Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Since July 26, National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il has been in Russia with his entourage traveling by private rail. On July 26, the Korean Central Broadcasting Station reported, "Kim Jong Il is scheduled to pay an official visit to Russia."

In its July 27 editorial on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the victory in the so-called national liberation war, the Rodong Sinmun argued, "We were able to accomplish a brilliant victory in the last national liberation war because the military and the people tightly united around the leadership of the Great Leader, and firmly defended and guarded the top command."

In its July 23 commentary, the Rodong Sinmun denounced the U.S. decision to "create four rapid-strike combat brigades for possible disputes in the Asian Pacific region," and argued, "It is tantamount to declaring North Korea as its principal enemy, and to provoking a second Korean War."

On July 26, North Korea released a joint statement with EU authorities regarding the establishment of diplomatic ties with the EU through the Korean Central Broadcasting Station."

On July 23, the Korean Central Broadcasting Station propagandized, "Since the announcement of the North-South Joint Declaration, there has been progress toward multi-track contacts, dialogue, and campaigns for national unity. All this progress is a noble accomplishment of Kim Jong Il for the Fatherland and the people."