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Pyongyang Watch (January ~ February 2002)

New miracle in DPRK

Pyongyang, February 20 (KCNA) - Many people are deeply moved to hear the miraculous news that four most serious cases were revived by medical workers of the Sepho county people's hospital in Kangwon Province and people in the county. It was on the night of December 14, last year, that a teacher and 3 students of Yaksu senior middle school put out a forest fire before being carried to the hospital, seriously burnt and unconscious. The cases were too serious for the county hospital to treat. Medical diagnosis was pronouncing them to be dead. 

The hospital was getting short of medicines. But the patients have been miraculously restored to life by the warm human love and sincerity of the medical workers and people in the county. All the county people devoted their blood, flesh and bone to them. Four skin grafts involved more than 300 people. The grafted skin reached 3,730 square centimetres. And the amount of blood, medicines and nutritious food for the patients are innumerable. This reality can be seen only in the DPRK, in which all the people live in a great harmonious family. 

BUSH SEES 'EVIL' N.KOREA THROUGH BULLETPROOF GLASS

Reuters reported that standing atop a sandbag bunker and protected by bulletproof glass, US President George W. Bush got his first direct look at the DPRK. Peering through binoculars at the DPRK, Bush bluntly called it "evil." As Bush stood behind bulletproof glass installed for his visit, a military officer pointed toward a DPRK museum that displays anti-US propaganda, including the axes used to kill two US servicemen in 1976. "Hear that?" Bush called out from the camouflage-draped bunker, which sits about 100 meters from the border. "The axes that were used to slaughter two US soldiers are in the peace museum. No wonder I think they're evil." Asked what he thought when he looked out over the North, Bush said: "We're ready." (Arshad Mohammed, "BUSH SEES 'EVIL' N.KOREA THROUGH BULLETPROOF GLASS," South Korea, 02/20/02)

Capitalism 'budding' in North Korean Society 

Joongang Ilbo, February 15, 2002. Radio Free Asia, citing words of a scholar at United States Institute of Peace, said Wednesday North Korea would slowly found itself soaking on ideas of capitalism. Mr. Hazel Smith, specialist on North Korea and East Asian security who have worked in Stalinist state for past 12 years under the World Food Program said at the National Press Club in Washington, Tuesday claimed the reclusive state is changing, despite the doubtful speed. "People are starting to purchase foods and needed goods from market place, slowly bidding farewell to the existing food rations," he said. Also, this new formation of market economy is bringing out serious problem of corruption within all sectors he said and advised it would be better to choose bank transactions to cash for those South Korean or Japanese companies interested in advancing into the North. "But as long as the nation denies people of their freedom we won't be seeing any systematic market economy taking firm root in the nation," Mr. Smith said. 

Only South Korea and US Promise Food Aid to NK 

Arirang TV, February 18, 2002. Only 25% of the needed food aid for starving citizens in North Korea has been secured for the year according to the World Food Program, the United Nations agency established to lead the fight against global hunger, which reported Monday, that just two countries thus far, South Korea and the United States, have promised to provide assistance in 2002. Despite American President George W. Bush's statements referring to Pyongyang as part of an axis of evil, Washington says it will continue its humanitarian aid and has already sent some 55,000 tons of grain to the famine-stricken country. Seoul meanwhile plans to make its first shipment of the year to the North of approximately 100,000 tons of corn by the end of the month. The Japanese government, however, says its not clear whether or not it will participate as it did last year, amid waning public support for the program domestically. Representatives of the WFP said it is still well short of its target of 600,000 tons for the year and will have to suspend assistance to several east coast regions in North Korea. The agency expects the current supply of food aid to be exhausted by June. 

UNICEF to Send US$10 Million Worth of Aid to NK 

Arirang TV, February 15, 2002. In a humanitarian gesture, the United Nations Children's Fund plans to send health and medical aid worth more than US$10 million to North Korea this year. UNICEF announced Friday the planned aid package to the famine-stricken North includes essential medical supplies worth almost US$4 million, a US$2.2 million program for helping develop immunity and a project for improving nutrition worth over US$1.5 million. In particular, UNICEF says it will focus on providing technology for improving water supply and health facilities at local childcare institutes. 

Food Aid to North Loses Popularity :WFP

Joongang Ilbo, February 18, 2002. World Food Program disclosed only South Korea and the United States showed up to promise further food aid to the hunger-stricken North Korea. The humanitarian group under UN said Monday among the needed 611,200 ton of food, it has only secured 25 percent of the needed food amount compared to same time last year. "We would see halt in emergency food aid to the East Sea region of the North within two weeks' time." "We also need at least 8,000 ton of sugar for North Korea children in dire need of nutritional foods and the expected half in food supply in certain places would pose serious threat to those children," the report continued, giving out further concern over poor crops this winter once again due to too little snow this winter. Meanwhile, South Korea would make its first delivery of 100,000 ton of corn via World Food Program later this month. Japan is not likely to join in the two nations with mounting negative sentiment toward North Korea at home since the spy-boat incident last November at East China Sea. The United States in particular, promised to extend food aid to North Korea after already handing out 55,000 ton of food aid this year despite its hard rhetoric toward the reclusive regime.

NORTH KOREA WARNS OF WAR

The Associated Press reported that DPRK military officers and party cadets rallied Friday to celebrate DPRK supreme leader Kim Jong Il's birthday, calling for heightened vigilance following President Bush's condemnation of the DPRK. Kim turns 60 on Saturday. On the eve of the national holiday, the DPRK called a massive "national meeting" in Pyongyang, where Kim Yong Nam, the country's Number 2 man, made a report on the state of national affairs. "Because of the United States' arrogant and insolent behaviour, the danger of war is growing every day on the Korean Peninsula," Kim said during the meeting. "If the US imperialists and their followers dare provoke a war in this land, it will lead to their final destruction." (Choe Sang-hun, "NORTH KOREA WARNS OF WAR," Seoul, 02/15/02)

NORTH SAID TO PREPARE OFFENSIVE MOVES

Joongang Ilbo reported that Peter Brookes, US deputy assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific Affairs, stated that the DPRK is increasing and modernizing its conventional weapons and forces near the Demilitarized Zone. Brookes referred to the DPRK's conventional weapons as the "fuse of a time bomb." While the weapons of mass destruction are important, he said, armies do not start hostilities with them. He added that reducing the DPRK's conventional weapons should be the immediate task to forestall use of mass-destruction weapons on the Korean Peninsula. Brookes also stated that the movements of the DPRK army in the past year shows that "they are readying for an offensive." He also added, "The North Korean army has been moving closer to the Demilitarized Zone in the past few years." He ruled out upgrading weaponry of the U. forces stationed in ROK for the time being, but stressed that the US would be flexible in strengthening its military response capability toward the DPRK. (Oh Day-young, "NORTH SAID TO PREPARE OFFENSIVE MOVES," Tokyo, 02/14/02)

NORTH KOREA RELEASES JAPANESE MAN HELD FOR SPYING

The Mainichi Shinbun reported that a Japanese man who has been held in the DPRK since 1999 for alleged spying was released on Tuesday. Takashi Sugishima, a former Nihon Keizai Shinbun reporter, returned to Japan. A Japan foreign ministry spokesperson said Pyongyang informed it earlier in the month that 62 year old Sugishima would be released soon. "We don't even know why they decided to release him," the spokesperson said. The release of a Japanese journalist is a push to put ties on a better footing. "It will be terrific if this leads to a resumption of (stalled) Japan-North Korea talks," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda told reporters on Wednesday. Foreign Ministry officials said they believe that the DPRK is seeking a breakthrough in its international isolation. ("NORTH KOREA RELEASES JAPANESE MAN HELD FOR SPYING," 02/12/02) and the Asahi Shinbun ("ANALYSIS: N.KOREA OFFERS AN OLIVE BRANCH," 02/14/02)

NK Creates 'Birthday Celebration Committees' for Kim Jong Il 

Chosun Daily, February 9, 2002. The approach of North Korea's National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il's 60th birthday on February 16 has seen Pyongyang organizing 'Birthday Celebration Committees' in 63 countries to create a festive mood for the big day. A government source said Saturday that Pyongyang has been organizing the committees within pro-North Korean organizations abroad since February 2001 to prepare a worldwide celebration. According to the source, the congratulatory event will focus on praising Kim's achievement and encouraging loyalty to Kim's leadership. Meanwhile, China's Communist Party central committee had sent flowers and a present in time for the North Korean leader's birthday, reported North Korea's Central News Agency Saturday. 

