang Jang-jin, “S. Korea, U.S. Analyze Communications During West Sea Skirmish with N. Korea,” Korea Herald, 1 July 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; Hwang Jang-jin, “South, North Exchange Fire in West Sea,” Korea Herald, 30 June 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; Doug Struck, “N. Korea Sends Contradictory Signals,” Washington Post, 1 July 2002, p. 12; Yonhap News Agency, 7 July 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Misinformation Causes Navy’s Meager Reaction to N. K. Provocation,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020707000010; “S. Korean Military to Blame for Armed Clash in West Sea,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Sŏhaemujangch’ungdolsa’gŏn Taehan Namjosŏn Tanggug’ŭi Palp’yo’nŭn Nalcho / Chosŏn’inmin’gun Haegunsaryŏngbu Taebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 30 June 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “U.S. Is to Blame for Armed Clash in West Sea of Korea,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 July 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Migug’ŭn Sŏhaemujangch’ungdolsa’gŏn’ŭi Ch’aeg’im’esŏ Chŏltaero Pŏs’ŏ Nalsu Ŏpta / Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 July 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
A Pakistani C-130 transport plane lands in North Korea and is loaded with missile parts for export back to Pakistan. According to Outlook India.com, the shipment includes 47 tons of special aluminum that Kahn Laboratory acquired from a British firm in Blackburn, U.K. The shipment is reportedly delivered on a Shaheen Airlines flight. [Note: The shipment is part of a suspected nuclear-for-missile barter deal between Islamabad and Pyongyang. It is not clear if Pakistan delivered nuclear materials or technologies on this flight. If the Outlook India.com report is correct, the aluminum could have come from the TTI Group, Ltd., which is the U.K. subsidiary of the Materials Technology Division of Aalberts Industries NV, which is headquartered in the Netherlands.]
—David E. Sanger, “In North Korea and Pakistan, Deep Roots of Nuclear Barter,” New York Times, 24 November 2002, <http://www.nytimes.com/>; “Pak Despatched [sic] N-Material to N Korea This July,” Outlook India.com, 6 December 2002, <http://www.outlookindia.com/>.
The United States cancels a proposed visit by a US delegation to Pyongyang. On 14 June, Ambassador Jack Pritchard, Special Envoy for Negotiations with the DPRK, met with Ambassador Pak Kil Yŏn at North Korea’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, and proposed the visit. The US State Department says the trip, which was proposed for 10 July, is no longer possible because of the Pyongyang’s “failure to respond in a timely manner,” and because the clash between North and South Korean naval vessels on 29 June “had created an unacceptable atmosphere in which to conduct the talks.
—Press Statement, Richard Boucher, Spokesman, “Status of Political Dialogue with North Korea,” US Department of State, 2 July 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Office of the Spokesman, “Taken Questions From Daily Press Briefing of June 14, 2002: North Korea – Talks in New York,” US Department of State, 14 June 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Vernon Loeb, “U.S. Shelves N. Korea Talks” Washington Post, 3 July 2002, p. 20, <http://www.washingtonpost.com/>; Yonhap News Agency, 3 July 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: Hope for U.S.-N.K. Talks Disappears Due Mostly to Naval Clash,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020703000029; “Mi T’ŭksabangbuk Ch’ŏlhoe Kongshik Palp’yo,” Joongang Ilbo, 3 July 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
A North Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman accuses the United States of being responsible for the 29 June naval clash between North and South Korea because the “Northern Limit Line” was set unilaterally by the United States and was not part of the July 1953 armistice. According to the spokesman, “the incident occurred as the South Korean naval vessels intruded into the territorial waters of the north side and fired first hundreds of rounds of bullets and shells at the patrol boats of the navy of the Korean People’s Army on routine coastal guard duty.”
—“U.S. Is to Blame for Armed Clash in West Sea of Korea,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 July 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Migug’ŭn Sŏhaemujangch’ungdolsagŏn’ŭi Chaeg’im’esŏ Chŏldaero Pŏs’ŏ Nalsu Ŏpta/Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 1 July 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
A 25-member North Korean delegation arrives in South Korea to participate in a training program as part of the LWR construction project under the Agreed Framework. The delegation is led by Kim Yŏng Il, a director in North Korea’s Nuclear Safety Regulatory Committee (核安全監督委員會), and the group will receive training at the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (韓國原子力安全技術院) in Taejŏn. The group is scheduled to stay in South Korea until 27 July.
