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North Korea Weekly (June 2-8, 2008)

ROK National Intelligence Service

【Inside North Korea】

o On May 28, the North Korean cabinet organ Minju Joson said in its latest issue, “In order to successfully resolve the difficult electrical power problem of our country [North Korea], power plant facilities should be provided in a timely manner.” It emphasized, “The efficient satisfaction of ever-increasing demand requires increased production at existing power plants, as well as the rapid construction of new plants.”

o On June 2, the Chosun Sinbo, or the People’s Korea, the organ of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), quoted Song In-beom, the individual in charge of tobacco control at the North Korean Ministry of Public Health, as saying, “On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, the DPRK is planning to assess the smoking rate among youth across the country by the end of next year, beginning with the middle schools in Pyongyang.”

o On June 8, the Chosun Sinbo, or the People’s Korea, the organ of the Chongryon, said, “A top-notch swimming facility is being built on the campus of Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang for its employees and students.” The Chosun Sinbo described it by saying, “The total area of the swimming facility is 30,000 ㎡, as it is 50 meters long, 21 meters wide and 1.8 to 2.1 meters deep, with eight lanes so that it will be capable of hosting international swimming races.”

【Outside North Korea】

o On June 3, the Chosun Sinbo, or the People’s Korea, the organ of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), reported, “The Korea Life Water Technology Center of the DPRK’s Koryo Academy of Medical Science is pressing ahead with joint research with Chinese companies to produce healthy beverages.”

- The newspaper added, “The Korea Life Water Technology Center is grabbing attention with its research results regarding different kinds of‘health water,’ and has recently received proposals for technology exchanges from Mongolia, Russia and other countries.”

【Inter-Korean Issues】

o On June 4, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun alleged, “While noticeable changes are taking place in the resolution of the Korean peninsula’s nuclear issue and DPRK-US relations, South Korea continues with bold military provocations such as flaunting massive modern weapons and military equipment and conducting military drills, giving rise to concerns and anxiety.”

o On June 6, Rodong Sinmun stated, “Over the past eight years since the June 15 Joint Declaration, North and South Korean relations have seen unprecedented, unforeseen change in terms of the unification movement.” The newspaper went on to contend, “Joining forces uriminjokkiri (by our nation itself) is the way to self-reliance and unification, as well as to peace and prosperity.”