NORTH KOREA DENOUNCES JAPAN'S ROCKET LAUNCH

Agence France-Presse reported that a DPRK foreign ministry spokesman, in a statement released late Tuesday, said Japan's launch of a satellite carrier this week was a covert attempt to bolster its arms program. The spokesperson accused the US of double standards in condemning the DPRK but doing nothing over Japan's weapons buildup. The ministry said Japan's launch of an H-2A rocket on Monday sought "to revive militarism." "This situation compels the DPRK to further increase its independent defense capabilities," a foreign ministry spokesperson warned. Japan has said its H-2A rocket is intended for commercial satellite launches. But the DPRK ministry said Japan's "moves to revive militarism, which is getting pronounced as never before these days, have reached a dangerous phase." The official claimed Japan was secretly developing missiles, and had technology and enough plutonium to produce nuclear weapons. ("NORTH KOREA DENOUNCES JAPAN'S ROCKET LAUNCH," 02/06/02)

2000 World Press Freedom Review

According to information provided to IPI, Kim In-gu, a journalist with the South Korean daily newspaper Chosun Ilbo, was refused entry into North Korea by the authorities. Kim In-gu had obtained a permit to be part of the press pool sent to cover the Red Cross negotiations at Mount Keumgang on 28 June, aimed at reuniting families separated by the Korean War. However, after the cruise ship on which the press pool travelled, had arrived at Changjon Harbour, Kim In-gu was prevented from disembarking by North Korean immigrant officials. Kim In-gu was the only journalist in the pool denied this right.

The refusal by North Korean authorities is thought to be directly related to the critical reporting of the newspaper. A fact which was cited by officials when refusing the entry of another journalist from the Chosun Ilbo at the Pyongyang summit; however, on that occasion, the situation was resolved on the insistence of President Kim Dae-Jung and other high-ranking officials...

Жители КНДР с грандиозным размахом отметили 60-летие их лидера Ким Чен Ира

Жители КНДР с грандиозным размахом отметили 60-летие их лидера Ким Чен Ира. Как передает корреспондент РИА "Новости", главным событием на торжествах стали массовые гимнастические упражнения в Пхеньяне, в которых приняли участие около 10 тысяч школьников-артистов. Лично Ким Чен Ир на представлении не появился. О том, как он сам отметил свой юбилей, в КНДР огласке не подлежит. Вместе с тем 60-летие в странах Дальнего Востока имеет особое значение, составляя завершенный зодиакальный цикл - целый век по лунному календарю.

Улицы северокорейской столицы украшены гирляндами, флагами и изображениями цветов "кимченирия", названных так в честь высшего руководителя страны. В специальных оранжереях к празднику высажены свыше 14 тысяч живых "кимченирий", чтобы ими любовались жители города и демонстрировали свое почтение к своему лидеру. 

Празднование юбилея проходило по всей стране, став своего рода соревнованием в изобретательности. Так, в городе Нампхо на побережье Желтого моря песню во славу Ким Чен Ира исполнил гигантский хор, состоявший более чем из 21 тысячи певцов художественной самодеятельности.

Примерно 100 тысяч детей в различных районах КНДР отметили день рождения Ким Чен Ира, вступив в ряды северокорейских пионеров.

Все северокорейские газеты, радиопрограммы и телевидение посвятили празднику специальные программы, прославляя Ким Чен Ира и его заслуги. В частности, в них выражается вера в то, что лидеру КНДР удастся построить мощное государство.

Вместе с тем торжества в КНДР проходят на фоне возросшей тревоги северокорейских граждан из-за недавнего заявления американского президента Джорджа Буша, который назвал КНДР наряду с Ираком и Ираном составной частью "оси зла". В ответ в Пхеньяне объявили США "империей зла" и предупредили, что готовы дать отпор в случае военных действий против КНДР.

Джордж Буш, отправляясь в поездку по странам Азии, включая Японию, Китай и Южную Корею, попытался сгладить накал напряженности. В интервью японским и южнокорейским тележурналистам в субботу он сказал, что несмотря на его заявления, американская администрация готова к диалогу с Северной Кореей.

Правда, при этом он назвал эту страну "безнадежной", и обрушился с критикой на Ким Чен Ира. Подобные высказывания в день рождения руководителя в КНДР считаются в высшей степени оскорблением. Источник: РИА "НОВОСТИ", 16.02.2002 (in Russian)

US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ESTIMATE OF NORTH KOREA

February 13, 2002. The following report was posted on the Center for Strategic and International Studies website on February 2, 2002. The entire report is entitled "The Global Nuclear Balance: A Quantitative and Arms Control Analysis." Excerpted is part VI entitled, "North Korean Force Trends."  The report is broken down into US Department of Defense estimates of DPRK actions and intentions involving nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons and CIA estimates of DPRK missile force trends.

U.N. Food Program Appeals for Help

AP Network News, February 10, 2002. The U.N. World Food Program said it has received only a fraction of the aid needed to help feed starving people in North Korea, where at least 2 million young children may die of hunger. The WFP has received just 10 percent of the $216 million it needs to provide about 611,200 tons of food to North Korea. "Further contributions, especially for sugar and cereals are urgently required to ensure continued food assistance to the most vulnerable populations for April and onwards," a WFP report issued Friday said. The WFP plans to make up about half of a projected shortfall of 1.47 million tons of grain for the year. The North Korean government will have to obtain the other half, either through donations or foreign purchases. The WFP said the overall shortage risks the lives of more than 2 million children under age 5 through malnutrition and disease. 

Friday's report also warned of a poor harvest this year because a lack of snowfall may parch soils and lead to lower water levels later. John Powell, regional director of the WFP's Asia Bureau, said in November that the agency's aid campaigns for North Korea since 1995 all have been successful, with donations covering 95 percent of the objectives. Despite improved harvest yields the past couple of years, food shortages still are widespread in North Korea, making foreign aid crucial, WFP and South Korean officials say. North Korea says 220,000 people died of hunger or hunger-related diseases between 1995 and 1998. A U.S. congressional team says the total could be 2 million. On Saturday, North Korean defectors told the International Conference on North Korean Human Rights and Refugees in Tokyo that bodies of starvation victims have been seen floating in rivers. 

Private Aid to North Korea Tops W8.8 Billion in January 

Arirang TV, February 9, 2002. South Korea's private sector donated W8.8 billion, or around US$6.6 million worth of aid to North Korea during the month of January. The figure released by the Unification Ministry Saturday, represents a jump of more than 800% from the W1 billion seen during the same period last year. The aid, delivered through the National Red Cross, included items such as medical supplies, agricultural products and clothing. Meanwhile, the government is also looking to provide relief to the famine stricken nation by sending 10,000 tons of corn through the World Food Program.

NORTH KOREA CANCELS TRIP BY 4 EXPERTS FROM THE U.S.

The New York Times reported that the DPRK has called off a visit by a group of former US ambassadors. The trip had been arranged as a way to expand informal dialogue between the US and the DPRK. However, DPRK officials told the ex-diplomats on Friday not to come. The delegates, which included, Donald Gregg from the first Bush administration, Richard Walker from the Reagan administration and Stephen Bosworth from the Clinton administration had planned to meet senior DPRK officials later this month. They attributed the cancellation to President Bush's criticism of the DPRK in his State of the Union speech.  