—Seo Hyun-jin, “N.K. Officials Her for Nuclear Reactor Training,” Korea Herald, 3 July 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; “N. Korean Nuclear Experts Visit South for Safety Training,” Yonhap News Agency, 3 July 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>; Lee Yŏng Chong, “Pukhan Kyŏngsuro Anjŏn’yowŏn 25 Myŏng Ipkuk,” Joongang Ilbo, 2 July 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>; Mun Kwan Hyŏn, “Pukkyŏngsuro Anjŏn’yowŏn 25 Myŏng Yejŏngdaero Naehan,” Joongang Ilbo, 2 July 2002, <http://www.joins.com/>.
US Ambassador Thomas Hubbard says that the naval clash on 29 June appears to be a deliberate attack from North Korea, but that he expects no significant changes in bilateral relations between Washington and Pyongyang, and between Seoul and Pyongyang. Hubbard says the United States continues to support Kim Dae Jung’s policy of engagement with North Korea, and he believes it is impossible to know whether Kim Jong Il was involved in the command decisions related to the sea battle.
—Kim Kwang-tae, “Naval Clash NK’s ‘Deliberate’ Provocation: Hubbard,” Korea Times, 8 July 2002, <http://www.hankooki.com>.
The North Korean airline Air Koryo conducts the first direct inter-Korean flight to transport South Koreans working on the KEDO light water reactor project from Yangyang, Kang’wŏn Province, South Korea to Sŏndŏk-ri, Chŏngp’yŏng-kun, South Hamgyŏng Province, North Korea.
—“DPRK Plane Makes Second Inter-Korean Direct Air Route Fly,” Xinhua News Agency, 15 October 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Lee Dong Jun, “Nambuk Chikhangno Onŭl Kaet’ong,” Hankook Ilbo, 20 July 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Hwang Chae Sŏng, “Nambuk Chikhangno 20 Il Shihŏmbihaeng,” Donga Ilbo, 17 July 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
In a statement before the Senate Foreign relations Committee, Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy, says, “It is no coincidence the regimes that are currently working hardest to attain and proliferate weapons of mass destruction are the same regimes that are the most tyrannical.” Gaffney includes North Korea with Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Cuba, Sudan, Algeria, and China. [Note: The statement elicits a response from the North Korean media on 14 August.]
—Frank J. Gaffney, “Nuclear Treaty with Russia,” Statement before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Federal Document Clearing House Congressional Testimony, 23 July 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
During a visit to Pyongyang, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov says that North Korea “is ready for a constructive dialogue with the United States and Japan, without any preconditions.” Ivanov held several hours of talks with Kim Jong Il during his two-day visit.
—Karen DeYoung, “N. Korea Eager for Talks, Russia Says,” Washington Post, 30 July 2002, p. 11, <http://washingtonpost.com/>.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell and North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam Sun have a 15-minute talk over coffee at the ARF meeting in Brunei. Paek later says that North Korea has agreed to resume dialogue with the United States. Paek also holds a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, and both parties agree to work towards the normalization of ties between Tokyo and Pyongyang.
—Don Kirk, “Powell Meets With North Korean Counterpart in Brunei,” New York Times, 31 July 2002; Karen DeYoung, “Powell Tentative on N. Korea,” Washington Post, 1 August 2002, p. 22; “Coffee With North Korea,” Washington Post, 1 August 2002, p. 26; Kyodo News Service, 31 July, in “Japan, N. Korea Agree to promote Normalization,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20020731000116.
According to the Segye Ilbo, a South Korean daily, US satellite imagery reveals a secret underground nuclear reactor in Pyongyang. According to the report, North Korea has been operating the reactor for about 20 years, and it was built with Soviet technology. The reactor is said to be cooled with water from the Imwŏn Resevoir (林源貯水地). [Note: This report has not been substantiated, and the credibility of this report is dubious.]
