Weekly on North Korea (September 8-14, 2006)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

The Central Broadcasting Station reported on September 9 and 12 that Chairman Kim Jeong-il visited the unit 1824 and a company under the unit 8211. At the company under the unit 8211, Kim expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the company’s training camps were well kept and training was strengthened.

Accompanied by full generals of People’s Army and vice chairman of the Central Committee of the KWP (Korea Workers Party), Chairman Kim Jeong-il delivered on-the-spot guidance at the construction site of Kumya river power station, reported the Central Broadcasting Station on September 12. According to the report, Chairman Kim said Kumya river power station was located at good place and well planned.

With the participation of major officials from parties and armies, the Central Report Convention for commemorating the 58 th anniversary of the establishment of the government was held at the April 25 Hall of Culture on September 8.

The Central Broadcasting Station reported on September 13 that the opening ceremony of the 10 th Pyongyang International Film Festival was held at the People’s Palace of Culture on September 13. The Culture Minister Kang Neung-su delivered opening address, saying that the Festival will contribute to improving international cooperation among filmmakers and enriching global film resources.

A seven-story dormitory and a two-story restaurant are under construction for computer prodigies at Keumseong Institute, reported Pyongyang Broadcasting Service on September 7 and Choson Sinbo on September 8. The reports say computer prodigy class in the Institute attracts keen social interest and the number of students is increasing year after year.

According to the report by Central Broadcasting Station on September 10, opening ceremony for a dressing plant at Ryonghung mine was held on September 9 and participants were members of the Committee for the Promotion of External Economic Cooperation of DPRK, etc.

Potato harvest was begun in Daehungdan-gun, Yanggang-do, reported the Central Broadcasting Station on September 13. Under the Party’s potato farming revolution policy, the Yanggang-do offers necessary facilities and goods to farms.

Foreign Affairs

The Central Broadcasting Station reported on September 14 that the spokesperson of the North Korea ’s Swimming Association denounced Japan for prohibiting the entry of the North Korean team, which would like to participate in the Synchronized Swimming World Cup 2006, held in Yokohama , Japan , from September 14.