Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Kim Jong Il paid inspection visits to KPA Unit 162 honored with the title of "Kum Song Lifeguard," and KPA Unit 1549 (dates unreported) and ordered soldiers to beef up combat capabilities. He was accompanied by KPA Generals Ri Myong Su, Hyon Chol Hae and Ri Yong Chol, member of the Central Military Commission of the WPK and first vice department director of its Central Committee (Feb.12, 13, Central Broadcasting Station).

A national meeting was held at the "April 25 House of Culture" on Feb. 15 to celebrate February 16, the birthday of leader Kim Jong Il. Stressing the importance of defending leader Kim Jong Il at the expense of one's life, the meeting was attended by Kim Yong Nam, president of the SPA Presidium, Jo Myong Rok, director of the Political Bureau and Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the SPA Presidium and other senior government officials.

Rodong Sinmun said on Feb. 9, "The U.S. is bound to suffer consequences from its foreign policy of pursuing hegemony in the international community. To shatter the policy, it is important for each country to put first priority on strengthening one's own defense capability."

A foreign ministry spokesperson claimed on Feb. 10 that the alleged transfer of nuclear technology to the DPRK by a Pakistani scientist is groundless, saying, "in a bid to make the DPRK's "enriched uranium program" sound plausible, the U.S. has concocted the whole story of 'transfer of N-technology to the DPRK by a Pakistani scientist.' "

The Central Broadcasting Station criticized Japan on Feb. 13, saying "high government officials of Japan are engaged in making groundless accusatory remarks against the DPRK, calling for posing sanctions and international isolation of Pyongyang."

Rodong Sinmun propagandized on Feb. 11, "It is our firm national will to pave the way for self-reliant reunification as a master of the nation's destiny. Based on the principle of 'our nation first,' the whole nation should be united in pursuing reunification as well as anti-U.S., anti-War campaigns. "

Rodong Sinmun criticized South Korea in its editorial dated Feb. 12, "the joint press release announced at the 13th inter-Korean ministerial talks in Seoul deleted a phrase "by our nation itself." If the South continues to pay lip-service without respecting the spirit of "June 15 Joint Declaration," we cannot help but take other options."