—Cho Chong-chin, “Secret Underground Nuclear Power Plant in P’yongyang,” Segye Ilbo, 5 December 2002, in “DPRK Allegedly Operates Secret Underground Nuclear Power Plant Near P’yongyang,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20021205000069; Cho Chŏng Chin, “P’yŏngyang’e Pimil Chihawŏnjŏn,” Segye Ilbo, 5 December 2002, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Kim Ki-tong, “‘Underground Atomic Energy Power Plant’ Shock—DPRK Nuclear Controversy Increases,” Segye Ilbo, 5 December 2002, in “Article Warns of Recurring 1994 ‘Crisis’ With DPRK’s ‘Secret’ Nuclear Power Plant” FBIS Document ID: KPP20021205000077; Kim Ki Tong, “‘Chihawŏnjŏn Shock’...Pukhaekp’amun Chŭngp’ok,” Segye Ilbo, 5 December 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.
According to evidence acquired by the Bush administration, Pakistan has been assisting North Korea with its nuclear weapons program as late as August 2002. The administration believes Pakistan has been providing “nuclear technical knowledge, designs and possibly materials in exchange for missile parts up until this summer.”
—Glenn Kessler, “Pakistan’s N. Korea Deals Stir Scrutiny,” Washington Post, 13 November 2002, p. A1, <http://www.washingtonpost.com/>.
KEDO holds a ceremony in Kŭmho-chigu, Shinp’o to mark the pouring of concrete for the construction of the first light water reactor under the Agreed Framework. Charles Pritchard, US Representative to KEDO, attends the ceremony and says, “The United States will continue to abide by the terms of this accord [the Agreed Framework] so long as North Korea does the same.” Pritchard says that under the construction schedule, KEDO will deliver key components to the first reactor in mid 2005, and therefore, North Korea and the IAEA need to begin the safeguards inspection process now.
—Charles L. Pritchard, “North Korea’s Nuclear Program: Light Water Reactor Project,” Remarks at KEDO Concrete Pouring Ceremony, 7 August 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Kwon Kyung-bok, “KEDO Celebrates Next Phase Construction,” Chosun Ilbo, 7 August 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Lee Young-jong, “Ceremony for Nuclear Reactors Draws Criticism,” Joongang Ilbo, 6 August 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Nicholas Kralev, “North Korea to Lay Base for Reactor,” Washington Times, 6 August 2002, p. 1, <http://www.washtimes.com/>; Kyodo News Service, 6 August 2002, in “KEDO Team Leaves for Ceremony on N. Korean Nuclear Reactor,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20020806000098; Seo Hyun-jin, “KEDO Leaders Discuss Nuclear Project before launch of New Construction Stage,” Korea Herald, 6 August 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; “KEDO Celebrates Next Phase of Nuclear Project in N. Korea,” Korea Herald, 7 August 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issues a statement regarding the visit of a special US envoy to Pyongyang. The spokesman says North Korea is willing to receive the envoy, but that results from the restart of bilateral dialogue would depend upon the “US dropping it hostile policy towards North Korea.”
—“Spokesman of DPRK FM on Issue of Pyongyang Visit of U.S. Special Envoy,” Korean Central News Agency, 8 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Munjenŭn Migug’I Taejosŏnjŏktaeshijŏngch’aeg’ŭl Kŭ’mandu’nŭnde Itta / Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in Migukt’ŭksa P’yŏnyangbangmunmunje’e Ŏn’gŭp,” Korean Central News Agency, 8 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Kim Hee-sung, “North Challenges ‘Hostile’ Policy, Reports on Envoy,” Joongang Ilbo, 9 August 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>.
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry says that North Korea has abided by the Agreed Framework “100 percent,” including the freezing of its nuclear facilities and the storage of spent fuel rods. However, the spokesman claims that the United States has not upheld its commitment to provide light water reactors by 2003, and that it is uncertain whether the reactors will be delivered by 2008. The spokesman says the most urgent issue in implementing the agreement is not safeguards inspections in North Korea, but compensation for the “loss of electricity” due to the delay in the reactor construction. An official from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry downplays Pyongyang’s threat to withdraw from the Agreed Framework, saying, “It is nothing but a tactic ahead of the forthcoming negotiations with the United States and will have no influence on future talks.”
