May 2009 - North Korea Special Weapons News

Weekly Report on North Korea No. 945 (May 25 to 31, 2009) ROK Ministry of Unification
North Korea Weekly (May 25 - 31, 2009) ROK National Intelligence Service
Cases of Aerial Espionage against DPRK on Steady Increase KCNA 31 May 2009 -- US the south Korea perpetrated at least 200 cases of aerial espionage against the DPRK in May.
Kim Jong Il Enjoys Art Performance Given by State Merited Chorus on Opening of Kalma Theatre KCNA 31 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il enjoyed an art performance given by the State Merited Chorus on the occasion of the opening of the Kalma Theatre.
US Delegation Seeks Asian Consensus on North Korea VOA 31 May 2009 -- A U.S. government delegation is winding its way through Asia this week to discuss how to respond to North Korea's latest nuclear test.
Gates Calls North Korea’s Actions ?Reckless, Ultimately Self-destructive’ AFPS 30 May 2009 -- In some of his strongest words on the subject to date, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today said the United States will not accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state and promised to defend U.S. allies in the region.
Russian, Japanese leaders urge serious response to N.Korean tests RIA Novosti 30 May 2009 -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso held a phone talk and urged a response to North Korea's nuclear test, the Kremlin said Saturday.
Gates Outlines Administration’s Asia Security Strategy AFPS 30 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates opened the “Shangri-La Dialogue” Asia security summit here today outlining a broad set of regional security issues and promising continued support from the U.S. administration.
Gates Delivers Keynote Address to Open Asia Security Conference AFPS 30 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered the keynote address today to open the “Shangri-La Dialogue,” an annual Asia security conference in Singapore sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
N. Korea preparing to launch long-range missile - Yonhap RIA Novosti 30 May 2009 -- North Korea is preparing to launch a long-range missile in the middle of June despite international condemnation and threats of further sanctions, Yonhap cited on Saturday an intelligence source as saying.
Gates: 'Painful' Sanctions May Be Required Against North Korea VOA 30 May 2009 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says "painful" sanctions against North Korea may be the only way to peacefully end its nuclear program. Speaking to a summit of Asian defense leaders in Singapore, he also urged Asian support for Afghanistan.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman Clarifies Its Stand on UNSC's Increasing Threat KCNA 29 May 2009 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Friday as regards the UNSC's threat to put additional sanctions against the DPRK, terming its successful nuclear test a violation of the UNSC Resolution 1718.
Withdrawal of U.S. Aggressor Forces from S. Korea Called for KCNA 29 May 2009 -- In order to realize the Koreans' desire for independent reunification, peace and prosperity they should get the U.S. forces withdrawn from south Korea as early as possible and put an end to its policy of colonial domination.
Japan's Scenario to Attack "Enemy Bases" Termed Reckless KCNA 29 May 2009 -- By the scenario to "attack enemy bases" touted by the Japanese reactionaries these days they had the DPRK in mind. Rodong Sinmun Friday says this in a signed article.
Gates Downplays Rhetoric on North Korea AFPS 29 May 2009 -- Defense Secretary Gates downplayed the swirling rhetoric and said he sees no need to adjust U.S. military forces levels in the region.
Gates: No Need to Increase Troop Numbers in S. Korea After North's Threats VOA 29 May 2009 -- US Defense Secretary Gates: No need to increase troop numbers in S. Korea, after N. Korea threatened attack.
North Korea warns of 'self-defense' against UN punishment RIA Novosti 29 May 2009 -- North Korea will not succumb to international pressure and will defend itself if provoked by the UNSC.
North Korea Fires Another Short-Range Missile VOA 29 May 2009 -- N. Korea test-fired another short-range missile off its east coast.
Analysts Assess Options on How to Respond to North Korea's Nuclear Threat VOA 29 May 2009 -- N. Korea's recent nuclear tests and missile tests have renewed debate in Washington on how best to respond.
U.S. Continues to Monitor North Korean Situation, Official Says AFPS 28 May 2009 -- US government, including the Pentagon, is "very closely" monitoring the situation regarding North Korea.
