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• Kim Jong Un Sends Reply Messages to Heads of Foreign State
  Pyongyang, January 28 (KCNA) -- The dear respected Kim Jong Un sent messages to heads of political parties and state of different countries in reply to their messages expressing profound condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il. [KJI_death]
• Kim Yong Nam Greets Myanmar President
  Pyongyang, January 4 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Wednesday sent a message of greeting to Thein Sein, president of Myanmar, on its 64th independence day. Kim in the message heartily wished the Myanmar president greater success in his future work for independent development and prosperity of the country. He expressed belief that the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation would further develop in the common interests and desire of the two peoples.

• UN tribute to dead N. Korean leader just 'customary': S. Korea
  South Korean diplomats in New York on Friday played down the political meaning of the United Nations' formal tribute to the dead leader of North Korea amid a controversy over whether it was appropriate. Starting a Thursday session, the U.N. General Assembly had a brief moment of silence in memory of Kim Jong-il, who died of a heart attack last week. North Korean delegates requested it. Representatives from South Korea, the U.S., Japan and many other nations walked out of the venue in protest of such a gesture for Kim, notorious for human rights abuses and nuclear weapons ambitions. [UNUS] [KJI_death]
• Kim Jong-il: 'He was a lovely man'
  Cuba declares three days of mourning for North Korean leader, while Nicaragua, Venezuela and President Mugabe loyalists express sorrow too David Smith in Johannesburg guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 21 December 2011 14.52 GMT Article history The death of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has led to expressions of grief in other parts of the world. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images The wailing and gnashing of teeth inside North Korea was not entirely unexpected. That the death of Kim Jong-il has plunged other parts of the world into grief may come as more of a surprise. Communist ally Cuba has declared three days of mourning, with flags to be flown at half mast, while Nicaragua and Venezuela also expressed sorrow. The Korean Central News Agency's website carries messages of condolence from the emir of Qatar, the former president of Moldova and the "Great King and Great Queen of Cambodia". [Media] [KJI_death] [Personalisation]
• Ban pledges UN help for stability on Korean Peninsula
  NEW YORK (Yonhap) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday that the U.N. will do its best to help secure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula amid growing concerns over security conditions in the wake of the death of North Korea's leader. "The secretary general reaffirms his commitment to peace and security on the Korean peninsula. The United Nations system will continue to help the people of the DPRK (North Korea)," said Ban's spokesman, Farhan Haq. [KJI_death] [UNUS]
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Dar-Es-Salaam
  Pyongyang, December 9 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Dar-Es-Salaam on Thursday to pay an official goodwill visit to Tanzania. His suite members included Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun.
• DPRK Calls for UNIDO's Enhanced Role: Delegation Head
  Pyongyang, December 5 (KCNA) -- The head of the DPRK delegation, addressing the 14th meeting of the General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Nov. 30, called for enhancing its role. The organization should be developed more pragmatically and turned into a practical partner capable of meeting the needs of member nations in the fields of industrial development, environment and energy, he said, and went on: The body should, first of all, more smoothly play the role as the only organization specializing in industrial development within the UN system. It should give top priority to the cooperation urgently needed for the national economic development of developing countries and make all countries have access to the developed technologies without discrimination. It should pay due attention to the efforts of developing countries to attain the millennium development goal and offer possible cooperation to them. It should also work out a new industrial strategy to cope with the financial and economic crises and enhance the role as the organization for implementing cooperation in the environment and energy fields to contribute to developing the global green industry.
• NK's participation in Vietnam War specified in new dossier
  North Korea dispatched dozens of pilots to the Vietnam War decades ago, with its communist ally short of specialists to operate MiG-17 and MiG-21 fighter jets in battles against the United States, according to a recently released dossier. "On 21 September 1966 an official North Korean request to be allowed to send a North Korean Air Force regiment to help defend North Vietnam against U.S air attacks was officially reviewed and approved by the Vietnamese Communist Party's Central Military Party Committee, chaired by General Vo Nguyen Giap," read the documents taken from an official People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) historical publication.

