Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

On the occasion of the Youth Day (Aug. 28), Rodong Shinmun urged the country's young people on Aug 27, saying "All young people must join the army, considering it as the greatest honor to stand in the frontlines of protecting our nation. Young men and women must keep up their fight to strengthen our army as the army of the Party, of the Dear Leader, and for a strong revolution with the spirit of Mt. Baekdu.

In commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the launch of "the Bright Star Satellite (Aug 31, 1998)", Pyongyang Broadcasting Station propagandized, "The launch of the Bright Star Satellite signaled a significant milestone in the history of building a strong and powerful nation. Based on such commitment to the spirit of independence, self-sustenance and self-defense, we will let the whole world know the strength and glory of the DPRK that shines forth like the sun."

In an Aug. 30 press briefing, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry commented on the result of the six way nuclear talks, claiming, "The six-way talks in Beijing were good for nothing, as it served only as a platform to pressure us to disarm ourselves. Now that we have lost any interest or expectation in participating in such useless and harmful talks, we have no choice but to beef up our nuclear deterrent as a self-defense measure."

Rodong Shinmun on Aug 28 criticized Japan over the remark made by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary who said, "in order to contribute to the international community through such measures as dispatching the Self Defense Forces overseas, Japan will review legislative ways to prepare for an adequate legal framework within the Constitution". Rodong Shinmun denounced Japan's so-called 'contribution to the international community' as another word for its aim to invade other countries.

Under the title "With its patriotic feat, the NDFSK (National Democratic Front of South Korea) shall gain victory," Pyongyang Broadcasting Station maintained that as in the past, the NDFSK will continue to fulfill its duty as a vanguard in the patriotic struggle of the South Korean people and will continue to stand at the forefront of achieving the autonomous and democratic reunification of the peninsula.

The delegation of North Korean athletes who participated in the 2003 Daegu Universiade Games (Aug.21-31) returned home on Sept. 1, departing from Gimhae International Airport (the cheering squad was scheduled to depart at 17:00 the same day). In a statement released on Sept. 1 before their departure, a spokesperson for the North Korean delegation stated, "Despite the despicable provocation made by pathetic right-wing extremists during the events, we have exercised our utmost patience and self-restraint to ensure the success of the 2003 Universiade Games and now we are returning home with political gold medals around our necks." He concluded his statement by saying, "Let us meet again in the path of the patriotic efforts to achieve national reunification."