December 2019 - North Korea Special Weapons News

Kim Jong Un Warns He May Scrap Moratorium on Nuclear, Long-range Missile Tests VOA 31 Dec 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he may no longer be bound by his self-imposed moratorium on long-range missile and nuclear tests, threatening an unspecified, shocking action if the United States does not soften its stance in nuclear talks.
Third-Day Session of 5th Plenary Meeting of 7th C.C., WPK Held KCNA 31 Dec 2019 -- The third-day session of the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on December 30.
NK's key party meeting shows tough but restrained attitude toward US: analysts Global Times 30 Dec 2019 -- North Korea is unlikely to implement a major policy change or to suspend nuclear negotiations with the US despite it stressed to protect its national security and sovereignty during a ruling Workers' Party meeting, analysts said on Monday, calling for the US to take more sincere and concrete steps on nuclear talks.
Experts: N. Korea's 'Christmas Gift' Might Come Another Day VOA 30 Dec 2019 -- North Korea's "Christmas gift" might be still to come as Pyongyang is likely to ramp up military tensions and the threats of missile launches to gain concessions from the U.S., said experts, as tensions heighten on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea May Force Trump to Change Course in 2020 VOA 30 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump regularly says his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un remains positive. But Trump may soon have little choice but to change his approach toward Kim, who within days may unveil a new, hardline policy toward the United States.
Second-Day Session of 5th Plenary Meeting of 7th C.C., WPK Held KCNA 30 Dec 2019 -- The second-day session of the 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea continued on Dec. 29.
North Korea's Kim Jong-un Holds Party Meeting, Stresses Armament and Defence - Reports Sputnik 30 Dec 2019 -- The meeting comes after the North Korean leader set a deadline for the United States to change its stance on the country's denuclearisation, as the talks have been stalled between the two nations.
North Korea Starts Key Meeting but Offers No Details on 'New Way' VOA 30 Dec 2019 -- North Korea began a closely watched ruling party meeting led by Kim Jong Un, state media reported Sunday, amid signs Pyongyang is set to announce a firmer stance toward the United States.
First-Day Session of 5th Plenary Meeting of 7th C.C., WPK Held KCNA 29 Dec 2019 -- The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was convened here on Saturday, according to a decision of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK.
White House: Lots of 'Tools' to Respond to Potential North Korea Missile Test VOA 29 Dec 2019 -- White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien said Sunday he did not want to speculate about North Korea and its threat of "Christmas gift," but added the U.S. would be "very disappointed" if Pyongyang tested a long-range or nuclear missile.
DPRK Premier Inspects Industrial Establishments KCNA 28 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jae Ryong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, member of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and premier of the Cabinet, inspected various units.
North Korean missile misinformation reflects tension Independent of defense system operation VOA 28 Dec 2019 -- Experts in the United States say some of the press and US military recently issued false or false alarms about North Korea's missile launches because of tensions in the Korean peninsula. However, he says the incident has nothing to do with US missile defenses. Reporter Kim Dong-hyun.
US steps up surveillance over Korean Peninsula ahead of year-end deadline Press TV 27 Dec 2019 -- The United States has stepped up surveillance over North Korea after Pyongyang promised a "Christmas gift" which Washington interpreted as new missile test amid rising tension between the two sides ahead of the end of the year.
No Sign of North Korean 'Christmas Gift' to US Despite Previous Concerns Sputnik 27 Dec 2019 -- North Korea's threat to deliver a "Christmas gift" to the US appears to be overestimated as no reports of military action by Pyongyang were registered as of late Wednesday.
North Korea Cracks Down on Illegal Entry Into Pyongyang Radio Free Asia 27 Dec 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are attempting to prevent people from the countryside, including members of the military, from entering the capital city of Pyongyang illegally, RFA has learned.
