Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Kim Jong Il inspected a newly built Gift Exhibition Hall of the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces on April 10. On April 11, Kim inspected Korea People's Army (KPA) Unit No. 834 and later enjoyed a performance presented by the Art Propaganda Squad of KPA Unit No. 966.

The so-called "National Briefing to Celebrate the 90th Birthday of Kim Il Sung" was held at Pyongyang Stadium on April 14. Among those present there were officials of state and party organizations such as Kim Jong Il, Kim Yong Nam (as a briefer), Jo Myong Rok and Hong Song Nam.

- Kim Jong Il paid homage to Kim Il Sung at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace at midnight of April 15, accompanied by the members of the Supreme Command of the Korea People's Army, including Jo Myong Rok, Kim Yong Chun and Kim Il Chul. (April 15, Central Broadcasting Station)

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an April 11 KCNA interview on U.S.-DPRK talks that he believes " DPRK-U.S. dialogues may resume if the U.S. truly wishes to talk with us on an equal footing in a respectful manner."

The KCNA reported on April 13 that, "Once again, the Japanese authorities have approved a history-distorting high school history textbook that includes Tok islet in its territory and completely omits all mentions of sex slave crimes, despite the fierce protests of the international community. This is an unprecedented act of crime."

The Central Broadcasting Station reported on April 12 that, "the Supreme People's Assembly Presidium released a decree on April 4 on the National Unification Award. The award will be conferred upon 26 patriots, including North Koreans such as Yun Ki Bok, and others in South Korea and overseas, in recognition for their work in furthering the cause of independent and peaceful unification under the leadership of Kim Jong Il and in accordance with the broad directions (i.e., independence, peaceful unification and grand national unity) set forth by Kim Il Sung.     

The Central Broadcasting Station released the 'Joint Statement of North-South Groups' on April 14. The statement had been adopted at the working-level meetings of North and South Korean social groups held at Mt. Kumkang April 10-12.