"They probably found it very offensive," said William H. Gleysteen, envoy to ROK during the Carter administration. "I'm sure it happened because of the State of the Union address," said Robert A. Scalapino, professor emeritus at the University of California. "The use of incendiary language is not fruitful," he said. Scalapino helped organize the trip and planned to go himself. Delegates said no reason was specified for the cancellation, which was conveyed through the DPRK's mission at the United Nations. (Michael R. Gordon, "NORTH KOREA CANCELS TRIP BY 4 EXPERTS FROM THE U.S.," Washington, 02/09/02), the Associated Press (Vanessa Palo, "N. KOREA TELLS US ENVOYS NOT TO COME," Washington, 02/09/02)  

North Korean Food Situation Improves 

International Herald Tribune, February 05, 2002. Nearly seven years after North Korea begged the outside world for food to stave off widespread famine, the communist country remains as dependent as ever on foreign handouts. The famine that killed hundreds of thousands of North Koreans in the mid- to late 1990s has ebbed. But food shortages are widespread even though harvests improved in the last couple of years, according to the United Nations and the South Korean government. "I think the food coming into this country has definitely improved conditions for children. But there are still instances of malnutrition," said Rick Corsino, head of the U.N. World Food Program's operation in North Korea. "The situation is very precarious. They're right on the edge here," Corsino said. "If food aid disappeared and the crop was not better than it is now, there's a real risk."

The United Nations plans to supply just over half of a projected shortfall of 1.47 million tons of grain for the year. The rest will be up to the North Korean government to obtain, either through donations or purchases abroad. North Korea's dependence on outside food aid is unlikely to change soon. U.N. officials have urged North Korea to reform its inefficient collective farm industry, saying the major cause of its food shortages is structural. But there is no indication that the North is willing to introduce fundamental economic reforms, possibly because it fears they could undermine its totalitarian rule. In his State of the Union address last week, President Bush suggested that North Korea was intentionally depriving its people of food.

"North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens," said Bush, citing North Korea, Iran and Iraq as an "axis of evil" that threatens global stability. North Korea's self-imposed isolation, often belligerent posture and tight controls on the few aid workers it allows within its borders have aggravated international efforts to help feed its 22 million people. After decades of economic decline, North Korea appealed to the international community for food in 1995 after the virtual collapse of its farming industry. Crop-destroying floods and drought worsened the problem. North Korea admitted that 220,000 people died of hunger or hunger-related diseases between 1995 and 1998. A U.S. congressional team said that up to 2 million people may have died.

Despite Bush's tough words, the United States annually donates tens of millions of dollars in food aid to North Korea in a policy motivated by humanitarian concerns as well as a desire to improve relations. Another big donor is South Korea, a U.S. ally that is seeking reconciliation with its neighbour after decades of enmity following the 1950-53 Korean War. A South Korean official said the food situation in North Korea was best in and around the showcase capital of Pyongyang. The most severe food shortages are in northern Hamkyong and Jagang provinces, along the border with China, said the official, Lee Jong-joo. Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled those areas into China in search of food, and a few have defected to South Korea. "It's still a very worrisome situation where huge numbers of people could die of starvation if outside assistance stops," Lee said. Political tension has undercut efforts to help feed North Korea. South Korea wants to send a rice shipment to the North, but says it has to negotiate the handover. However, official inter-Korean contact has come to a virtual standstill since fragile U.S.-North Korean ties deteriorated after Bush's inauguration a year ago.

The Struggling North Korean Automobile Industry 

Chosun Ilbo, February 5, 2002. Half a century has passed since North Korea launched its automobile industry by breaking the ground in November 1950 for the construction of the 600,000 square meter Tokchon Motor Plant in Tokchon City, South Pyongan Province, that could be billed as the Detroit of North Korea. Re-christened as Sungri (victory) Motor Plant in 1975, the factory has produced a number of models including the Jaju (independence) and Shintaibaik. 

Production facilities are concentrated at the foot of Mount Sungri in Tokchon City, reputed for the discovery of Palaeolithic relics from the mountain's tunnels. Some of the facilities were built by the Chinese as a logistical base during the Korean War (1950-53). Car assembly and parts manufacturing are done on the ground, and most vehicle parts except glass and tires are produced there. The annual production capacity, claimed to be 20,000 units early in the 1980s, reportedly stood at between 6,000 and 7,000 units and plummeted markedly in the 1990s when the food crisis hit the country, turning out a mere 150 units in 1996 when the economic woes climaxed. 

The dismal condition of the automobile industry in Tokchon is ascribable in part to the fact that motor vehicles produced there are not for military but for civilian use, and are supplied to public agencies, business corporations and 'shock troops.' Military vehicles are produced in Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province and elsewhere under the jurisdiction of the Second Economic (logistical economy) Committee. 

Competition to get motor vehicles assigned is fierce among public agencies and business firms that need them desperately and lobbying activities never cease. All auto parts without fail have black market price tags. In principle, nobody can possess and sell automobiles in the North, as they are allocated under a set program only. However with supply falling absolutely short of demand, there is no alternative but to secure vehicles resorting to bribery. Senior party officials in Tokchon are accordingly reshuffled often. Merchants obtain auto parts in Tokchon and sell them elsewhere for profit. 

In the absence of competition, technological renovation is basically hard to realize in North Korea. Since the 1950s, North Korea's auto industry has persistently relied on "anatomy plan drawing" - a practice of disassembling foreign-made car models and drawing their parts design one by one. Through this method, they produced late in the 1980s the "Mount Paikdu" model, a replica of the German made Mercedes-Benz. "The car is a poor replica, with the door not shutting properly due to unmatched window sections," recall North Korean defectors in the South who had travelled in the car. 

Beginning with the "Sungri-58" truck (a replica of Soviet Gaz-52) that debuted in November 1958, North Korea has produced, among others, the "Sungri 425" truck, the "Jaju" five-seat passenger car, the "Construction" passenger car, the "Mount Kumsusan" 40-ton truck, the "Mount Baikdu" passenger car and the "Rebirth" jeep. The production of the "Mount Kumsusan" truck is said to have been discontinued because of excessive fuel consumption, among other reasons. "Jaju" passenger cars, which are common in the North, have reportedly earned this derisive comment: "The car has been so christened because it is often out of order." (jaju in Korean can also mean "often").

Senior North Korean leaders use imported German- or Japanese-made cars. Most military vehicles are also imported. The car self-sufficiency rate is very low in the North and local products are so inferior in quality to foreign-made cars that a popular saying goes: "North Korean cars can be likened to ox-carts while their foreign counterparts are airplanes." The completion in 1999 of the Peace Motor Plant in Nampo, South Pyongan Province, in a joint inter-Korean venture, meanwhile, brightens the prospects for the North Korean automobile industry. With a huge assembly line, 100m in length and 200m in width, installed, the plant has an annual capacity of 100,000 units, according to Kim Hyon-tak, a mid-level manager of the plant. The factory, a manufacturer of civilian-use vehicles, is scheduled to turn out its first batch of cars this month, adds Kim.

NORTH KOREA REFUSED VICE-MINISTERIAL-LEVEL TALKS WITH US

Joongang Ilbo reported that prior to US President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address, one foreign source revealed that the DPRK rejected US calls for vice-ministerial level talks. According to the source, the US proposed to arrange bilateral talks between US special envoy to Korean Peninsula Jack Prichard and the DPRK's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gwe-gwan. Experts view such attitude has only succeeded in hardening Bush administration's suspicion toward the DPRK. (Choi Won-ki, "NORTH KOREA REFUSED VICE-MINISTERIAL-LEVEL TALKS WITH US, Seoul, 02/04/02)

KCNA slams Ri Hoe Chang's sycophancy

Pyongyang, February 4 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the central committee of the Korean Social Democratic Party issued a statement Sunday denouncing Ri Hoe Chang, president of the "Grand National Party" of South Korea, for letting loose a spate of vituperation against the north. Recalling that during his recent visit to the united states, he fully supported the bellicose Bush administration's hardline policy toward the DPRK and voiced strong opposition to the improvement of the inter-Korean relations, the statement said: The C.C., the KSDP bitterly condemns Ri's remarks as an unpardonable challenge to all the fellow countrymen who are pooling their efforts to achieve the peace of the country and its independent reunification. 