• DPRK-South Sudan Diplomatic Ties Established
  Pyongyang, November 18 (KCNA) -- The governments of the DPRK and South Sudan established diplomatic ties at an ambassadorial level. A joint communique on the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations was made public in Ethiopia on Nov. 16. The communique was signed by Kim Hyok Chol and Arop Kuol Deng, ambassadors of the DPRK and South Sudan to Ethiopia, upon authorization of the governments of their countries. The two countries agreed to open their diplomatic ties from the very day of their signature to the joint communique, on the basis of the principle of respect for sovereignty, equality, reciprocity and non-interference and in line with the April 18, 1961, Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
• N.Korea Bans Nationals in Libya from Returning Home
  North Korea has reportedly banned its nationals in Libya from returning home fearing they may spread news about the freedom the North African country achieved after eight-month-long pro-democracy protests. Citing an unnamed source, Yonhap news agency said that Pyongyang ordered about 200 of its nationals in the civil-war-ravaged country to not come home out of apparent concern that they could push for a similar uprising. The source added that he believes the North is refusing to recognize Libya's National Transitional Council as the legitimate government. The North Korean regime has tightened control of information since the so-called "Arab Spring" began and is strictly monitoring the use of computers, cell phones and memory sticks. [Media]

• Korean War Relic Steadfastly Monitors 58-Year Truce
  A group of observers, established in 1953 when a ceasefire was declared in the Korean War, still monitors the truce's validity, mainly from the peninsula's four kilometer-wide Demilitarized Zone. However, some of its attention has shifted to the disputed western maritime frontier. As a result, Sweden has sent the former head of its navy to lead its delegation at the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission. [UNUS][Sweden]
• Adoption of Hangeul by Indonesian Tribe Hits Snag
  The adoption of Hangeul by the Cia-Cia Tribe of Indonesia's Buton Island has hit a snag after the city of Bau-Bau has decided to sever its ties with the Hunminjeongeum Society, which was to have assisted the process. The mayor of Bau-Bau in an official letter to the Seoul Metropolitan Government in March said it was severing the relationship because there has been no cooperation for the last year. This was apparently the result of different expectations and misunderstandings over how Hangeul was to be introduced, and complicated local administrative matters in Bau-Bau. [Hangul] [Bizarre]

• [Op-Ed] UN Debates NATO Attack on Libya at Opening of 66th Session of the General Assembly
  By Ronda Hauben, Freelance Journalist
  The United Nations came back alive on Friday, September 16 with denunciations of the bombing and regime change agenda being carried out against Libya by NATO. The occasion was the Report of the Credentials Committee recommending that the seat held by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya be taken by the National Transitional Council (NTC). The Credentials Committee is a committee appointed by the President of the General Assembly. The Credentials Committee for the 66th Session of the UN General Assembly which began on September 13, 2011 and will last until September 12, 2012 consists of nine member states. They are China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Italy, Maldives, Panama, Russian Federation, Senegal and the United States. The representative from Panama presented the results of the report of the Credentials Committee to the General Assembly as a consensus report . [Libya] [UNUS]
• DPRK Birthday Celebrated at Economic Cooperation Bureau of Libya Here
  Pyongyang, September 14 (KCNA) -- Muhammad Mustafa, chief of the Economic Cooperation Bureau of Libya here, Wednesday gave a reception on the 63rd birthday of the DPRK. Present there on invitation were Kim Yong Jin, chairman of the Education Commission, Ri Chang Gun, vice department director of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and officials concerned. [Libya]
• A historic moment for UN, Kyung Hee
  Khang Gon, Dean of Office of International Affairs at Kyung Hee University By Yun Suh-young Why is this year’s celebration of the International Day of Peace so significant? Because it is the 30th anniversary of the creation of the day? Yes and no. True, this year marks the thirtieth birthday of the IDP, but there is something more than that that makes the day “historic.” This is the first time the United Nations is hosting an event in conjunction with a particular university.

