Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

On June 17, the Pyongyang Broadcasting Station argued, "The Bush Administration is making remarks about hardline policies against North Korea, the need for reviews of North Korean policies, and reduction of our conventional forces, while conducting war exercises to invade North Korea. This is a scheme to splash cold water on the mood supporting reconciliation and national reunification on the Korean peninsula, and to bring about a cold wind of confrontation and tension."

Regarding the Japanese government's refusal to allow the entry of the North Korean delegation for the Committee of Compensation for Comfort Women and Victims of the Pacific War into Japan, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson told a press briefing on June 11 that "the Japanese government has singled out the North Korean delegation which was invited to an international conference and refused them entry. This is a childish act that exceeds the bounds of international ethics and common sense."

On the first anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration, the Pyongyang City Reporting Conference was held at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang. Participants included Yang Hyong Seop, Choi Tae Bok and Kim Young Soon. Yang Hyong Seop argued during his briefing, "The Joint Declaration marks a great milestone for national reunification produced by Kim Jong Il's brilliant political capabilities. To implement the Declaration, we must independently resolve issues concerning national reunification, repel foreign intervention and cooperation, and pursue security for all the people."

On June 15, the Korean Central Broadcasting Station reported, "The Grand Symposium on National Reunification was held on June 15 on Mt. Kumkang, with representatives of many political parties and groups from the North, South, and overseas. The symposium was followed by a celebratory banquet at the Kumkang Resort.