—“DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Nuclear Inspection,” Korean Central News Agency, 13 August 2002, http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Mi’gug’ŭn Chogihaeksach’al’ŭl Ddŏdŭl’gi Chŏn’e Chŏllyŏksonshil’ŭl Posanghaeya Handa / Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 13 August 2002, http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Korean Central Broadcasting Station, 13 August 2002, in “DPRK Demands US Keep Promise in Agreed Framework to Provide LWR,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020813000098; “North rejects Call for Inspections, Threatens to Annul Geneva Framework,” Joongang Ilbo, 13 August 2002, http://english.joins.com/>; James Brooke, “In Diplomacy With North Korea, Some Progress, And a Setback,” New York Times, 14 August 2002, http://www.nytimes.com/>; Shim Jae-yun, “ROK Downplays NK Threat to Scrap Nuke Accord,” Korea Times, 14 August 2002, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/>; Korea Times, 14 August 2002, in “Senior FM Official: DPRK Statement on Nuclear Inspection ‘Tactic’ Ahead of Talks with US,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020814000120.
Philip Reeker, Deputy Spokesman for the US State Department, says, “We have stated many times that the United States will continue to abide by the terms of the accord [Agreed Framework] as long as North Korea does the same. We have emphasized that it’s critical for North Korea to begin cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and to meet all of its other obligations, as stipulated in the Agreed Framework.”
—Philip T. Reeker, “Daily Press Briefing,” US Department of State, 13 August 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; Ser Myo-ja, “U.S. Warns North on Inspections,” Joongang Ilbo, 15 August 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; James Brooke, “In Diplomacy With North Korea, Some Progress, And a Setback,” New York Times, 14 August 2002, http://www.nytimes.com/>; Yonhap News Agency, 14 August 2002, in “ROK’s Yonhap: U.S. Stands Firm on Nuclear Inspections,” FBIS Document ID: 20020814000014.
In response to the Senate testimony on 23 July by Frank Gaffney, president of the Center for Security Policy, the Rodong Sinmun says that North Korean missiles are “not for threatening anyone.”
—“U.S. Hawkish Forces’ Sophism Under Fire,” Korean Central News Agency, 14 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Shinmundŭl Sŏnjegonggyŏg’ŭi Kushil’ŭl Maryŏnhagi Wihan Mi’gukhojŏnseryŏg’ŭi Kwebyŏn’ŭl Kyut’an,” Korean Central News Agency, 14 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
The Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang says in an editorial that the United States should compensate North Korea for construction delays under the Agreed Framework. Under the agreement, the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) is to supply two light water reactors by a target date of 2003. Since the target date will be missed, North Korea believes it should be compensated for the “lost electricity due to the unilateral noncompliance with the Agreed Framework.” The commentary cites “international law and the moral point of view” as reasons the United States should provide compensation, and says that US requests for North Korea to accept IAEA inspections now are unreasonable.
—“KCNA Holds U.S. Fully Accountable for Loss of Electricity in DPRK,” Korean Central News Agency, 19 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Mi’gug’ŭn Chogihaeksach’al’ŭl Ddŏ’dŭl’gijŏn’e Chŏllyŏksonshilbosang’e Chich’eŏpshi Nasŏya Handa/ Chosŏnjungangt’ongshin Ronp’yŏng,” Korean Central News Agency, 19 August 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; KCNA, 19 August 2002, in “DPRK Press Agency Demands US ‘Preserve’ Agreed Framework, Compensate for Energy Loss,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020819000066.
A KEDO delegation arrives in Pyongyang to discuss the ongoing storage of the spent fuel rods that were canned as part of the Agreed Framework. The delegation includes officials from the US State Department and Department of Energy. The spent fuel rods were discharged from the nuclear reactor core in Yŏngbyŏn-kun in 1994.
—Richard Boucher, Spokesman, “Daily Press Briefing,” US Department of State, 26 August 2002, <http://www.state.gov/>; “US Confirms Presence of Delegation in Pyongyang,” Korea Times, 27 August 2002, <http://www.koratimes.co.kr/>; “State Department Confirms Presence of Delegation in Pyongyang,” Chosun Ilbo, 26 August 2002, <http://nk.chosun.com/>.
In an interview with a South Korean Internet news provider, US Ambassador Thomas Hubbard says that the United States is not ruling out the possibility of seizing North Korean missile exports on the high seas. However, Hubbard says that the United States wants to resolve its dispute with North Korea over its missile and WMD programs through dialogue.