It continued: Through his visit to the U.S. he laid bare his true colors as a traitor who stoops to any acts to hurt fellow countrymen and lay obstacles in the way of national reunification in reliance on his master in a bid to satisfy his unlimited greed for power. If such a guy as Ri who is chilling inter-Korean reconciliation and unity and fanning up division and confrontation comes to power, it will bring to the nation nothing but disasters of a nuclear war. We will force Ri to pay dearly for his crimes and call him to task to the last. The statement called upon all the political parties, organizations and people from all walks of life in South Korea that value the dignity and sovereignty of the nation and want the reunification of the country according to the June 15 joint declaration to resolutely come out against the anti-national and anti-reunification moves of Ri Hoe Chang and his group.

N.K. Needs $5 bil. in FDI to Get out of Poverty Trap

Korea Herald, February 2, 2002. North Korea needs at least $5 billion in foreign direct investment to pull its falling economy out of a cycle of poverty and return to positive growth, a state-run think tank said yesterday. The most urgent need for North Korea at this point is to haul the faltering economy out of its negative terrain, which will be partly addressed by attracting foreign direct investment, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) said in its report. "The most effective way to help boost the ailing North Korean economy will be putting $1 billion into the North every year for five consecutive years," the economic institute said. 

According to the KIEP analysis, North Korea's total capital stock has decreased by 1.73 percent every year, which in turn led to a decline of 0.83 percent in gross domestic product (GDP). North Korea's GDP would be able to grow 0.203 percent, capital stock 0.558 percent and household income 0.065 percent, if the aforementioned sum of foreign capital was injected into the nation's economy. North Korea's economy contracted for nine years in a row from 1990 before turning around to post 6.2 percent growth in 1999 and a 1.3 percent rise in 2000, the KIEP said. The research institute attributed the positive growth in 1999 and 2000 to the inflow of foreign capital rather than to any significant domestic production increase. 

New feature film released

Pyongyang, February 2 (KCNA) -- The Korean Film Studio recently released new feature film "A Waiting Girl." The film portrays a heroine looking after the native home of a soldier with a pure heart and love for soldiers of the Korean People's Army, which impressively shows how young people should love each other in the era of the army-based policy. The film stresses that the love of young people will beautifully shine when it is based on the spirit of the era of the army-based policy and that it is in fuller bloom under the loving care of leader Kim Jong Il.

KCNA on Bush's belligerent remarks

Pyongyang, February 2 (KCNA) -- U.S. President Bush in a "state of the union address" before the congress on Jan. 30 cited the DPRK and some other nations as "an axis of evil" and "states threatening the world peace." And he blustered that the U.S. will not permit them to do so and operations should be carried on as planned. This reveals the U.S. reckless intention to seize the DPRK by force of arms after designating it as the second target of "anti-terrorism war." His outburst is little short of a declaration of war against the DPRK, and this may once again bring the military situation on the Korean peninsula to the brink of war. More than once the DPRK has declared that it has nothing to do with terrorism, and it has posed no threat to any country. Nevertheless, Bush expressed an intention to stifle the DPRK by force of arms, undisguisedly pointing a finger at it this time. This can never be overlooked nor allowed. 

His remarks clearly show that the U.S.-proposed "resumption of dialogue" with the DPRK is intended not for the improvement of the bilateral relations but for the realization of the U.S. aggressive military strategy. 
It is the steadfast stand and transparent will to counter force with force and confrontation with confrontation. The U.S. should not misjudge the inexhaustible military strength of the DPRK. It has fully equipped itself with powerful offensive and defensive means, tightening its belt over the past years. The DPRK is fully capable of fighting a war with the U.S. it should clearly know that the option to "strike" is not its monopoly. If the U.S. ignites a war of aggression at last, the army and people of the DPRK will mercilessly wipe out the aggressors. We are sharply watching the ill-boding moves of the U.S., in full readiness. 

NORTH KOREA CONDEMS BUSH 'THREAT

The Associated Press reported that the DPRK joined Iraq and Iran in condemning US President George W. Bush's State of the Union address in which he labelled the three nations an "axis of evil."  The DPRK's Foreign Ministry said, "This is, in fact, little short of declaring a war against the DPRK."  The ministry said Bush had "made undisguised threatening remarks" that were unprecedented for a US president.  "We are sharply watching moves of the United States that has pushed the situation to the brink of war after throwing away even the mask of dialogue and negotiations," the ministry said.  An unnamed foreign ministry spokesperson expressed that the US had become a terrorist target because of Bush.  The spokesperson said that the September 11 attacks and scandals such as the collapse of the US energy giant Enron were "entirely attributable to the unilateral and self-opinionated foreign policy, political immaturity and moral leprosy of the Bush administration."  The DPRK also stated that Bush's remarks had underscored the importance of the DPRK arming itself. (Choe Sang-hun, "'EVIL AXIS' REMARK PROVOKES N. KOREA," Seoul, 01/31/02)

New universities to be founded in DPRK

Pyongyang, January 30 (KCNA) -- Universities of light industry and construction will be established in Hamhung, an industrial city of Korea. Hamhung University of Light Industry trains students as technicians in the fields of foodstuff, textile, knitwear, clothing, paper-making, light industrial machines, shoes, plastic and rubber processing and Hamhung University of Construction trains students as engineers in the fields of architectural design and engineering, building machines, surveying, horticulture, city administration and building materials. These universities open in April this year. They will positively contribute to the development of industries in the eastern coast of the country. 

Number of books on steady increase at Grand People's Study House

Pyongyang, January 29 (KCNA) -- The number of books is on a steady increase at the Grand People's Study House situated in the central part of Pyongyang. Leader Kim Jong Il, always deeply concerned for the development of science and technology in the country sent there 753 books of 43 kinds and hardware on eight occasions in just 20 days of this mouth. 200,000 more books are coming to the house every year. 
New scientific and technological books including those on it electronic engineering tale-communications science and medicine are be widely read by visitors at home and abroad as well and various other interesting books. 

A daily accommodating foreign visitors capacity of the house is over 12,000 persons. The house with a total floor space of 100,000 square meters has over 600 rooms including 20 reading rooms, 14 lecture rooms. 
Its capacity is at least 30 million books. International conferences and other meetings can be held there. It has friendly and cooperative ties with over 600 libraries of more than 120 countries and 8 international organizations. The exchange of books is brisk. Drawing particular attention of visitors are rooms giving CD service and service for find computer files that started at the outset of the year.

'480 N.K. Officials Received Economic Training Overseas in 2001'

AP Network News, January 28, 2002. North Korean government has sent 480 economic officials and scholars abroad to study the capitalist economy last year, a government official here said Sunday. 'Out of 503 North Korean officials and scholars who received training overseas last year, 480 studied market economy,' said the official on condition of anonymity. The figure is up 2.8 times from the previous year, he added. 

Children's Hospital for Heart Disease to be Established in Pyeongyang 

International Herald Tribune, January 25, 2002. Children's hospital for heart disease is expected to open in Pyeongyang by early half of the year. The construction jointly proceeded by the two Koreas, North Korea will have its existing Pyeongyang Medical University building remodeled while South Korea assist with supplies of medical facilites and other required equipment. In relations top officials from Seoul National University Hospital, including its head Park Yong-hyun, and the Korean Welfare Foundation visited Pyongyang between Jan. 19-22 to donate medical equipment including cardiac angiography worth 700 million ($533,000). "So far we have extended over 200 kinds of medical equipment worth 3.7 billion won and made numerous visits to the North for installation of medical machinery," said another official of the Seoul University Hospital. The construction started off with treaty clinched between DPRK Medical Society and Korea Welfare Foundation on technology cooperation in October 2000. The Foundation explained they started the project to provide proper chance to receive medical treatment to those 0.8 percent of North Korean children born with heart disease." "We're reaching 70 percent completion making it likely the work would finish within early half of this year," said the related official. "By then we'd be dispatching medical personnel and other related delegates in case of other serious surgery, hence pave another new path for inter-Korean exchange." 