Top Obama Aide Sees Growing Consensus Against North Korea, Iran Nukes VOA 28 May 2009 -- President Obama's national security adviser: Growing consensus that North Korea and Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
US Lawmaker Confident China Will Help with North Korea VOA 28 May 2009 -- US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman: Confident China will be "a constructive player."
Russia pledges to back UN resolution on N. Korea RIA Novosti 28 May 2009 -- Russia will not object to a new UN resolution on North Korea over the communist state's recent nuclear test.
Japan pushes for tougher UN sanctions against N.Korea RIA Novosti 28 May 2009 -- Ban on flights, freezing foreign assets and tougher restrictions on arms sales among sanctions Japan wants.
US, South Korea Military Raise Defense Alert Level After North's Threats VOA 28 May 2009 -- ROK and US raised their defense alert levels on the Korean peninsula day after North said willing to discard armistice.
Kim Jong Il Gives Field Guidance to Namhung Youth Chemical Complex KCNA 28 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il provided field guidance to the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex.
KPA Panmunjom Mission Clarifies Revolutionary Armed Forces' Principled Stand KCNA 27 May 2009 -- The Panmunjom Mission of the Korean People's Army issued a statement that is now inching close an extreme phase where a war may break out any moment.
Clinton Condemns 'Provocative' North Korean Activities, Rhetoric AFPS 27 May 2009 -- Secretary of State Clinton reiterated US commitment to South Korea's and Japan's security.
US Dismisses North Korean Threats VOA 27 May 2009 -- US stressed its resolve to defend allies Japan and South Korea, as it dismissed North Korea's latest threats as "saber rattling" and "bluster."
DPR Korea's nuclear test threatens global disarmament efforts, Ban warns UN News Centre 27 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban: Nuclear and missile tests jeopardize global nuclear disarmament efforts.
Gates to Discuss North Korea's 'Potential Game Changer' at Singapore Conference VOA 27 May 2009 -- US officials: North Korea will be a key topic for Defense Secretary at regional defense conference.
Pyongyang's Nuclear Tests Lead to Questions About Military Capabilities VOA 27 May 2009 -- North Korea's recent nuclear test and belligerent talk has put a spotlight on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea warns of strikes if South tries to intercept ships RIA Novosti 27 May 2009 -- North Korea warned the South of an immediate military strike if attempts are made to intercept ships.
N. Korea Threatens Attack on South If Vessels are Inspected VOA 27 May 2009 -- North Korea: Even minor attempts by S. Korea or the US to interfere with its shipping will trigger what it calls a "return to a state of war."
Russia opposes punishment 'for its own sake' against N.Korea RIA Novosti 27 May 2009 -- Russia's FM: UNSC must take action to prevent North Korea from further nuclear activities, but should seek dialogue.
Russia ready for strong UN resolution on N.Korea RIA Novosti 27 May 2009 -- Russia's ambassador to UN: Country is prepared to back a strong resolution against North Korea over its recent nuclear test.
Verifying North Korean Nuke Test Will Take Time, Official Says AFPS 26 May 2009 -- DoD: It will take time before US and international officials can know with certitude whether North Korea conducted a nuclear test.
Analysts Worry Threatening N. Korea with Sanctions Could Create Escalation VOA 26 May 2009 -- DPRK detonated an underground nuclear explosion in the northeast of the country, its second test since 2006.
North Korea, Iran Issue Early Challenges To 'Obama Doctrine' RFE/RL 26 May 2009 -- US President Obama came to office promising to explore ways to talk with countries hostile to the United States.
Washington Says North Korea Will 'Pay a Price' VOA 26 May 2009 -- US working for quick action in the UN Security Council to make North Korea "pay a price" for its nuclear test.
S. Korea Counters North's Nuclear Test by Joining Arms Interdiction Initiative VOA 26 May 2009 -- S. Korea is upgrading its participation in international campaign to disrupt the traffic of weapons of mass destruction.