• Revisiting the Atlantic Charter
  By Dan Plesch, August 12, 2011 The world once again teeters on the brink of catastrophe, just as it did in the middle of the 20th century. Today, we face much more subtle threats – such as economic instability, climate change, weapons proliferation, and food shortages -- than simply an axis of World War II adversaries. However, as with Hitler a half century ago, these issues constitute a tremendous threat to international security and world stability. They require the United States to once again broaden the purview of its foreign and military policy objectives and engage with its international partners to seek solutions. [US global strategy]
• Review: America, Hitler, and the UN
  By Greg Chaffin, June 2, 2011 According to convention, the United Nations began with the signing of the UN charter in San Francisco in 1945. From that beginning, the organization evolved into a global deliberative body of nearly 200 member states. For some, the UN is incapable of managing an anarchic international system. For others, the UN represents an attempt by the major powers following World War II to maintain or expand their empires by dressing them in the guise of an international democratic order [UNUS]
• North Korea makes debut as disarmament chair, draws flak
  By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA | Thu Aug 4, 2011 12:12pm EDT GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea, under fire for its own nuclear programme, took the helm of the Conference on Disarmament for the first time on Thursday to a chorus of protests and called for the elimination of nuclear weapons. The ascension of the secretive and Stalinist state to the monthly rotating presidency of the 65-member United Nations-backed talks got the cold shoulder from other countries and drew criticism from human rights groups and dissidents. Canada did not attend the session, having promised to boycott the chairmanship of what it called a "major proliferator of nuclear weapons. "Allowing an international outlaw to oversee international arms control efforts is just plain wrong," Hillel Neuer, director of the Geneva-based group U.N. Watch said in a statement. [UNUS] [Double standards] [NGO]

• Korea seeks UN Security Council seat
  By Park Si-soo South Korea is seeking a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council in 2013-14 as part of efforts to reduce tensions with “nuclear-ambitioned” North Korea. The election to the council will help Seoul in its efforts to strengthen peace and security on the Korean Peninsula as well as in the East Asia region. [UNUS] [Buildup]
• S.Korea needs ‘bolder approach’ to N. Korea: U.N. chief
  U.N. Secretary-General Bank Ki-moon called for the South Korean government Saturday to take a “bolder approach” to North Korea in order to help ease cross-border tensions and move their relations forward. “I think it is desirable for South Korea to take a bolder and wide approach in its policy toward North Korea, given its political, diplomatic and national power,” Ban said in an interview with Yonhap News Agency at an airport in Addis Ababa. Ban, the former South Korean foreign minister who was re-elected last month to a second term as leader of the U.N., assessed that “inter-Korean relations have been strained to the worst level.” Despite the high tensions, the U.N. chief said humanitarian aid should be given to North Korea. “As for the issue of humanitarian aid, it is difficult to be resolved if it is closely linked with politics,” Ban said. “Of course, I was also outraged by (North Korea’s) unilateral provocations like the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. But it needs to move forward by enduring the pain for the future of South and North Korea,” Ban said. Ban’s remarks came as South Korea was voicing reservations on food aid to North Korea, despite a decision by the European Union (EU) to provide its own emergency aid to the impoverished communist nation. [UNUS] [Ban Ki-moon]
• US sees no damage NKorea can cause as rotating chair of UN disarmament body
  By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, July 12, 6:52 AM WASHINGTON — The U.S. has no plans to make a big deal of North Korea becoming the new head of a global disarmament body. North Korea’s four-week tenure as head of the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament begins this month. It’s a rotating appointment and State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland called the news “inconsequential.” She said Monday that the U.S. doesn’t see any damage that North Korea can cause by its role in the consensus-based organization. .Canadian press reports say Canada plans to boycott the conference during North Korea’s tenure. [UNUS] [Client]
• DPRK to Strive for Equal and Fair International Order
  Pyongyang, July 6 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government will strive to ensure respect and strict adherence to the recognized principles of international laws and establish an equal and fair international order. The head of the DPRK delegation clarified this stand at the 50th Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization on June 28. [Independent states]
• North Korea assumes rotating presidency of global disarmament body
  By Associated Press, Saturday, July 2, 8:20 AM GENEVA — North Korea has assumed the rotating presidency of the world’s top disarmament body for four weeks. The move provoked criticism from conservative groups who say the country’s nuclear weapons ambitions undermine its credibility for the role. .Geneva-based group U.N. Watch said North Korea chairing the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament was “asking the fox to guard the chickens.” But an official at the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva, where the Conference on Disarmament is based, said the move was dictated by the rules of the 32-year-old body. Spokesman David Kennedy said as far as the United States was concerned “it’s business as usual.” The Conference on Disarmament has been stalemated since it wrote the nuclear test ban treaty in 1996. [UNUS] [Double standards]
• N.Korea Chairs UN Arms Control Conference
  North Korea has assumed the presidency of the UN arms control conference that started in Geneva on Tuesday. Although this is a mere formality, observers say it is absurd for the multilateral UN conference on arms control and disarmament to be chaired by one of the chief violators of international agreements that continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. Hillel Neuer of UN Watch told Fox News on Wednesday, "It is common sense that a disarmament body should not be headed by the world's arch-villain on illegal weapons and nuclear proliferation." [Double standards][Arms sales] [Military expenditure]