North Korea to Introduce Limited Mobile Phone System

Chosun Ilbo, January 24, 2002. North Korea is preparing to launch a mobile telephone system, with a communications switchboard and cellular phone terminals imported from China. The switchboard and terminals are produced by the telecommunications firm C, which supplies equipment to China's state-run mobile communications corporation, according to mobile communications experts in Seoul. "Since the Chinese-assembled switchboard has only several thousand circuits, the mobile phone system appears to be only for key party personnel, the administration and military stationed in Pyongyang," observed an expert. North Korean Communications Minister Ri Kum Bom's visit to China last September may have involved the introduction of the equipment, he added... 

N.KOREA's MYSTERY SHIP

Agence France-Presse reported that diplomats from Japan and the DPRK met secretly in the PRC after the sinking of an unidentified ship in the East China Sea last month following a firefight with Japanese patrol boats. Unnamed Japanese government sources report that DPRK and Japanese foreign ministry officials held talks in Beijing in late December. Talks through embassies or other normal channels are impossible as the two countries have no diplomatic ties.  The ship has so far not been conclusively identified as DPRK in origin, although the Japanese coastguard retrieved the bodies of two Asian men with Korean character writing on them, including a tag on a lifejacket. The bodies of the two men were cremated Wednesday, Kyodo News agency said.  ("NKOREA HAD SECRET TALKS AFTER MYSTERY SHIP SINKING: REPORTS," 01/24/02)

Rodong Sinmun calls for developing science and technology

Pyongyang, January 23 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today editorially calls for bringing about a new surge in building a powerful nation with main emphasis laid on science and technology. A powerful nation now being built under the leadership of Kim Jong Il means a scientifically and technologically strong nation. The efforts to build the scientifically and technologically strong nation reflect noble patriotism of the leader who is responsible for the present and future of Kim Il Sung's Korea and his clairvoyance with which he gives precedence to the development of science and technology. 

The ideological and military positions of the DPRK are strong. When the people put the nation's economy on the basis of up-to-date science and technology, they are sure to build a powerful socialist nation of the 21st century in the near future. Thanks to his guidance the DPRK's Juche-based science wrought a world-startling miracle such as the successful launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong 1 despite a rigorous trial and is now gaining signal successes in the efforts to attain a higher goal in the 21st century. 

Our scientists are valuable patriots who devotedly worked for the development of the nation's science and technology with the firm faith that they were happy to engage themselves in researches for the country, though they had to eat gruel mixed with vegetables during the "arduous march" and the forced march. The DPRK is proud to have many talented, honest and simple intellectuals with pure and clean conscience and noble outlook on life that they should devote their wisdom and energy to materializing his plan for the building of a scientifically and technologically powerful nation. This is a solid foundation for the building of such nation. The science and technology of the DPRK will be put on the world level in a short span of time and will pay off as the driving force for the building of a powerful nation thanks to his Juche-based idea of attaching importance to science and technology, a large contingent of able scientists and the best socialist system in the world. 

North Korea: Export Drive Focuses on Rare Natural Materials 

BBC Monitoring Service, January 22, 2002. North Korea is actively pushing the export of rare earth products used in the manufacturing of optical lenses, ceramic condensers, paints and batteries, according to the North Korean quarterly Foreign Trade, obtained Tuesday [22 January] by the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). Published by the North's Committee for the Promotion of International Trade, the journals issue No 4 cited an official at the International Chemical Joint Venture Corp (ICJVC) as saying, "International demand for rare-earth products is high and the North is currently exporting them to Japan and Austria. ICJVC is a joint venture set up in Pyongyang in 1991 between the North's Korea Ryonbong General Trading Corp. and Japan's Kokusai Trading Ltd, the magazine said.It manufactures 20 kinds of rare earth products and holds mines containing more than 1,000 tons of monazite, it said. The firm's main export items are lanthanum oxide, praseodymium oxide, cerium oxide and neodymium oxide, the magazine said.As South Korea has no commercially viable rare earth deposits and depends on imports, it should consider contracting the North as a source, a KOTRA official said.

North Looks for Foreign Tourists 

International Herald Tribune, January 22, 2002. North Korea is busy with preparations for its Arirang Festival, which is scheduled to run from April 29 to June 29. The North hopes the festival will bring about 100,000 foreign tourists to Pyeongyang, North Korean media reported recently. North Korea analysts predicted that the festival organizers will tone down political overtones － at least compared to similar events held before in the North － in an effort to make it more palatable to foreign visitors. 

While authorities in Pyeongyang are promoting the festival as a "message of peace to international society," they have not tried to hide the fact that the event is geared to attract foreign guests and currency. Tickets are priced in U.S. dollars. The least expensive seats for the festival, the centerpiece of which is a gymnastics extravaganza, will set spectators back $50. "Special seats" cost $300 and "first-class seats" are $150. The North is planning to charter planes from foreign airlines for the festival, which celebrates the 90th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-sung, North Korea's founder, and has set up package tours that include sightseeing in Pyeongyang, nearby Mount Myohyang and Gaeseong. 

The North Korean press reported Thursday that the Koryo Hotel and the Yanggakdo Hotel in Pyeongyang are preparing to receive foreign guests. The Koryo Hotel may be the one best known to foreigners; it was the site of the North-South family reunions. The hotel has two 45-floor towers and there is a revolving restaurant at the top with 360-degree views of the city. The Yanggakdo Hotel was built ten years after the Koryo, in 1995, and has a fine view of the Daedong River. Room rates range from $120 to $150 a night. 

Seoul's Korea National Tourism Organization estimated that there are only 5,000 or so rooms in the 24 hotels for foreigners in the North. About half of the hotels are located in Pyeongyang. The construction of the 105-story Ryugyeong Hotel, which was halted in 1992, has also reportedly been resumed. The main structure of the hotel situated on Seojang Hill in the heart of Pyeongyang was finished in 1987, but construction bogged down due to lack of funding after 1989. The hotel is basically an empty shell now, and even North Korean officials admit it is uncertain whether the hotel can possibly be finished in time for the festival.

NORTH KOREA TO OPEN UP FOR 'GREATEST EVENT OF MANKIND

Agence France-Presse reported that the DPRK will stage daily performances of a mass rally of 100,000 people as part of a two month long festival partly to celebrate key political anniversaries.  The DPRK has invited foreign tourists to Pyongyang to see one of its renowned mass gymnastics displays, normally reserved for visiting foreign leaders or special occasions.  The centerpiece of the festival is a mass performance of 100,000 gymnasts and artists, which the DPRK's official newspaper the Rodong Sinmun described as "the greatest performance of the 21st century." "If you miss it, you would be regretful for the rest of your life," the daily said. 

Joongang Ilbo reported that the DPRK is busy with preparations for its Arirang Festival, which is scheduled to run from April 29 to June 29.  The DPRK hopes the festival will bring about 100,000 foreign tourists to Pyongyang.  Tickets are priced in US dollars. The least expensive seats for the festival, the centerpiece of which is a gymnastics extravaganza, will cost spectators US$50. "Special seats" cost US$300 and "first-class seats" are US$150. The DPRK is planning to charter planes from foreign airlines for the festival and has set up package tours that include sightseeing in Pyongyang, nearby Mount Myohyang and Gaeseong.(Jung Chang-hyun, "NORTH LOOKS FOR FOREIGN TOURIST," Seoul, 01/22/02)

Serious shortage of electricity in DPRK

Pyongyang, January 22 (KCNA) -- The DPRK is suffering an increasing shortage of electricity. This situation is seriously affecting the overall national economy and causing inconvenience to the people. The shortage of electricity is so acute that it is difficult to normally operate factories and enterprises, make railway tramcar and trolley bus services, etc. and ensure heating and the supply of drinking water and lighting in public buildings and apartment houses and other residential quarters. The process of rice thrashing and polishing is hard hit by an insufficient supply of electricity in the countryside, rendering the food problem of the country more serious. 