N.Korea fires missiles despite pressure over nuclear test RIA Novosti 26 May 2009 -- DPRK fired 2 short-range missiles into the Pacific, in apparent defiance against international pressure over nuclear test.
Report: North Korea Test-Fires More Missiles VOA 26 May 2009 -- S. Korean news agency reporting that North Korea has test-fired two more short-range missiles.
N. Korea may test-launch more missiles soon - Yonhap RIA Novosti 26 May 2009 -- North Korea is planning to test-fire additional short-range missiles soon.
China Urges 'Coolheaded' Response to North Korea VOA 26 May 2009 -- China firmly opposed to DPRK's nuclear test, but is repeating its call on the international community to remain calm in response.
UN seeks resolution after condemning N.Korea nuclear test RIA Novosti 26 May 2009 -- UN Security Council members working closely to agree a resolution on North Korea.
UN Security Council Condemns N. Korea Nuke Test; Begins Work on New Resolution VOA 25 May 2009 -- UN Security Council has condemned North Korea's carrying out of a nuclear test.
CTBTO's Initial Findings on the DPRK's 2009 announced nuclear test CTBTO 25 May 2009
STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT REGARDING NORTH KOREA The White House 25 May 2009
President, Top US Military Denounce North Korean Nuclear Test AFPS 25 May 2009 -- The president and the nation's top military officer denounced North Korea's nuclear test.
President Obama Condemns North Korean Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- US President Obama condemned North Korea's nuclear test, saying the international community must stand up to Pyongyang.
ASEM Foreign Ministers Derailed by Burma, North Korea VOA 25 May 2009 -- FMs of 45 Asian and European countries met for talks on global economy but wrapped up with Burma and North Korea.
Berlin raps "provocative" North Korean nuclear test IRNA 25 May 2009 -- German FM spokesman Jens Ploetner criticized North Korea's latest nuclear test, branding it an "irresponsible provocation."
North Korean Nuclear Test KCNA 25 May 2009 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of the measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defence in every way as requested by its scientists and technicians.
China Opposes N. Korean Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- China said it opposes the North Korean nuclear test, but refrained from any harsh language in its statement.
Clinton, Lavrov to discuss North Korean situation RIA Novosti 25 May 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton and Russian FM Lavrov plan to discuss North Korea's nuclear test.
Russian lawmakers condemn North Korea's nuke tests RIA Novosti 25 May 2009 -- A Russian senator condemned North Korea's nuclear tests warning that the move could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Ban deplores DPR Korea's underground nuclear test UN News Centre 25 May 2009 -- Secretary-General Ban strongly deplored the conduct of an underground nuclear test by the DPRK.
N.Korea nuclear test sparks global condemnation RIA Novosti 25 May 2009 -- North Korea's nuclear test explosion has been met by a wave of condemnation from countries around the world.
World Condemns North Korea Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- International community responded swiftly with outrage and condemnation to reports of North Korea's nuclear test and firing of short-range missiles.
S.Korea to Seek Security Council Response to North's Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- ROK wants a strong UN Security Council response to North Korea's latest nuclear test.
Russia confirms N.Korea nuclear test, voices concern RIA Novosti 25 May 2009 -- Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that DPRK conducted a nuclear test, and said it would closely monitor the situation.
N. Korea conducts 3 missile trials after nuke test - Yonhap RIA Novosti 25 May 2009 -- DPRK carried out a total of 3 test launches of short-range ground-to-air missiles following a successful nuclear test.
North Korea Confirms 'More Powerful' Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- DPRK says it successfully conducted an underground nuclear test that was more powerful than the country's first test.
North Korea Conducts Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- North Korea's regional neighbors are in crisis mode over what Pyongyang says is a test of a nuclear device -- the second in its history.
North Korea Defies International Warnings With Nuclear Test VOA 25 May 2009 -- North Korea says it has successfully conducted an underground nuclear test, defying international warnings and raising concerns.
Kim Jong Il Enjoys Art Performance Given by KPA Company Soldiers KCNA 25 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il enjoyed an art performance given by soldiers of the Kamnamu company of the KPA.
