Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Weekly Report on North Korea No. 945 (May 25 to 31, 2009)

ROK Ministry of Unification

Internal Affairs

Kim Jong-Il’s public appearance during the fourth week of May – From May 25 th to 31 st, North Korean media reported Kim Jong-Il’s public appearance for three times.

The North Korea-Japan trade trend of the first quarter of 2009 – The total amount of the DPRK – Japan trade of the first quarter was reported to be 141,054 thousand Yen, which was decreased 39.8% compared to that of the last year. (May 2009, Japan East Asia Economy Information)

The North processed the branch line connecting between Jamjin and Daebo in the main Gaechun-Taesung line – The North reported that it is now completing the construction of Jamjin-Daebo channel, the branch line of Gaechun-Taesung waterway. (May 31 st, KCNA)

Inter-Korean Affairs

The North Korean Representative of Panmunjom announced the statement related to full participation of PSI of the South – The North Korean Representative of Panmunjom announced the statement related to full participation of PSI of the South at May 27 th, arguing that the participation is an act of declaration of war; the Representative said, “People’s Army would not be restrained by the Peace Treaty.” (May 27 th, KCNA)

The Committee for Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland announced the statement related to full participation of PSI of the South – the North announced the statement by the Committee and warned to “provide a practical measure correspondent to wartime. (May 27 th, KCNA)

Foreign Affairs

The North reported the process of the second nuclear test and announced the statement criticizing the Security Council – On May 25 th, the North reported that the 2 nd nuclear test was successfully processed. On May 29 th, furthermore, the North argued that the provocation of the U.N. Security Council including the sanctions constitutes annulment of the truce while the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry announced that the North would venture to proceed additional self-defensive measures.

The North blamed the U.S. for maintaining the nuclear deterrent and for its double-faced nuclear policy – The North blamed the argument at the Nuclear Posture Review, which was published recently, stating the nuclear deterrent should be continued. While the North criticized the U.S. that the States ’ promoting a nuclear policy with dual standard which accelerates international nuclear competition, the North insisted for turnover for the policy