All this is attributable to the fact that the economic conditions of the country worsened because of several years of serious natural disasters and vicious moves of those keen to isolate and stifle the DPRK. This is also attributable to the U.S. administration's failure to honestly implement the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework because under this framework the U.S. is committed to providing two light water reactors, each with a capacity of one million kw to the DPRK by the year 2003 in return for the DPRK's freeze of the construction and operation of its nuclear power facilities for peaceful use. 

But for the freezing of its nuclear power bases, they would have paid off profusely by this time and there would have been no such shortage of electricity as what the country is now suffering. And if the U.S. side had honestly implemented the framework, one of the lwrs would have already operated. The prospect of the completion of lwr construction still remains dim. But the Korean people are not pessimistic about the future but putting spurs to their march despite the present difficulties. 

Buddhist rituals held

Pyongyang, January 21 (KCNA) -- Buddhist rituals were held at temples in the DPRK yesterday to mark the day of Buddha's attainment of great wisdom. Present there were office-bearers of the central committee of the Korean Buddhist Federation and its provincial, city and county committees, chief priests and monks of temples and believers. Speeches were made at the end of the rituals. The speakers expressed their firm determination to conduct a vigorous drive to glorify this year that greets the 90th birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung as a year of new surge in the building of a powerful nation, holding high the slogan set forth in the joint new year editorial on Jan. 1 and strengthen solidarity with all the Buddhists in the south and abroad and thus decisively smash the moves of the separatists at home and abroad to ditch the June 15 joint declaration and open up an epochal phase of independent national reunification. 

North Korean Food Situation Improves

Korea Herald, January 21, 2002. The food situation in North Korea improved slightly in 2001 thanks to a good harvest and international assistance, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Saturday. The UNOCHA report said daily food rations in the North totaled 250 grams for each person as of the end of December last year. In 2000, the comparable figure was about 200 grams. The report called for continued international assistance to the North, predicting that North Korea may suffer from another food shortage in April through June. The World Food Program and Food and Agricultural Organization have appealed for 611,000 tons of food aid for North Korea this year.

DPRK APPARENTLY RESUMES WORK ON CROSS-BORDER RAILWAY

China Daily reported that ROK President Kim Dae-jung said on January 17 that the DPRK is showing signs of resuming work on re-linking a cross-border railway with the ROK that remains severed since the Korean War. "I received a report on January 16 that the North is showing signs of restarting work on the railway, repairing living quarters at its construction site," Kim said during a luncheon with model police officers and other public servants. The inter-Korean railway, if completed, will connect Seoul with Pyongyang and continue to Shinuiju, a major city on the DPRK's border with China, the report said. "It's unfortunate if we can't go by train to China, which has opened its market," Kim said. ("DPRK APPARENTLY RESUMES WORK ON CROSS-BORDER RAILWAY," Seoul, 01/18/02, P12)

People called upon to work in fighting spirit displayed in 1950s

Pyongyang, January 17 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today editorially calls for turning out in a general onward march to glorify this year as a year of a new surge in building a powerful nation in hearty response to the slogan of the Workers' Party of Korea "Let us live and work in fighting spirit displayed in 1950s" The indomitable fighting spirit came into being in the 1950s when the country faced the most rigorous difficulties decisive of the destiny of the revolution, the editorial says, and goes on:

The army and people of the DPRK turned out as one in a war to defeat the U.S. imperialists in a do-or-die spirit to work world-startling military miracles and waged the great Chollima drive from the war debris. The fighting spirit is still most valuable as it came into being in the life-and-death fight and the army and people performed the most brilliant feats despite the worst adversity. It is a living example of the noble spirit to be followed by the revolutionary people in building and protecting socialism. It is the motive force to effect a leap forward and innovations as it enables us to advance faster and attain higher goals in order to bring bright future of a powerful nation. The slogan "Let us live and work in fighting spirit displayed in the 1950s" reflects the noble will of leader Kim Jong Il who is invariably carrying forward the brilliant history of establishing Juche created in the lifetime of President Kim Il Sung. Also vibrant in the slogan are the vim and vigour of Juche Korea making uninterrupted innovations and advance. 

NORTH KOREAN TANK TRAPS

Agence France-Presse reported that the DPRK is building tank traps and establishing anti-tank positions on the eastern and western fronts of the de-militarized zone (DMZ). The DPRK has gone ahead with the construction despite its repeated demands that the ROK destroy its own defensive posts along the DMZ. An unnamed ROK government source said that more than 50 new defense bunkers have been spotted on flat land and roads which could be used by tanks and other armored vehicles. The structures have holes at the front, left and right for anti-tank guns, and are camouflaged by earth and sand. ("NORTH KOREAN TANK TRAPS DEAL NEW BLOW TO PEACE HOPES," 01/16/02)

Pyongyang Citizens Allowed Free Food for New Year

International Herald Tribune, January 15, 2002. North Korea provided free foods to its citizens in Pyeongyang on the occasion of the New Year. "Everyone was smiling, market people happy to share and customers happy to receive canned meat, fruits and other foodstuffs all for free," said the state-run Rodong Sinmun in its January 3 edition. North Korean defectors living in South Korea said it is likely the meat is part of aid from foreign relief organizations and the fruit imported from countries such as China. They pointed out that it is rare for the authorities to deliver free food to people. They said that on special occasions each adult was sometimes granted 200-250 gram of pork, 50-100 gram of cooking oil, a few candy bars or cookies and a single pack of cigarettes. Each household also got a couple bottles of liquor, they said.

Privileged people living in Pyeongyang did not normally receive the handouts, the defectors said. They instead took delight in being allowed to purchase luxuries they were not normally allowed to buy. Goods like canned ham, fried potatoes, tangerines, watermelons, imported clothes, blankets and wall clocks were occasionally put on sale on special occasions, explained the defectors. Before the economic collapse of the mid-1990s even people in the provinces occasionally got the chance to purchase some luxuries, the defectors said. Analysts say it is likely the North is trying to make Pyeongyang residents feel proud of the nation and regain their loyalty. "Just before I left I knew something was changing when people said they would rather live in the industrial city of Sinuiju than in Pyeongyang," one defector who recently arrived in the South said, noting the growing prosperity of towns along the Chinese border.

Small Farm Unit Management System Proves Ineffective

Chosun Ilbo, January 15, 2002. The smaller farm unit management system introduced by North Korea in early in 1996, as a desperate effort to overcome the chronic food shortages, has turned out to be a failure. The new formula called for reducing the size of the lowest farming unit from the previous 18-25 members to 15-18 members, comprising two or three families. In a bid to reform the North's agriculture, the smaller farming unit was given the incentive of disposing of surplus produce exceeding their target on its own, and farm cooperative members were permitted in 1997 and 1998 to directly elect their leaders - the small farm unit head, work team head and farm management director. 

Those reform measures had the initial effect of increasing farm production, but have eventually become nothing except in name in the face of a phenomenon of the leaders becoming richer and richer while the other members got poorer, giving rise to mounting criticism of the new system, according to North Korean farmers who have defected to the South.  "Upon the enforcement of the new system, the most important task for the smaller farm unit leader was to have the state-designated production norm reduced as much as possible," recalls Kim Jin-ho, a defector in the South who had been a farm cooperative member. "Because a reduction of production norm was the easiest way easier to make surplus production than endeavoring to achieve a high norm." The determination of farm production norm was preceded by a precision soil-fertility survey, participated in by guidance officers from the county farm cooperative management committee, farm cooperative manager and smaller farm unit head. In many instances, however, fairness could not be ensured because the survey was done in a hurried manner and because interests conflicted among the surveyors, according to Kim. 

Soil was graded into three classes. Some smaller farm units, given low production norm, achieved the target by 120% and 150%, while others managed to produce only 70% of the norm. In the first settling farm produce and dividing the dividend among units, quite a few wrangles developed between the smaller farm unit heads and senior officials. Unit leaders resigned one after another. Smaller farming units that more than achieved the production norm received the share of surplus dividend in addition to the set dividend of 300kg of husked rice per grownup, but less fortunate ones received even less than the set dividend and the gap between the two groups tended to expand. 