—Son Byŏng Kwan, et al, “Panmi’gamjŏng, ‘Taehwabujŏk’i Wŏn’in Yŏjungsaengsa’gŏn ‘Chaep’an’gwan P’ogi’ Kollan [Yŏllin Interview 69] Hubbard Chuhan Midaesa,” Ohmynews, 26 August 2002, <http://www.ohmynews.com/>; Shimi Jae-yun, “US Hints at Retaliatory Steps Against NK Exports of Missiles,” Korea Times, 26 August 2002, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/>; Kwon Kyung-bok, “US Ambassador Notes NK Taking Right Steps,” Chosun Ilbo, 26 August 2002, <http://nk.chosun.com/english>; Yonhap News Agency, 26 August 2002, in “Further on Interview with US Ambassador Hubbard to ROK on USFK, DPRK Issues,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020826000064.
While in Tokyo, John Bolton, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, says the United States has evidence that North Korea is producing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and long-range ballistic missiles. Bolton also says that North Korea is exporting missiles and missile components.
—“Bolton Fields Queries on Iraq, North Korea,” August 26 Roundtable in Tokyo, 26 August 2002, <http://www.globalsecurity.org/>; Natalie Obiko Pearson, “Top U.S. Arms Negotiator Accuses North Korea of Building, Exporting Weapons of Mass Destruction –AP,” Joongang Ilbo, 27 August 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; Kwon Kyung-bok, “John R. Bolton to Visit Seoul,” Chosun Ilbo, 27 August 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; “Bolton Ch’a’gwan, ‘Pukhan Haek-Saenghwahang’mugi Kaebal’,” Chosun Ilbo, 27 August 2002, <http://nk.chosun.com/>.
In Seoul, John Bolton, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, says that “in addition to its disturbing weapons of mass destruction activities, North Korea also is the world’s foremost peddler of ballistic missile-related equipment, components, materials and technical expertise.” Bolton also says that George W. Bush’s reference to North Korea as being part of an “axis of evil” was “more than a rhetorical flourish—it was factually correct.” Bolton says the Agreed Framework is “in serious doubt” unless safeguards inspections begin soon, and there is “little doubt that North Korea has a chemical weapons program and “one of the most robust offensive bioweapons programs on earth.”
—John R. Bolton, “North Korea: A Shared Challenge to the U.S. and the Republic of Korea,” 29 August 2002, Seoul, <http://www.state.gov/t/us/rm/13219.htm>; Sang-Hun Choe, “Negotiator Says N. Korea Well-Armed,” Washington Post, 29 August 2002, <http://www.washingtonpost.com/>; Martin Nesirky, “U.S. Official Calls N. Korea ‘Peddler’ of Missile Technology,” Washington Post, 30 August 2002, p. 17, <http://www.washingtonpost.com/>; Don Kirk, “Senior U.S. Official Underscores Bush’s Criticism of North Korea,” New York Times, 29 August 2002, <http://www.nytimes.com/>; Xinhua News Agency, 29 August 2002, in “Xinhua: US Urges DPRK To Accept IAEA Atomic Inspections,” FBIS Document ID: CPP20020829000040; Kim Ji-ho, “U.S. Diplomats Meet Seoul Officials on North Korea, Presidential Race,” Korea Herald, 29 August 2002, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/>; Kwon Kyung-bok, “State Department’s Bolton Visits Cheong Wa Dae,” Chosun Ilbo, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Kwon Kyung-bok, “Bolton Says NK ‘Armed to the Teeth’,” Chosun Ilbo, 29 August 2002, <http://nk.chosun.com/english>; “Bolton to Arrive in Seoul Today,” Korea Times, 27 August 2002, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/>; Hwang Chae Hun, “Hanmi ‘Puk WMD’ Taech’aek Hyŏb’ŭi (Chonghap),” Yonhap News Agency, 28 August 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>; Hwang Chae Hun, “Bolton, ‘Geneva Hab’ŭi’ Mirae Uryŏ,” Yonhap News Agency, 29 August 2002, <http://www.yonhapnews.net/>.
The Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting is held in Seoul. The delegations from the United States, Japan and South Korea were led by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James A. Kelly, Director General of Asian and Oceanian Affairs Hitoshi Tanaka, and Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Tae Shik. The three sides reconfirm their goal of resolving the issue of North Korea’s WMD and missile programs through dialogue, and “highlight the importance of improved implementation of the Agreed Framework.” [Note: Later reports indicate that while in Seoul, James Kelly briefs the South Korean government on US intelligence regarding North Korea’s uranium enrichment program.]
—“Korea - Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group Joint Statement,” Press Statement, Richard Boucher, Spokesman, US Department of State, 9 September 2002, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2002/13328pf.htm>; “ROK, US, Japan Positively Assess Pyongyang’s Move Toward Dialogue,” Korea Times, 9 September 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “ROK, US, Japan Launch Trilateral Talks on NK,” Korea Times, 7 September 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, “U.S., S. Korea Express Support Koizumi’s Visit,” Japan Economic Newswire, 7 September 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Ji-ho, “Three Nations to Discuss Koizumi’s Visit,” Korea Herald, 6 September 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Lee Chong Hun, “[Puk Haekkaebal’gyehoek P’amun] Pyongyang Hoedamsŏ Pukshiin Ŏdŏnaegikkaji,” Donga Ilbo, 17 October 2002, <http://www.donga.com/ >; Sŏ Ŭi Tong, “TCOG Hoeŭi Kyŏlsan / Mi ‘Palbbarŭn Pukhaengbo’ Chin’ŭi’p’aakchuryŏk,” Munhwa Ilbo, 7 September 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >; Kim Su Chŏng, “TCOG Muŏl Non’ŭihana/ Nampuk-Pug’il’gwangye Kaesŏn Sokto-Panghyang Choyulhaltŭt,” Taehan Maeil, 7 September 2002, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.
The Rodong Sinmun carries a commentary criticizing US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Bolton’s recent remarks in Seoul regarding North Korea’s suspected WMD activities. The daily says Bolton’s charges are “sheer lies” with the “sinister intention to justify the US hostile policy towards North Korea.” The commentary claims Bolton’s remarks are designed to “mislead public opinion through false propaganda to brand North Korea as a ‘criminal’ and to impose ‘nuclear inspections’.”
—“Bolton’s Outbursts Under Fire,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Migungmusŏng Kunch’uk Mit Anbomunjedamdangch’a’gwan’ŭi <Anbosang Uryŏyoin> Pal’ŏn Pi’nan / Rodongshinmun,” Korean Central News Agency, 10 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
US President Bush presents visiting Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi with intelligence indicating that North Korea has been pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons program based on uranium enrichment. The two leaders are meeting in New York to coordinate policies on North Korea prior to Koizumi’s historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il scheduled for 17 September. [NOTE: Koizumi reportedly does not press the issue of the secret uranium enrichment program during his talks with Kim, instead focusing on the issue on North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals.]
—Sonni Efron, Henry Chu and Mark Magnier, “U.S. Begins Diplomatic Offensive on North Korea; The White House Asks Nations in the Region to Help Stop the Nuclear Program. China is Key,” Los Angeles Times, 19 October 2002, p.1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kyodo News Service, 12 September 2002, in “Bush Asks Koizumi to Convey Message to North Korea,” BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 13 September 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Masanobu Takagi, “Koizumi Presses Bush on Iraq,” Daily Yomiuri, 14 September 2002, p.1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Doug Struck and Glenn Kessler, “Hints on N. Korea Surfaced in 2000; U.S. Informed East Asia Nations of Nuclear Effort,” Washington Post, 19 October 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
In New York, US Secretary of State Colin Powell briefs Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi about North Korea’s program to develop nuclear weapons using highly enriched uranium.
—Kyodo News Service, 2 December 2002, in “Tokyo Knew of N. Korean Nuclear Program Details before Summit,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20021202000113.
US Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker meets with a close aid to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to provide documents and information regarding North Korea’s program to produce highly enriched uranium.
