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Weekly Report on North Korea No. 887 (April 14 to 20, 2008)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

North Korea held the sixth session of the 11 th Supreme People’s Assembly at the Mansudae Assembly Hall to review the government’s expenditures for 2007 and endorse a new budget for 2008, reported Central Broadcasting Station, Pyongyang Broadcasting Services.

In a report released on April 12, Chosun Sinbo confirmed that Lafarge SA of France took over Orascom Construction Industries which signed a joint venture contract with DPRK for modernization and management cooperation of Sangwon Cement making the cement company an affiliated firm.

To mark the 96 th birthday of Kim Il Sung which falls on April 15, North Korea held various kinds of ceremonial event from early April to create a commemorative mood and reinforce loyalty to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il among its people. The events were held in a simpler manner than last year.

Inter-Korean Affairs

North Korea held a reporting meeting in Pyongyang to mark the 10 th anniversary of publication of Kim Jong Il’s work Let us unify the country independently and peacefully through the great union of the whole nation reported Central Broadcasting Station and Pyongyang Broadcasting Services on April 17.

In a Rodong Sinmun commentary titled “Shameless blowing of one’s own trumpet” released on April 17, North Korea disclosed its assessment of the results of the 18 th general election in South Korea .

North Korea criticized South Korea ’s Unification Minister mentioning him by his name in a Rodong Sinmun commentary titled “An anti-unification fanatic betting the destiny of the nation.”

Foreign Affairs

North Korea continued denouncing Japan citing Tokyo ’s decision to extend sanction against Pyongyang and its allegation against DPRK on export of rocket launchers through Rodong Sinmun and Minju Joson.

Through state media such as Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun , North Korea continued denouncing the United States citing Washington ’s allegation against Pyongyang on counterfeiting and pursuit of missile defense system.