In addition, the incentive itself lost its effect when even those farm cooperative members who exceeded their production norm were later forced to donate to the state their surplus dividend under various names. Farmers were unable to resist under the prevailing atmosphere in which the donation of food to the party or state, as a means of resolving the serious food shortage, was taken as a yardstick for measuring one's loyalty. 

Furthermore, the State Security Agency, Ministry of People's Security (the police) and party committee intervened with surplus dividends under the name of one thing or another. Many smaller farm unit leaders, who declined their requests, were relieved of their posts. Mostly being party members, smaller farm unit chiefs were more bound by party loyalty than to promoting the interests of their farm cooperative members. These plain members too were ill-disposed to the new farming system, according to the sources, as they gained little even when they over-achieved their production norms, while suffering from losses when otherwise.

NIC Says North Will Suffer Food Shortage Again

International Herald Tribune, January 14, 2002. The U.S. National Intelligence Council predicted North Korea would suffer another year of food shortages, leaving about one third of its people to suffer. Despite certain improvements in general conditions for the North thanks to large-scale aid from abroad it is still likely at least one third of the population - 8.7 million people - would suffer from dire food shortages till late 2002, pointed out the annual humanitarian aid report released Sunday, based on the view of experts in the Bush administration. 

The report continued that North Korea would hardly stand a chance to make any recovery, not without an all-out economic reform within the regime, overcoming national disasters and large scale aid from countries like South Korea, America, China and Japan. North Korea was also included in the list of nations suffering perpetual national disasters along with countries like Afghanistan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, while its economic collapse and insufficient infrastructure were also blamed for the serious food shortage. 
The UN's World Food Program meanwhile said the North requires about 610,000 metric tons of food aid worth $250 million this year alone and called for worldwide assistance.

PYONGYANG WARNS SOUTH KOREAN MILITARY NOT TO TAKE PART IN MD PLAN

Joongang Ilbo reported that the DPRK warned that there would be "grave and complicated" consequences if the ROK military joins in the US missile defense plan. DPRK newspaper Rodong Sinmun criticized the US for intentionally provoking war with its missile defense shield." The paper asserted that the US scheme to build missile defense shield will trigger a new arms race and will only result in bringing about bigger threats to the US. ("PYONGYANG WARNS SOUTH KOREAN MILITARY NOT TO TAKE PART IN MD PLAN," Seoul, 01/14/02)

NORTH KOREA SUSPECTED OF STEPPING UP DRUG 
SMUGGLING

Reuters reported that a high-ranking Japanese intelligence source states that the DPRK, having lost sources of hard currency funding, has stepped up drug smuggling activities. The anonymous source said that he believed that the suspected DPRK spy ship which sank after exchanging gunfire with Japanese coast guard vessels last month had been carrying a huge haul of stimulants. "We believe that they exploded the ship intentionally to destroy evidence," the source said. The source went on to say, "Drug smuggling is one of North Korea's main national projects. North Korea produced some 40 tons of opium on 7,200 hectares (17,800 acres) in 1996." Another intelligence source said, "Although we have not been able to obtain information on recent production figures, based on various accounts provided by visitors and other sources opium production appears to have doubled the 1996 figure." (Teruaki Ueno, "NORTH KOREA SUSPECTED OF STEPPING UP DRUG SMUGGLING," Tokyo, 01/10/02)

North Korea to Expand Communication Network System 

International Herald Tribune, January 7, 2002. North Korea plans to expand its Kwangmyong computer network service to bring the information highway to the provinces, reported a North Korean magazine published monthly in Japan. Monthly Jogguk reported in its January edition that the whole country is rapidly developing a communication network that will link the country and informationalize all sectors of society. The article said North Korea is fast entering the information age with its computer usage having increased by over 4.6 times during the last two years. Jogguk also disclosed the North is in the process of computerizing power plants and factories under the ministry of Power and Coal Industries as well as additional automatic management systems in ranches and other production sites. Meanwhile the Kwangmyong network, administered and operated by the Central Scientific and Technological Information Agency, was developed in 1997 to offer services of technological data-search, e-mail, Web site search and file transmission services to the people. So far various state agencies and public facilities, including Kim Il Sung University, the Grand People's Study Hall, the Invention Bureau of the National Academy of Sciences, committees and ministries of the cabinet and the state agencies, and regional networks receive the benefit.

JAPANESE POLICE INVESTIGATE NORTH KOREAN CARGO SHIP

Reuters reported that Japanese authorities found nothing unusual after inspecting a DPRK freighter docked near Tokyo on Monday and concluded that a tip about suspicious people in wetsuits that led to the inspection was false. "We have confirmed that it (the tip) was false," said a Coast Guard spokesman, who added that the man who made the report admitted to the police that he had lied. Authorities had boarded the 10,000-ton freighter Sonamu, which was docked at Funabashi, about 10 km (six miles) east of Tokyo after a tip that five or six people appeared to have come ashore on a dark stretch of beach some 50 km southwest of Tokyo on Sunday night ("JAPANESE POLICE INVESTIGATE NORTH KOREAN CARGO SHIP," Tokyo, 01/07/02")

Vatican to send $300,000 worth aid to N.K. this year 

International Herald Tribune, January 6, 2002. The Vatican plans to donate $300,000 worth of goods in aid to North Korea this year. The government official said Friday the plan is in line with the Vatican’s earlier pledge to keep up consistent humanitarian aid to the North. “The aid will be mostly targeted at helping children and will include powdered milk and food,” he added. The Vatican has been extending $300,000 worth of food, medicine, medical equipment every year to the North since 1996 via Caritas International, an association of 154 Catholic relief organizations. Meanwhile Pope John Paul II told five South Korean bishops who visited the Vatican last year that the Vatican will continue humanitarian support to the North and add to closing the gap between North Koreans and Catholic community within the reclusive state. 

The Road Less Travelled

By Peter Smerdon/PYONGYANG 

December 27, 2001 - January 3, 2002. It's too early for spring and too cold for a thaw, but there is a scent of change in one of the world's most secretive countries--just not as much as most outsiders would hope. Sensing a slow opening, official and business delegations are lining up to assess its people and potential... 

KIM CHUN GUK: Blaming The United States

December 27, 2001 - January 3, 2002. Kim Chun Guk, director of the European Department at the Foreign Ministry, arranged North Korea's new diplomatic relations with Europe. But relations with the United States and South Korea have worsened this year. Kim gave Pyongyang's reasons for the new cold wind in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review 's Peter Smerdon. Excerpts from his comments: 

LAST YEAR our Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong Il invited President Kim Dae Jung to Pyongyang and he signed the historic June 15 declaration. This is a milestone in ending the long-existing national division as well as the independent resolution of questions between the North and South. Since then, North-South relations developed unprecedentedly in political, economic, cultural, military, humanitarian and other fields. This year all these excellent developments turned sour. The main reason derives from the emergence of this new administration in the United States... 

THE PALACE OF PRESENTS, PAST AND FUTURE: EVEN GIFTS TO KIM IL SUNG DON'T ESCAPE THE DECLINE

By Peter Smerdon in HYANGSAN 

December 27, 2001 - January 3, 2002. In the snow-dusted foothills of Mount Myohyang, a two-hour drive northeast of the capital Pyongyang, are some heavily-guarded buildings that help explain the leadership's past and hopes and how Kim Il Sung's proud heritage may be fading. Started in 1978, the International Friendship Exhibition rivals the Great Leader's huge Pyongyang mausoleum complex at providing insights into what is perhaps the world's most secretive state. The centrepiece is a six-storey concrete palace built without any windows or wood because the plan was for its contents to survive for eternity. It houses every gift given by foreigners to the Great Leader--both during his life and after his death in 1994... 

Special Amnesty Celebrates Kim Il Sung's 90th Birthday 

Chosun Ilbo, January 3, 2002. North Korean authorities announced that beginning January special amnesties will be granted to some prisoners serving terms of hard labor, marking the 90th birthday of the late President Kim Il Sung, which falls on April 15. Pyongyang stipulated that the definition of crimes are those "activities infringing, deliberately or by error, upon the national sovereignty and legal order, dangerous enough to warrant punishment." Anyone over 17-years of age found guilty of a crime can be sentenced to prison terms with hard labor. Punishments are classified into the death sentence, prison terms with labor, deprivation of the right to elect, confiscation of property, deprivation or suspension of one's rights, according to the North's Criminal Law, as amended in December 1990. The first two punishments are basic, and the remainder additional. 