—Kyodo News Service, 2 December 2002, in “Tokyo Knew of N. Korean Nuclear Program Details before Summit,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20021202000113.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pays a one-day visit to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korea’s National Defense Chairman and Korean Workers’ Party general Secretary Kim Jong Il. The two sides discuss a number of issues including North Korea’s WMD and missile development programs. During the talks, Kim Jong Il admits that North Korea had abducted Japanese citizens in the past, but he apologizes and pledges to investigate past cases and prevent it from happening again. Kim also promises to extend Pyongyang’s missile flight-test moratorium indefinitely, and to resolve the concerns over North Korea’s nuclear program through international agreements. Later reports speculate that Kim indirectly admitted to Koizumi that North Korea has nuclear weapons when he said, “no one knows what will happen if we fight a nuclear war against the United States.”
—Howard W. French, “North Koreans Sign Agreement with Japanese,” New York Times, 18 September 2002, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Doug Struck, “N. Korea Admits It Abducted Japanese; Disclosure Clears Way for Historic Accord,” Washington Post, 18 September 2002, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; “Kim Jong Il Told Koizumi that N. Korea Has Nukes,” Daily Mainichi News, 18 October 2002, <http://mdn.mainichi.co.jp/>; Shin Yun Sŏk, “‘Haekchŏnjaeng Haebwaya Miwa Uyŏl’ar’a’/Kim Jong Il, Koizumi Hoedamddae Pal’ŏn,” Hankook Ilbo, 19 October 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; “DPRK-Japan Pyongyang Declaration Published,” Korean Central News Agency, 17 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Issue of Missing Japanese,” Korean Central News Agency, 17 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Japanese Prime Minister Arrives Here,” Korean Central News Agency, 17 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Talks between Kim Jong Il and Koizumi Held,” Korean Central News Agency, 17 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Choil P’yŏngyang Sŏn’ŏn,” Korean Central News Agency, 17 September 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld tells the House Armed Services Committee that he is “almost certain” North Korea has nuclear weapons and is developing long-range missiles that can strike the US mainland.
—Yonhap News Agency, 19 September 2002, in “US SecDef’s 18 Sep Remark on DPRK Nuclear Capability Called ‘Step Back From Earlier Statement’,” FBIS Document ID: KPP20020919000009.
According to a high-level official in the Japanese Foreign Ministry, IAEA officials say they are confirming North Korean plans to resume nuclear inspections.
—Kyodo News Service, 27 September 2002, in “N. Korea, IAEA Begin Talks on Nuclear Inspection,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20020927000136; “‘Puk-IAEA Haeksach’al Hyŏpsang’/Il’gowi’gwalli Palg’hyŏ,” Segye Ilbo, 28 September 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
“A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official” says that North Korea and the IAEA have begun detailed talks regarding the resumption of nuclear inspections.
—Kyodo News Service, 27 September 2002, in “N. Korea, IAEA Begin Talks on Nuclear Inspection,” FBIS Document ID: JPP20020927000136; “‘Puk-IAEA Haeksach’al Hyŏpsang’/Il’gowi’gwalli Palg’hyŏ,” Segye Ilbo, 28 September 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
An IAEA spokesperson says that North Korea and the agency had begun negotiations on the return of IAEA inspectors to North Korea.
—James A. Foley, “Tokyo and Pyongyang Improve relations,” Jane’s Intelligence Review, November 2002, p. 40.
The Independent on Sunday (London) reports that the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq has been accused “of having bargained with North Korea over stocks of plutonium.” [Note: The article does not mention the origin or credibility of the accusation.]
—Andrew Clennell, “Turkish Police Find Smuggled Uranium,” Independent on Sunday (London), 29 September 2002, p. 17, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
According to Defense & Foreign Affairs Daily, Saudi Arabia is now actively seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. “Highly-reliable sources” say that the kingdom is trying to acquire weapons, but is not seeking a production capability. According to the report, Saudi officials have approached one or two countries, possibly North Korea and/or China to purchase nuclear weapons.
—“Saudi Arabia Takes Steps to Acquire Nuclear Weapons,” Defense & Foreign Affairs Daily, Vol. 20, No. 180, 29 October 2002.
US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs James Kelly leads a delegation to Pyongyang to discuss various bilateral issues. While in Pyongyang Kelly meets with First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sŏk Chu and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Kwan. On the first day of the talks, Kelly offers no specific evidence, but says the United States has evidence that North Korea has been pursuing a program to produce highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons. The North Korean delegation initially denies the allegations, but on the second day of the talks, the North Korean delegation admits to having such a program. North Korean media describe Kelly’s attitude as “arrogant” during the talks. Later, a “high-ranking South Korean government official” says that Kang proposed to link US nuclear suspicions and a reduction in conventional forces with the United States lifting economic sanctions and changing its hostile policy towards North Korea. [Note: US press reports suggest that the evidence regarding North Korea’s uranium enrichment program is based on the discovery that North Korea has been attempting to acquire large amounts of high-strength aluminum for gas-centrifuges.]