No North Korean 'Christmas Gift' Yet, But Deadline Looms VOA 26 Dec 2019 -- North Korea may not have delivered a so-called "Christmas gift" to the United States, at least not on Christmas Day, but U.S.-North Korea tensions appear far from resolved as Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for nuclear talks approaches.
'We'll deal with it,' Trump brushes off N Korea warning of 'Christmas gift' Press TV 25 Dec 2019 -- President Donald Trump says that the United States will deal with North Korea "very successfully" after Pyongyang's warning of a "Christmas gift."
Trump downplays DPRK's possible "Christmas surprise" People's Daily 25 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday downplayed the significance of a possible "Christmas surprise" from Pyongyang, saying he would deal with it successfully.
China, Japan, South Korea stress dialog with North Korea Press TV 24 Dec 2019 -- South Korea, Japan, and China have agreed to work together to bring North Korea and the United States back to the negotiating table, as countries scramble to prevent a potential rise in tensions between Pyongyang and Washington.
Trump: US Ready to Deal with N. Korean 'Christmas Gift' VOA 24 Dec 2019 -- President Donald Trump says the U.S. is ready deal will any "Christmas Gift" that North Korea has threatened to deliver amid stalled nuclear negotiations between the two nations.
In talks with China's Xi, S Korea's Moon voices concern over stalled N Korea-US talks Press TV 23 Dec 2019 -- In a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has expressed concern over stalled denuclearization talks on the Korean Peninsula as well as a recent flare-up of tensions between the United States and North Korea.
North Korea considers boosting military as deadline for US nears Press TV 22 Dec 2019 -- North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has held a meeting with his top military officials to discuss boosting the country's military capabilities, as a deadline for the United States to grant concessions and reactivate demilitarization talks nears.
Working on 'Christmas Gift'? New Work Reported at North Korean Factory Linked to Long-Range Missiles Sputnik 22 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has suspended its tests of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles, but that halt doesn't apply to medium- and short-range missiles. US analysts suggest that the "Christmas gift" North Korea has recently threatened refers to a resumption of long-range ballistic missile tests.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Guides Enlarged Meeting of WPK CMC KCNA 22 Dec 2019 -- The Third Enlarged Meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) took place.
Reckless Remarks of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State under Fire KCNA 21 Dec 2019 -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA on December 21 with regard to the United States' act of having taken issue over the DPRK's "human rights":
North Korea Slams 'Reckless' US Remarks on Rights Record VOA 21 Dec 2019 -- North Korea Saturday lashed out at the U.S. State Department's recent criticism of its human rights record, warning Washington would "pay dearly" for what it called "reckless" remarks.
North Korea warns US could 'pay dearly' as tensions rise Press TV 21 Dec 2019 -- North Korea says the United States will have to "pay dearly" for accusing Pyongyang of human rights violations, amid heated rhetoric ahead of a year-end deadline that raised concerns over an end of diplomacy between the two sides.
North Korea Slams US Official's Remarks on Alleged Human Rights Violations Sputnik 21 Dec 2019 -- The United States' accusations of human rights violations in North Korea only "pour oil over burning fire" and will aggravate the situation on the peninsula, a spokesperson for the North Korean Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
North Korean Workers in Russia, China Ignore Sunday Sanctions Deadline Radio Free Asia 21 Dec 2019 -- As the U.N. sanctions-mandated Sunday deadline for overseas North Korean workers to repatriate draws near, workers stationed in Russia are returning home, while in China, North Koreans appear to be ignoring sanctions entirely.
Diplomat: US Must 'Engage' to Seek Change From N. Korea VOA 21 Dec 2019 -- Destro's remarks came amid escalating threats from North Korea to give the U.S. an ominous "Christmas gift" and walk away from nuclear talks.
Countries in Region Say Few North Koreans Remain as UN Deadline Nears Radio Free Asia 20 Dec 2019 -- Officials in Southeast and South Asian nations say they have few North Koreans living within their boundaries, as a deadline by the U.N. Security Council for member-states to repatriate workers from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is set to expire on Sunday.
