• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Weekly on North Korea No. 879 (Feb. 18-Feb. 24, 2008)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

*Chosun Sinbo reported on Feb. 20 about the improvement and modernization of production process of February 8 Vinalon Complex, saying that “the sound of production started ringing out at February 8 Vinalon Complex.”

*Jagangdo and Yanggangdo Timber Management Bureau-affiliated forestry divisions have brought about an innovation in the production of timber, reported the Central Broadcasting Station on Feb. 20 and Feb. 22.

*Chosun Sinbo’s serial titled “Korean Peoples’ lives-first policy” introduced exemplary productive activities of major plants which made great accomplishments in light industries, which are closely related to the improvement of people’s lives.

*Ahead of the New York Philharmonic’s concert in Pyongyang on Feb. 26, North Korea ’s media including Rodong Sinmun gave extensive coverage to the event, through a total of 24 reports, introducing the New York Phil, the North Korea State Symphony Orchestra, and preparations for the concert.

Inter-Korean Affairs

*Spokesperson of DPRK’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland officially denied execution of repatriated North Koreans and appropriation of food aid from South Korea by the Military, denouncing those allegations as mudslinging against the Republic, reported Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 21.

* North Korea , through an article of the Tongil Sinbo on Jan. 26 titled “An act of throwing a wet blanket on the people’s excitement about reunification,” criticized talks about reappraisal of Oct. 4 Declaration, calling for a thorough implementation of the declaration.

Foreign Affairs

*Around the first anniversary of Feb. 13 Agreement, North Korea constantly criticized Japan for many reasons from Feb. 19 through 21, maintaining that only Japan did not fulfill its commitment and continued sabotaging.

*The spokesperson of North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a press conference with Korean Central News Agency about Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s resignation caused by his failing health, reported Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 23.

*North Korean state-run media including Rodong Sinmun continued criticizing “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” U.S.-ROK joint military exercises scheduled for early March.

*North Korean state media, such as Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Television Broadcasting Station, announced the performance in Pyongyang by the New York Philharmonics on Feb. 26 and reported about details of the preparation for the concert.