Weekly Report on North Korea No. 944 (May 18 to 24, 2009) ROK Ministry of Unification
North Korea Weekly (May 18 - 24, 2009) ROK National Intelligence Service
National Meeting Marks 70th Anniversary of Victory of Battles in Musan Area KCNA 22 May 2009 -- A national meeting was held in the plaza of the Victorious Musan Area Battle Memorial Tower Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the battles in the Musan area commanded by President Kim Il Sung.
Seminar Held to Mark 70th Anniversary of Victory of Battles in Musan Area KCNA 22 May 2009 -- A seminar in the field of social sciences was held on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the battles in the Musan area commanded by President Kim Il Sung.
New Speed of Great Advance Created in DPRK KCNA 22 May 2009 -- An unfathomable mental power of all the people has erupted like an active volcano and new standards and records stirring the era are being created in an unbroken chain in all sectors of socialist construction on the crest of the surging tide of the 150-day campaign in the DPRK.
U.S. Invariable Ambition for World Domination Flayed KCNA 22 May 2009 -- The United States made public its military budget for the fiscal 2010 shortly ago. According to it, the U.S. plans to spend 534 billion U.S. dollars for military purposes in the new fiscal year.
Kim Jong Il Inspects KPA Air Force Unit KCNA 21 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il inspected KPA Air Force Unit 814.
Kim Jong Il Gives Field Guidance to Mines in Komdok Area KCNA 20 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il gave field guidance to mines in Komdok area in South Hamgyong Province.
S. Korea Says Teetering North-South Factory Zone Can Be Saved VOA 18 May 2009 -- South Korean officials scrambling to preserve a highly symbolic joint industrial project in the North Korean city of Kaesong.
DPRK official expresses full support for Iranian nuclear program IRNA 18 May 2009 -- DPRK's Minister of Labor Jong Yong Su expressed his country's full support for Iran's civilian nuclear program.
Weekly Report on North Korea No. 943 (May 9 to 17, 2009) ROK Ministry of Unification
North Korea Weekly (May 11 - 17, 2009) ROK National Intelligence Service
Prospect of KIZ Depends on S. Side's Attitude KCNA 15 May 2009 -- The Central Special Zone Development Guidance General Bureau sent a message to the south side through the Kaesong Industrial Zone (KIZ) Management Committee on Friday in connection with the fact that the north-south working contact for the revision of contracts on the KIZ has come to a rupture.
Agitation for Victorious 150-Day Campaign KCNA 15 May 2009 -- Now vigorous agitation for increased production is going on in the DPRK to powerfully inspire the working people in the 150-day campaign.
North Korea Cancels Contracts at Joint Industrial Zone VOA 15 May 2009 -- An industrial venture once celebrated as a symbol of reconciliation between the 2 Koreas may be endangered.
North Korea cancels all contracts with South at joint factory RIA Novosti 15 May 2009 -- North Korea announced the cancellation of all contracts with South Korean companies at the Kaesong industrial park.
Does N. Korea's Taepodong-2 Ballistic Missile Pose a Serious Threat? VOA 14 May 2009 -- DPRK launched a ballistic missile April 5, considered by many Western countries as a provocative act.
Clinton Hopeful on Case of American Reporters Held by North Korea VOA 14 May 2009 -- US Secretary of State Clinton hopes the trial date for journalists a sign they may soon be released.
North Korea Sets June 4 Trial Date for US Journalists VOA 14 May 2009 -- North Korea says it will put two detained American journalists on trial in three weeks.
North Korea to try U.S. journalists in June RIA Novosti 14 May 2009 -- Two American journalists arrested by North Korean border guards for illegally entering the country in March will be tried on June 4.
Report: No Proof N. Korea Producing Plutonium VOA 13 May 2009 -- ROK media report: Authorities in Washington and Seoul have not found concrete evidence yet that DPRK has restarted a plant.
Russia, U.S. against pressure on N.Korea over nuclear program RIA Novosti 13 May 2009 -- Both Russia and US are against applying pressure on DPRK as a means of settling nuclear dispute.
