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North Korea Weekly (June 30-July 6, 2008)

ROK National Intelligence Service

【Inside North Korea】

o The latest issue of the Kim Il Sung University Gazette (2nd issue of 2008) reported, “Key to strengthening economic self-reliance and independence (the nature of juche) is strengthening independent [sources and production] bases for raw materials, fuel and power,” and stressed the importance of “independent economic development hinged on one’s own country’s natural resources in terms of raw materials, fuel and power.”

o On July 2, The Chosun Sinbo, or the People's Korea, the organ of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), said, “The Gilseongpo outdoor swimming facility located near Daeseong Donggu station in Sariwon City, North Hwanghae Province has been welcoming 3,000 visitors a day since it opened last June.” The newspaper also likened the facility to the sea.

o On July 2, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported, “Over the past few years, abnormal weather has brought heavy downpours to [North] Korea, greatly affecting agricultural production and the everyday lives of the people.” The KCNA said, “[North] Korea is seeking aggressive measures to prevent damages brought about by heavy rains.”

o On July 3, the North’s Pyongyang Broadcasting Service (PBS) reported, “In the first half of this year, the country surpassed its original plans for each economic sector, including such focus sectors for the people’s economy as the production of necessities of life, power, coal and metals, as well as railway transportation.”

o On July 6, the North’s Rodong Sinmun said, “In order to realize political independence, we need our own mighty economic power,” and urged [the people to] “make efforts toward economic independence.”

【Outside North Korea】

o On July 30, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) criticized those in Japan, including former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who are displeased with the US’s removal of North Korea from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, branding them extreme rightists. The KCNA called on them to “accurately read the general trend of the times and behave appropriately in order to avoid further humiliation.”

o On July 1, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun denounced, “Max Thunder, a Korea-US joint air force drill, is a planned ado that is as risky as playing with fire.” The newspaper contended, “It is high time for North Korea and the US to make special mutual efforts to ensure mutual trust and an atmosphere that is conducive to dialogue.”

【Inter-Korean Issues】

o On July 5, the DPRK's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland alleged, “The anti-unification wiles of the South Korean government are trampling the feats achieved so far in connection with the June 15 Joint Declaration and the October 4 Declaration and freezing inter-Korean relations.” The committee emphasized, “As the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula was produced by the US’s nuclear threat, it is an issue to be discussed exclusively between North Korea and the US. Six-party talks are currently underway for the sake of its resolution.”