Pentagon Hopeful for Diplomatic Reboot With North Korea VOA 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States is ready for a fight with North Korea over the country's nuclear program, though top officials at the Pentagon say they are hopeful such a confrontation can be avoided.
US watching North Korea closely for possible 'Christmas surprise' missile launch: Report Press TV 20 Dec 2019 -- The United States is reportedly watching North Korea closely for indications of a possible "Christmas surprise" missile test, which it has promised if Washington does not come to the negotiating table.
Sino-Russian-proposed UN resolution on North Korea 'best plan' at current time Press TV 19 Dec 2019 -- China says its joint proposal with Russia to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) aimed at diffusing tensions between North Korea and the United States is "the best plan," repeating its call on the world body to remove some sanctions on the North in order to break the deadlock between Pyongyang and Washington.
China, Russia aim to lift some DPRK sanctions People's Daily 18 Dec 2019 -- China and Russia on Tuesday submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council, calling for some sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to be lifted according to its compliance with relevant UN resolutions.
China says concessions necessary to revive North Korea talks Press TV 18 Dec 2019 -- China says the United States needs to grant some concessions by agreeing to the lifting of certain United Nations (UN) sanctions on North Korea in order for diplomacy to kick-start between Washington and Pyongyang.
North Korean Authorities Adjust Strategies to Contain Outside Information in Smartphone Era Radio Free Asia 18 Dec 2019 -- Authorities in North Korea are scrambling to figure out new ways of limiting access to information about the outside world as communications technology becomes more advanced.
Lots of Posturing, Little Progress in US-North Korea Talks in 2019 VOA 18 Dec 2019 -- There was lots of posturing but little progress in 2019, as the United States and North Korea spent much of the year trying to convince the other side to take the first step in nuclear talks.
China, Russia Propose Lifting Sanctions on North Korea for Humanitarian Purposes at U.N. Security Council Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2019 -- China and Russia Monday made a draft resolution proposing that the U.N. Security Council lift sanctions-mandated bans on North Korean exports of statues, seafood and textiles in what Moscow says is a move to encourage dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington.
Experts: 'Abrupt End' to Talks Likely If North Korea Launches Holiday Missile VOA 17 Dec 2019 -- As Pyongyang appears to be preparing to launch a long-range missile, experts see an end to a diplomatic process Washington has pursued to denuclearize North Korea.
Trump says U.S. is watching DPRK closely People's Daily 17 Dec 2019 U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he would be disappointed if something is "in the works" in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Trump to North Korea: 'We're watching very closely' Press TV 17 Dec 2019 -- American President Donald Trump has said the United States is watching North Korea "closely" as a year-end ultimatum from Pyongyang about the fate of their nuclear talks approaches.
US rejects China, Russia's call for lifting of some N Korea sanctions Press TV 17 Dec 2019 -- The United States has rejected a proposal by Russia and China to lift some United Nations sanctions on North Korea, saying Pyongyang has yet to make progress toward denuclearization.
China, Russia urge easing of UN sanctions on North Korea Global Times 17 Dec 2019 -- China and Russia have proposed the UN Security Council lift some sanctions on North Korea, which Chinese analysts view as a responsible attitude to help resume talks between North Korea and the US and achieve ultimate denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a flexible manner.
China hopes UN will reach consensus on North Korea ahead of meeting Press TV 17 Dec 2019 -- China says it hopes the United Nations Security Council will adopt a draft resolution on easing sanctions on North Korea.
Fishy North Korean Drug Runners Smuggle Meth into China Inside Frozen Seafood Radio Free Asia 17 Dec 2019 -- There's something fishy about those fish! North Korean smugglers are using frozen seafood to sneak large quantities of methamphetamine into China, prompting authorities there to crack down on fisheries products imported from their northeastern neighbor.