—“US Special Envoy Leaves Pyongyang,” Xinhua News Agency, 5 October 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Kim Min-bai, “Government Stresses Dialogue on Nuclear Issue,” Chosun Ilbo, 17 October 2002, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Press Statement, Richard Boucher, Spokesman, “North Korean Nuclear Program,” U.S. Department of State, 16 October 2002, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2002/14432.htm>; James A. Kelly, “U.S.-East Asia Policy: Three Aspects,” Remarks at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington, D.C., 11 December 2002, <http://www.state.gov/p/eap/rls/
rm/2002/15875pf.htm>; Joby Warrick, “U.S. Followed the Aluminum: Pyongyang’s Efforts to Buy Metal Was Tip to Plans,” Washington Post, 18 October 2002, <http://www.washingtonpost.com/>; Oh Young-hwan, “North Continued Nuclear-Arms Project,” Joongang Ilbo, 18 October 2002, <http://english.joins.com/>; “Spokesman for DPRK FM on DPRK Visit of Special Envoy of U.S. President,” Korean Central News Agency, 7 October 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; Andrea Koppel and John King, “U.S.: North Korea Admits Nuke Program,” CNN, 16 October 2002, <http://www.cnn.com/>.
The Asahi Shimbun reports that about three months ago North Korea disbanded the “727 Liaison Office for Japan (對日 727 連絡所)” under the Operations Department (作戰部) of the Korean Workers’ Party Central Committee (朝鮮勞動黨中央委員會). The office, based in Ch’ŏngjin, North Hamgyŏng Province, was staffed with about 1,500 personnel and was responsible for spy ship operations in Japanese territorial waters. Kim Jong Il reportedly issued the order to disband the office in order to reduce the possibility of conflicts with Japan. The name of the office comes from the date of 27 July when Kim Il Sung is said to have issued instructions to encourage a revolution in South Korea.
—“Pyongyang Shuts Spy Ship Section,” Asahi Shimbun, 5 October 2002, <http://www.asahi.com/english>; “Tainichi Kosakusen Bumon wo Kaisan ka Chosen Rodoto Sakusenbu,” Asahi Shimbun, 4 October 2002, <http://www.asahi.com/>; Kyodo News Service, 4 October 2002, in FBIS Document ID: JPP20021004000017; Shin Yun Sŏk, “Puk, Taeilgongjaksŏn Pusŏ Haech’e/Il’innapch’i-Goesŏnbak Kwallyŏn Nodongdangsosok ‘727 Yŏllakso’,” Hankook Ilbo, 5 October 2002, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issues a statement saying that during his 3-5 October trip to Pyongyang, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs James Kelly took a “high-handed and arrogant attitude” in raising “issues of concern.” According to the ministry, Kelly said that North Korea’s relations with the United States, Japan and South Korea would be normalized only when North Korea meets the unilateral US demands regarding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs. The message conveyed by Kelly, according to the statement, indicates that the Bush administration is not pursuing a policy of dialogue, but rather “a hardline policy of hostility to bring North Korea to its knees by force.” The ministry concludes that “such unchanged policy of the US compels North Korea to take all necessary countermeasures, pursuant to the army-based policy whose validity has been proven.”
—“Spokesman for DPRK FM on DPRK Visit of Special Envoy of U.S. President,” Korean Central News Agency, 7 October 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>; “Miguktaet’ongnyŏngt’ŭksa’nŭn Shimhi Amnyŏkchŏg’igo Omanhage Nawatta/Chosŏn’oemusŏngdaebyŏn’in,” Korean Central News Agency, 7 October 2002, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/>.
The Tokyo Shimbun reports that North Korea has proposed a “technical consultation” with the IAEA to resolve suspicions over Pyongyang’s nuclear program. The paper quotes a senior official in the Japanese Foreign Ministry as having said that North