Russia Offers Use of Territory for North Korean Satellite Launches VOA 12 May 2009 -- Russia is a member of the six-party talks aimed at persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program.
North Korea Weekly (May 4 - 10, 2009) ROK National Intelligence Service
N. Korea Rules Out Dialogue with S. Korea VOA 09 May 2009 -- North Korea has ruled out the prospect of any dialogue with South Korea, in retaliation for Seoul criticizing Pyongyang's human rights record.
Weekly Report on North Korea No. 942 (May 1 to 8, 2009) ROK Ministry of Unification
Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Blasts U.S. Invariable Hostile Policy towards It KCNA 08 May 2009 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA Friday as regards the U.S. administration's recent tendency toward the DPRK:
Devotedly Defending Leader Is Proud Tradition of Korean Revolution KCNA 08 May 2009 -- The Korean army and people, who have always emerged victorious in the chronicle of the revolution, have a glorious tradition of defending the leader with their own lives.
US Envoy Warns Second N. Korean Nuclear Test Will Bring Consequences VOA 08 May 2009 -- Washington's main diplomatic envoy: Does not believe Pyongyang's rejection of diplomacy is permanent.
Pyongyang vows to bolster nuclear deterrent RIA Novosti 08 May 2009 -- North Korea announced it would keep strengthening its nuclear deterrent if the US did not abandon its hostile policies toward Pyongyang.
North Korea Withdraws from Six-Party Nuclear Talks VOA 07 May 2009 -- North Korea says it will boycott the talks on its nuclear program.
Analysts Examine North Korean Motive in Restarting Plutonium Enrichment Program VOA 06 May 2009 -- Last month, N Korea launched a long range missile, considered by many countries as a provocative act.
Korean Committee of Space Technology on Satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 KCNA 07 May 2009 -- One month after satellite Kwangmyongsong-2 started its normal operation after being put into orbit.
Measures against Swine Flu Taken in DPRK KCNA 06 May 2009 -- The DPRK is intensifying preventive actions against swine flu on high alert for the influenza spreading rapidly in the world.
US to Send Envoy in Bid to Salvage North Korea Nuclear Talks VOA 05 May 2009 -- The Obama administration will send its envoy for N. Korea to Asia and Russia to discuss ways to revive six-party talks.
Outbursts of Commander of U.S. Forces in S. Korea Blasted KCNA 05 May 2009 -- Commander of the US forces in south Korea: "US is firmly committed to providing a nuclear umbrella" to south Korea and 'OPLAN 5029' would be rounded off.
Kim Jong Il Inspects University of KPA Unit KCNA 05 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il inspected the University of KPA Unit 10215.
South Korea Rescues North Korean Ship Near Somalia VOA 04 May 2009 -- South Korean naval forces have rescued a North Korean vessel from pirates off the coast of Somalia.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman Blasts U.S. Misinterpretation of Satellite Launch as Ballistic Missile Launch KCNA 04 May 2009
North Korea Weekly (April 27 - May 3, 2009) ROK National Intelligence Service
Kim Jong Il Enjoys Performance Given by State Merited Chorus KCNA 01 May 2009 -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il, Friday enjoyed a performance given by the State Merited Chorus together with workers in the field of metal industry and those of relevant enterprises on May Day.
Grand Evening of Fireworks Held to Mark May Day KCNA 01 May 2009 -- A grand evening of fireworks "We Will Emerge Victorious!" was held on the bank of Pothong River here on Friday evening to mark May Day.
Grand Banquet Given to Mark May Day KCNA 01 May 2009 -- A grand banquet was given here on May Day.
May Day Observed in DPRK KCNA 01 May 2009 -- Senior Party and state officials significantly observed May Day together with working people across the country.
North Korea Accuses Detained South Korean Worker of Slander VOA 01 May 2009 -- North Korea: Intensifying its investigation of South Korean worker detained by the regime at a joint industrial complex.

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May 2009 - North Korea Special Weapons News