Russia, China Submit UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on North Korea Sputnik 17 Dec 2019 -- Russia and China have submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to lift sanctions on North Korea and promptly resume the 'six-party' talks, according to the text of the document.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Visits Kumsusan Palace of Sun KCNA 17 Dec 2019 -- All the people across the country are extending the highest respects and tribute of the best wishes for immortality to the sacred temple of Juche with ardent yearning after Chairman Kim Jong Il at this time when 8 years have lapsed since his demise.
Russia, China Submit UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on North Korea Sputnik 17 Dec 2019 -- Russia and China have submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council to lift sanctions on North Korea and promptly resume the 'six-party' talks, according to the text of the document.
In Seoul, US envoy for North Korea urges fresh talks with Pyongyang, dismisses Kim's deadline Press TV 16 Dec 2019 -- The United States has called on North Korea to immediately return to the negotiating table on denuclearization, while rejecting an end-of-year deadline set by Pyongyang for Washington to stop hostilities and make concessions to revive the stalled diplomatic process.
S Korean President Discusses Denuclearisation With US Envoy to N Korea Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun has held talks on denuclearisation efforts, the South Korean presidential administration said in a written briefing on Monday.
US Envoy for North Korea Urges Pyongyang to Reopen Negotiations Sputnik 16 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has recently conducted a series of missile tests. The latest two were carried out in November, as the year-end deadline set by North Korea for the US to show flexibility in the stalled denuclearisation talks is fast-approaching.
US Dismisses North Korea Deadline; Renews Calls for Talks VOA 16 Dec 2019 -- A senior U.S. diplomat Monday made a last-minute plea for North Korea to stop its provocations and re-enter nuclear negotiations, just ahead of Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for nuclear talks.
US 'Coordinating Closely' With Allies After North Korea's New Test – State Dept Sputnik 15 Dec 2019 -- The United States has been in close contact with South Korea and Japan after a recent test at the North Korea's satellite launch site, a State Department spokesperson said Saturday.
Spokesman for Academy of Defence Science of DPRK Issues Statement KCNA 14 Dec 2019 -- Another crucial test was successfully conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground from 22:41 to 22:48 on December 13, 2019.
Chief of KPA General Staff Issues Statement KCNA 14 Dec 2019 -- Pak Jong Chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA), released the following statement on Saturday:
North Korea conducts another 'crucial test' at satellite launch site Press TV 14 Dec 2019 -- North Korea says it conducted yet another "crucial test" intending to use the results to strengthen its "strategic nuclear deterrent", amid heightened tensions between Pyongyang and Washington, just ahead of a year-end deadline for the US to take a "new path" in its policy toward the country.
North Korea Conducted Another 'Important Test' at Sohae Cosmodrome - Military Academy Sputnik 14 Dec 2019 -- The North Korean Academy of the National Defence Science said on Saturday that it had conducted yet another "important" test at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station last evening.
North Korea Conducts 'Crucial Test' as Deadline Nears VOA 14 Dec 2019 -- North Korea said Saturday it had conducted "another crucial test" at a satellite launch and rocket engine facility to bolster its "reliable strategic nuclear deterrent."
North Koreans with Disabilities Threatened by International Sanctions, Aid Groups Say VOA 14 Dec 2019 -- North Koreans with disabilities may face disproportionate risk due to efforts to curtail the country's weapons of mass destruction programs.
Malaysian Court Authorizes North Korean's Extradition to US Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2019 -- A Malaysian court ruled Friday in favor of a U.S. request that a North Korean businessman be extradited to the United States to face money-laundering charges related to sanctions against Pyongyang, but his attorneys vowed to appeal the decision through a lengthy legal process.
DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman Issues Statement KCNA 12 Dec 2019 -- The spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea released the following statement on Thursday:
North Korea Says 'US Has Nothing to Offer Us' Even if Talks Are Resumed Sputnik 12 Dec 2019 -- This comes following a statement by US Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft at the UN Security Council meeting on non-proliferation that Washington was prepared to be flexible in denuclearisation talks with Pyongyang.