Prisoners subject to the special amnesty recently announced are those serving terms, ranging from six months to 15 years, with labor. Imprisonment with labor is handed out to most defendants convicted of violating civil or criminal laws. Political criminals convicted of so-called anti-party or anti-revolutionary crimes challenging the state or denying its legitimacy, plus their families, are incarcerated in concentration camps, which are designated as numbered control camps, and special or restricted areas. These people are not eligible for the current special amnesty. 

Clemency to prisoners is granted in two ways in the North: amnesty and special amnesty. The former is given by the Supreme People's Assembly and the latter by the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, in accordance with the Criminal Law. Prisoners serving hard labor jail terms, who show sincere repentance, have good service records and have completed half or more of their terms are eligible for amnesty and special amnesty. Once amnesty or special amnesty is decided upon, prisons concerned select those who are eligible and the court reviews and judges the selections. 

Pyongyang grants amnesties on such celebration days as the Party Foundation Day (October 10), the Government Foundation Day (September 9), Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il's birthdays (the latter February 16). The last one was given on the 80th birthday of the late Kim Il Sung in 1992. Announcing the special amnesty, Pyongyang did not disclose its scope. Some North Korea watchers in the South speculate, however, that this will be relatively wide based on a number of factors. To begin with, amnesties granted on the 10th-year cycle of Kim Il Sung's birthday were much wider in scope than others. According to a North Korean defector who was incarcerated in Kaechon Prison, South Pyongyang province, in 1992, the amnesty granted that year was wide enough to include even convicted murderers. One prisoner, serving a 15-year term, was lucky enough to be released after serving only three months. 

Another factor is the fact that prisoners have increased substantially since 1995 when the serious food shortages first hit the North. Amid the food crisis, many cooperative farm members misappropriated farm produce just to survive to be charged with economic offenses and later convicted and imprisoned. Still another factor is that the North has officially proclaimed a new leap forward in the 21st century, officially terminating the "March of Hardships." To achieve solidarity among the populace by placating disaffection among them, some North Korea watchers here observe, Pyongyang needs to minimize those people who are hostile or have grievances against the regime. 

Once a special pardon is announced, prisons as well as outside society become festive in mood, said a source. Prison authorities hold rallies of prisoners, praising the benevolence of the party and the national leader, and in which the prisoners pledge to be loyal to the leader upon release from prison. The roster of the pardoned is then announced, by checking their names and prisoner numbers. While the roster is being read out, the prisoners are reportedly all on the edge. Those who are called step aside, some weeping out of joy, while others who are not, are crestfallen, and some even faint. Special amnesties given on Kim Il Sung's birthdays were so wide in scope to cover 70% to 80% of eligible prisoners. To be excluded from the roster for clemency on such an occasion indicates that the affected prisoners may have to give up hope of ever getting out of prison.

S.KOREAN GOVERNMANET TO GIVE DPRK 100,000 TONS OF MAIZE

Chosun Ilbo reported that the ROK Ministry of Unification announced Thursday that the government will deliver some 100,000 tons of maize in food aid to the DPRK through the World Food Program (WFP) starting at the end of February. A source confirmed that the WFP and the ROK will conclude discussions on the procedure of delivery and calculate the cost. ROK Unification Minister Hong Soon-young promised to provide 100,000 tons of maize to the DPRK free of charge through WFP at a press conference at the end of last year. (Kim In-gu, "S.KOREAN GOVERNMANET TO GIVE DPRK 100,000 TONS OF MAIZE," Seoul, 01/03/02) 

North Korea sees 2002 as year of new leap forward in building of powerful nation 

BBC Monitoring Service, January 1, 2002. This year is a year of triumphant progress to further glorify the history and exploits of president Kim Il-sung and leader Kim Jong-il and a year of a new leap forward towards the building of a powerful nation, says a joint editorial published by Nodong Sinmun, Josoninmingun and Chongnyonjonwi on the occasion of the new year. This kind of editorial has been published every year since Juche 84 (1995) to review the work in a year and indicate the orientation of a new year. The current editorial calls for glorifying the year 2002, the year of great significance which will mark the 90th birthday of President Kim Il-sung and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the heroic Korean People's Army that coincide with other greatest auspicious event of the nation, as a glorious year of demonstrating the revolutionary stamina of the Korean people blessed with the leaders generation after generation. 

The editorial appeals to the people to launch a new year's vigorous campaign under the slogan "glorify this year that greets the 90th birthday of President Kim Il-sung as a year of a new surge in the building of a powerful nation". This year's revolutionary march forward is a campaign to add brilliance to the dignity and honour of Kim Il-sung's nation with the full embodiment of the viewpoint that our leader, ideology, army and political system are most valuable, it says, and goes on: These four viewpoints represent the spirit of socialist Korea vibrant with the vim of juche [Kim Il-sung's ideology promoting a self-sufficient, closed society] and an eternal slogan of building a powerful nation in the 21st century. "Glorify the greatest holiday of the nation with proud achievements in building an economically powerful nation" -- under this call we will bring a new peak to the development of socialist construction on all fronts, the editorial adds.

North Korea Vows to Build Its Army 

Washingtonpost, January 1, 2002. North Korea ushered in 2002 with hardline rhetoric Tuesday, vowing to build up its army to fight "U.S. imperialists" and reviving old demands likely to hamper efforts to improve ties with South Korea and the United States. Renewing conditions that have complicated the reconciliation talks in the past, the Stalinist regime demanded that the United States withdraw its 37,000 troops stationed in South Korea and that South Korea abolish its National Security Law, which is crafted to fight communism. "If the U.S. imperialists and their allies dare to attack the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, they will be annihilated to the last one and any stronghold of the aggressors will not be safe," North Korea said in a New Year's message carried by its official news agency, KCNA. 

North Korea has published its New Year's message as a joint editorial by its ruling party and military in newspapers since 1995. Outsiders observers pore over the lengthy statement to find indications of the reclusive North's policy direction. This year's editorial was titled: "Glorify this year that greets the 90th birthday of President Kim Il Sung as a year of a new surge in the building of a powerful nation." The late Kim – North Korea's founder, who died in 1994 and is still revered as a demigod – would have been 90, an important Korean milestone, on April 15. The editorial stressed the urgency of rebuilding the North's economy to "decisively improve the standard of people's living." 

North Korea has been depending on outside aid to feed its hunger-stricken people since 1995. But the editorial said North Korea will stick to Kim Il Sung's policy of juche, or self-reliance, which led the country to economic disaster, and defended his son and totalitarian successor, Kim Jong Il. The younger Kim was urged to carry out his father's instructions in a "do or die spirit." North Korea called on the two Koreas to honor the summit agreement wrought in June 2000, when South Korean President Kim Dae-jung met Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang and they agreed to promote peace. It also called for a "radical phase" in the reunification of the two Koreas in the new year. But North Korea called on South Korea to abandon its annual defense guidelines that designate North Korea as a "principal enemy," and abolish its anti-communist National Security Law. "The imperialist (U.S.) warmongers must ... abandon their attempts at isolating and stifling the DPRK and withdraw the aggression forces from South Korea immediately," the editorial said. 
South Korea has consistently resisted such demands. 

South Korean President Kim said his government will continue its policy of seeking reconciliation. 
"On the foundation of a strong national security, we must work to strengthen the process for peace on the Korean peninsula by unshakably promoting reconciliation and cooperation between the South and North," he said in his new year's message. Inter-Korean relations, which had improved significantly after the 2000 summit, have deteriorated this year. Cabinet-level talks broke down in November, and there is now no official channel of dialogue. The two Koreas were divided in 1945. They fought the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Washington has since maintained a military presence in the South to deter North Korea.