Weekly Report on North Korea No. 943 (May 9 to 17, 2009)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

The 12 th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair opened – On May 11 th, the 12 th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair was opened at Three Revolution Exhibition. (May 11 th, KCNA)

Nakwon Machinery Plant finished the production of the equipments for large oxygen separator – The North reported that Nakwon Machinery Plant finished the production of the equipments of large oxygen separator for Hungnam Fertilizer Plant (May 12 th, Rodong Newspaper)

The North started rice-planting for this year – On May 10 th, rice-planting had been started at Won-Hwa Co-op Farm in Pyungwon region; at Chung-san Co-op Farm in Gangseo region, May 12 th. (May 12 th, Rodong Newspaper; May 13 th, KCNA)

Inter-Korean Affairs

The North’s declaration of nullification of legal contract related to Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) – The North’s General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone sent the letter proclaiming the nullification for legal contract related to GIC to the GIC Management Committee and reported to KCNA (May 15 th, KCNA)

Foreign Affairs

The North criticized the U.S.’ oppressive policy against the North and double-faced nuclear policy – The North criticized the U.S. for Aegis ship docking at South Korean harbor that the U.S. proceeded forceful oppressive policy against the North and argued that global nuclear competition would be aggravated due to double-faced nuclear policy of the U.S.

The North demanded for the hostile policy of the U.S. and an apology from the U.N Security Council – The North argued that a talk between the U.S. and the North would be possible only if the hostile policy of the U.S. is repealed and that self-defensive measure would be proceeded unless U.N. Security Council apologize.

The North criticized Japan ’s claim for “Collective Self-Defense” and hard-line diplomatic policy against the North – The North blamed Japan for “Collective Self-Defense,” which is suggested in Japan , that such idea is an ambition to invade the overseas. The North criticized Japanese Prime Minister Aso while it argued that Aso made a speech about hard-line policy against Rocket launch by the North when he visited Europe .

 

The North announced the trial related to the U.S. reporters would be held on June 4 th – The North made the announcement that the trial lodged to the U.S. detained reporters would be held on June 4 th. (May 14 th,