North Korea Berates US for Criticizing its Ballistic Missile Program VOA 12 Dec 2019 -- North Korea berated the U.S. Thursday for denouncing its ballistic missile tests at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
UN session 'foolish thing', US has nothing to offer in possible talks: N Korea Press TV 12 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has lambasted as a "foolish thing" a meeting by the United Nations Security Council, convened by the United States, saying Washington has nothing to offer in possible renewed nuclear talks with Pyongyang.
North Korea missile tests 'deeply troubling': senior UN official UN News 11 Dec 2019 -- Recent developments concerning North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes are "deeply troubling", the UN's Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific said on Wednesday, briefed the Security Council.
US Urges DPRK to Halt Provocations, Work on Denuclearization Deal VOA 11 Dec 2019 -- The United States warned North Korea Wednesday that its numerous ballistic missile tests risk "closing the door" to a deal with Washington.
UK urges North Korea to begin process of irreversible denuclearisation UK FCO 11 Dec 2019 -- Statement by Ambassador Karen Pierce, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the Security Council briefing on DPRK
Authorities Investigate Big Spenders at North Korean International Merchandise Fair Radio Free Asia 11 Dec 2019 -- North Korean authorities are investigating the source of funds used by residents who purchased large quantities of high-priced goods at an international merchandise fair held in Chongjin, North Hamgyong province in mid-October, RFA has learned.
As Experts Analyze North Korean Missile Engine Test, Some Say Kim is Done Talking Radio Free Asia 10 Dec 2019 -- A weekend missile engine test in North Korea might be a signal that Kim Jong Un is prepared to withdraw from denuclearization negotiations with the United States, experts told RFA.
All I Want for Christmas is Nukes: Pyongyang May Launch Long-Range Missile This Year - Reports Sputnik 10 Dec 2019 -- North Korea conducted two tests of a rocket engine for a presumably new type of a missile during a "very important" test on 7 December and may launch another before Christmas, the newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported, citing a senior source in the South Korean government.
Experts: Trump Should Take N. Korea's End-of-Year Deadline Seriously VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President DSonald Trump appears to be calling North Korea's bluff on its end-of-year deadline for nuclear negotiations, prompting some analysts to wonder whether the U.S. president should be taking Pyongyang's threats more seriously.
Experts: N. Korea Tested an Engine, Possibly for a Long-Range Missile VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- Experts say North Korea appeared to have conducted a fuel engine test on the ground, potentially for a long-range missile, in what Pyongyang claimed as "the test of great significance."
N. Korea Unveils Hot Spring Ski Resort in Next Big Tourism Push VOA 10 Dec 2019 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for North Korea's new mountainous luxury spa.
Chairman of Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee Issues Statement KCNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Kim Yong Chol, chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, issued the following statement on Dec. 9
Vice-Chairman of WPK Central Committee Issues Statement KCNA 09 Dec 2019 -- Ri Su Yong, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following statement on Monday
N. Korea Calls US President 'Heedless and Erratic Old Man' VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- North Korea addressed new insults to U.S. President Donald Trump Monday, calling him a "heedless and erratic old man."
N Korea fires back at Trump, says has 'nothing more to lose' Press TV 09 Dec 2019 -- Pyongyang has hit back at US President Donald Trump over his "inappropriate" comments following its test at a satellite launch center, saying North Korea will not give in to Washington's pressure since it already has "nothing to lose."
North Korea Has 'Nothing More to Lose', Slams Trump's Warnings Over Missile Tests - Official Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- North Korea is a country that has nothing to lose, a senior official remarked on Monday in a statement published by state media, slamming US President Donald Trump's warning to leader Kim Jong-un not to engage in any hostile activities.
