Weekly on North Korea (Mar.3-9, 2006)

ROK Ministry of Unification

 

Internal Affairs

Chairman Kim Jong-il, as part of his public appearances, gave on-site guidance to cultural, sports, and service facilities in Samjiyeon county and the construction site of the Samsu Power Plant, according to the Central Broadcasting Station on March 4 and March 6.

A central reporting meeting took place on the 60 th anniversary of the promulgation of the Land Reform Law in the People’s Palace of Culture on March 4. North Korea announced the Land Reform Law on March 5, 1946 and carried out land reform under the principle of free confiscation and distribution of land.

A central reporting meeting was held in the People’s Palace of Culture on the 96 th anniversary of the International Day for Women, which was set in 1910 by German labor activist Clara Zetkin in commemoration of U.S. women’s protests in Chicago in 1857 and 1908.

The post stamp exhibition was held on the 60 th anniversary of the issuance of its first post stamp, according to the Central and Pyongyang Broadcasting Station on March 8.

Inter-Korean Affairs

The 3 rd Inter-Korean General-level Military Talks were held at Panmunjom from March 2 to 3. The two Koreas discussed matters, such as the designation of joint fishery zones and clashes-preventing measures in the West Sea but the meeting was closed without the adoption of the Joint Announcement.

Aiming at local elections to be held during May in South Korea, North Korea stepped up its criticisms against conservative forces in South Korea.

The South and North Korean Red Cross exchanged the replies to confirmation of fates of candidates for the 13 th reunion for separated families at Panmunjom on March 6.

Foreign Affairs

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson through the press conference on March 7, denounced the 2006 International Narcostics Control Strategy Report released by the U.S. Department of State as being fabricated and expressed its will to implement strict drug control laws.