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While National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il made his way back from his visit
to Russia, various North Korean media organizations provided complete day-by-day coverage
of the visit, propagandizing, "The nation is elated upon learning about the overseas activities
of Leader Kim Jong Il, and is crossing its fingers for the day he will safely return after a
successful visit." |
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Regarding International Issues
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On August 8, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson told the KCNA, "We have given all our
official responses in regards to the question of resuming dialogue with the U.S. in the
June 18 briefing by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson and through DPRK-US contacts in
New York. We cannot sit together with the U.S. unless it withdraws agenda items it has
presented to disarm and destroy us." |
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On August 8, the Korean Asian Pacific Peace Committee spokesperson issued a
statement denouncing the U.S. for "scheming against peace and national reunification,
and attempts to derail the Mt. Kumkang tour project. If the U.S. continues to persistently
hamper this project, it will have to take the sole responsibility for all consequences." |
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On August 9, the Rodong Sinmun blasted the Japanese authorities for "moving ahead with
the plan to visit the Yaskuni Shrine on August 15, against strong protest in and outside the
nation. It is a slap in the face for the Asian people who suffered exceeding misfortunes
due to Japanese aggression and occupation." |
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Regarding Inter-Korean Issues
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On August 7, the Pyongyang Broadcasting Station Station stressed, "The U.S. imperialist
hardline policy against North Korea is an obstacle to national reunification. All Koreans
should unite to crush U.S. anti-unification schemes and march toward unification in
accordance with the North-South Joint Declaration." |
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Major Developments in North Korea (August 6-12, 2001) 