Tokyo Says Monitoring North Korea After Pyongyang's Mentions 'Importamt Tests' – Reports Sputnik 09 Dec 2019 -- The Japanese government on Monday said that is was closely monitoring North Korean actions after Pyongyang's remarks about a "very important" test conducted at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, NHK reported.
US Forgoes UN Meeting on DPRK Human Rights for 'Comprehensive' Update VOA 09 Dec 2019 -- The United States has abandoned plans for a U.N. Security Council meeting focused on the human rights situation in North Korea and has instead called for a more "comprehensive" review of recent developments.
N. Korea claims "important" test conducted at Sohae satellite site ARIRANG 08 Dec 2019 -- North Korea claims it conducted a (quote) "very important test" on Saturday at its Sohae Satellite Launching Ground.
N. Korea Says it Conducted 'Very Significant' Test at Satellite Launch Site KBS World Radio 08 Dec 2019 -- North Korea said on Sunday that it has carried out a crucial test at its key space launch facility amid renewed tensions with the United States.
North Korea conducts 'very important test' amid tensions with US Press TV 08 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has carried out a "successful test of great significance" at its space launch center, state media say, as tensions ramp up between Washington and Pyongyang over stalled denuclearization talks.
Trump Warns North Korea's Kim on Hostile Actions VOA 08 Dec 2019 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday warned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un against hostile military actions, even as Pyongyang announced it had conducted "a very important test" at a satellite launching site.
Statement of Spokesman for Academy of National Defence Science Issued KCNA 08 Dec 2019 -- A spokesman for the Academy of the National Defence Science of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea made public the following statement:
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with Commanding Officers of KPA Units and Sub-units Involved in Construction of Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center KCNA 08 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, had a photo session with the commanding officers of the units and sub-units of the Korean People's Army that took part in the building of the Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center on Saturday.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Attends Ceremony for Completion of Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center KCNA 08 Dec 2019 -- A ceremony for the completion of the Yangdok County Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center took place with splendor.
KCNA Report on Completion of Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center KCNA 08 Dec 2019 -- Thanks to the steadfast idea of the Workers' Party of Korea of believing in the people as in Heaven and its energetic leadership, the remote mountainous area in Yangdok, which remained intact for thousands of years, has turned into a splendid hot spring cultural recreation center.
'We'll See': Trump Reacts to DPRK Ambassador Statement That 'Denuclearisation Is Off the Table' Sputnik 07 Dec 2019 -- On Saturday, North Korea's Ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, said in a statement that the "sustained and substantial" dialogue the US was looking for appeared to be a "time-saving trick", highlighting that "denuclearization is already gone out of the negotiating table".
North Korean Citizens Living Near Samjiyon Fed Up With Being Mobilized to Prepare for Kim Jong Un Visits Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2019 -- North Koreans living near a major North Korean government-backed construction project are becoming resentful after being forcibly mobilized to prepare for a visit from leader Kim Jong Un for the third time this year.
First Vice-Foreign Minister of DPRK Choe Son Hui Makes Statement KCNA 05 Dec 2019 -- Choe Son Hui, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK released the following statement Thursday:
US, North Korea Allude to War Ahead of Pyongyang's Deadline VOA 05 Dec 2019 -- The United States and North Korea are resorting to alluded threats of force ahead of Pyongyang's end-of-year deadline for progress with nuclear negotiations.
North Korea warns against UN human rights meeting Press TV 05 Dec 2019 -- North Korea has warned the United States against holding any United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the country's human rights situation.
North Korean Leader Takes New Horseback Ride to Symbolic Mountain VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- North Korean media published new pictures of leader Kim Jong Un riding a white horse along a symbolic mountain Wednesday, which observers say suggest the regime is preparing to make a major policy announcement.
Kim's visit to sacred mountain to 'unite people, boost morale' Global Times 04 Dec 2019 -- Official North Korean media on Wednesday released images of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un riding a white horse visiting revolutionary battle sites on the country's sacred Mount Paektu, the second such trip in less than two months.
