Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Weekly Report on North Korea No. 944 (May 18 to 24, 2009)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

Kim Jong-Il’s public appearance during the third week of May – From May 18 th to 24 th, North Korean media reported Kim Jong-Il’s public appearance for three times.

The North started the prevention of H1N1 type flu – The North started the prevention of the new H1N1 type flu (Swine Flu). (May 6 th, May 19 th, KCNA)

The North completed sowing corns – On May 17 th, sowing corns in 80 cities and districts has been completed (May 18 th, KCNA)

The North propagated the new speedy progress at each department of North Korean economy – The North propagated that new standards and records were continuously created at every department of North Korean economy, of which 150-Day Mobilization Campaign has been held. (May 22 nd, KCNA)

Inter-Korean Affairs

The spokesperson of the Committee for Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland renouncing South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – The spokesperson from the Committee for Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland strongly blamed the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for confrontational policy against the North. (May 18 th, KCNA)

The North’s report about sending a telegraphic condolence to the bereaved family of former President Roh – The North promptly reported the news about the demise of the former President Roh and informed that the telegraphic condolence under the name of Kim Jong-Il was sent to the bereaved family. (May 24 th~25 th, KCNA, Rodong Newspaper, etc)

The North blamed the South while arguing that the South impeded the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) project – The North claimed that the South provoked impediments to the GIC project although the North maintained consistent position for peaceful progress regarding the project. (May 26 th, Rodong Newspaper, Joseon Sinbo)

Foreign Affairs

The North’s insisting for turnover of the hostile policy of the U.S. against the North – While the North emphasized that Obama Administration continues the hostile policy against the North, it argued that a bold approach by the U.S. should be preceded in order to solve current situation.

The North criticized the Japan for its movement toward the right and the movement to enhance its military power – The North strongly criticized Japan for its movement to allow the usage of weapons when patrolling aerial domain and for its general movement toward the right, while arguing that such movement is a form of a maneuver to reinvade the North.