N. Korean Leader Visits Mt. Baekdu ahead of Negotiation Deadline for US KBS World Radio 04 Dec 2019 -- In what may be an ominous warning, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the symbolically-important Mount Baekdu. The rare trip, along with a key North Korean political meeting later this month, suggest that Pyongyang may return to more explicit provocations if the U.S. does not adequately change its denuclearization proposal by year's end as demanded by Kim.
Use of Armed Forces Is Not Privilege of U.S. Only: Chief of General Staff of Korean People's Army KCNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Pak Jong Chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, released the following statement on Wednesday:
Using armed forces against N Korea 'horrible' thing for US Press TV 04 Dec 2019 -- North Korea considers any act of aggression carried out by the United States to be "horrible" for the White House and will have a corresponding response, the army chief has said, expressing disappointment with a threat by US President Donald Trump about the possibility of using military force against Pyongyang.
Top DPRK leader attends ceremony marking completion of Samjiyon construction People's Daily 04 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the township of Samjiyon County in the northern part of the country marking the completion of the county's construction, official media reported on Tuesday.
Hope Fading for Diplomatic Breakthrough to Denuclearize N. Korea VOA 04 Dec 2019 -- Despite Washington's efforts to maintain a dialog with Pyongyang, chances for a diplomatic breakthrough leading to the denuclearization of North Korea are fading away, said experts, as the two nations remain locked in their position.
North Korea's Disabled Struggle to Survive With No Livelihood, Meager State Support Radio Free Asia 04 Dec 2019 -- Disabled people in North Korea live in poverty as the government lacks a social welfare system that can provide for them, with even those who were disabled after injuries sustained on the job offered no support from the companies they worked for or the government, sources in the country say.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Looks Round Revolutionary Battle Sites in Mt Paektu Area KCNA 04 Dec 2019 -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea, chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and supreme commander of the armed forces of the DPRK, looked round the revolutionary battle sites in the area of Mt Paektu.
Ministries, National Institutions of DPRK Render Support to Coal Mines KCNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Support for coal mines is brisk among ministries and national institutions of the DPRK.
With Nuclear Talks Stalled, N. Korea Says Up to US to Select 'Christmas Gift' VOA 03 Dec 2019 -- North Korea issued its latest warning Tuesday that its end-of-year deadline for the United States to offer concessions in nuclear talks is approaching.
DPRK Vice Foreign Minister for U.S. Affairs Issues Statement KCNA 03 Dec 2019 -- Ri Thae Song, vice minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK in charge of the U.S. Affairs released the following statement on Tuesday:
North Korea says US aiming to drag out dialog for own benefit Press TV 03 Dec 2019 -- North Korea says the United States administration is aiming to drag out dialog with North Korea all the way to the 2020 presidential election to use it as an advantage, reminding Washington of a deadline set by Pyongyang for the end of this year to take real action.
Military Aviation Tracking Twitter Account Reports US Spy Plane Flew Over S. Korea VOA 02 Dec 2019 -- The United States reportedly flew a reconnaissance plane over South Korea on Monday, marking the second intelligence-gathering flyover this week, according to an aviation tracker cited by several South Korean news sources.
Department of Justice Announces Arrest of United States Citizen for Assisting North Korea in Evading Sanctions US Dept. of Justice 02 Dec 2019 -- The Department of Justice announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Virgil Griffith, a United States citizen, with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) by traveling to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea ("DPRK" or "North Korea") in order deliver a presentation and technical advice on using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to evade sanctions. Griffith was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019 and will be presented in federal court today.
As North Korea's Deadline Approaches, South Pushes US for Progress VOA 01 Dec 2019 -- A senior adviser to South Korea's president expressed a broad range of frustrations at U.S. policy toward North Korea, saying Washington has not adequately empowered Seoul to play a mediating role with Pyongyang.

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December 2019 - North Korea Special Weapons News