• 'Ban well equipped to handle potential crisis in N. Korea'
  WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- The reelected United Nations leader, Ban Ki-moon, is qualified to lead the international community's handling of a potential political crisis in North Korea, given his experience before inauguration, a U.S. expert said Wednesday. "If there is a major succession and humanitarian crisis in North Korea in the coming years, as several Korea experts have predicted, Ban will be uniquely equipped to handle potential worst-case scenarios on the peninsula and in the border region," said Daniel Runde, director of the Project on Prosperity and Development at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS] [Takeover]

• Burma-DPRK Cooperation in Military Affairs
  By Robert Kelley A great deal of media speculation has recently focused on military ties between Burma and North Korea, the two pariah dictatorships of Asia, and particularly on the possibility that Pyongyang may be assisting Burma in building a nuclear deterrent: missile delivery systems and nuclear weapons to mount on top of them. These two states have a history of limited bilateral weapons cooperation. Cooperation was interrupted in 1983, however, by the Rangoon bombing, masterminded by North Korea, which killed a number of top South Korean officials.

• DPRK Delegate on Putting End to All Forms of Terrorism
  Pyongyang, April 18 (KCNA) -- The DPRK will discharge its responsibility and duty to fundamentally put an end to all forms of terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous world in the future, too. The DPRK delegate reiterated this stand at the session of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Terrorism of the UN General Assembly on April 11. Terrorism is rampant in different parts of the world despite the international community's efforts against it, he said, noting that military aggression and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states and serious human rights abuses committed under the pretext of "war on terrorism" are being connived as just. Armed invasions of sovereign states and massacres by the U.S. in different parts of the world, the Middle East in particular, are typical of state terrorism and human rights violation, he said, adding: Every international effort against terrorism should be made in line with the objective and principle of the UN Charter and relevant international laws, and such actions as armed invasion of sovereign states under the pretext of "war on terrorism" should not be allowed in any case. The DPRK delegation considers that the Comprehension Convention on International Terrorism, now under making, should include the ways for preventing terrorism by state army. It also reckons that the UN Special High-level Meeting on Counter-Terrorism will be helpful to correctly confirming the root cause of terrorism and taking relevant steps. The DPRK government firmly maintains the consistent stand of opposing all forms of terrorism and any support to them. [Terrorism]
• N.Korean Doctor Couple Seriously Hurt in Libya
  This screen grab from Libyan state-run TV shows a North Korean doctor couple in Mizda, 160 km south of Tripoli. /Libyan state-run TV Two North Korean doctors were seriously wounded in an air raid by coalition forces in the western Libyan city of Mizdah, state-run Libyan TV reported recently. The news highlights how much cooperation there is between the North and Libya. Last month, a video clip showed a North Korean inscription on weapons used by leader Moammar Gadhafi's guards. Libyan TV showed the young couple, who had worked at a hospital in Mizdah about 160 km south of the capital Tripoli, being treated on hospital beds. They are married, it added, but did not mention their names.

• Lee says S. Korean troops in UAE crucial for bilateral ties
  ABU DHABI (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak stressed that the role of South Korean troops in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is important not only for the ties between the two sides but also for South Korea's long-term national interests. He said that in that sense, each of the soldiers is like an "ambassador." "The UAE is a special country (for South Korea). South Korea and the UAE can be viewed as having brotherly relations," Lee said Saturday during a visit to the base of 130 South Korean troops, mostly commandos, in Al Ain, 160 kilometers east of the capital Abu Dhabi. It was the president's first visit to a South Korean military camp abroad since his inauguration in early 2008. The 130-strong special forces unit, named "Ahk," which translates into "brother" in Arabic, was dispatched to the UAE in January for a two-year mission to help train local troops in anti-terrorism and parachute infiltration as well as to conduct joint drills. South Korea has sent many troops to foreign nations to assist the U.N.'s peacekeeping operations or U.S.-led multinational forces. [Tribute] [Imperialism]
• UN probe finds NKorea violated pact
  The Associated Press Wednesday, March 9, 2011; 9:39 PM UNITED NATIONS -- An investigation by the United Nations Command in Korea says that North Korea violated its armistice agreement with the South when it shelled a South Korean island in November, according to a report circulated Wednesday by the Security Council. The probe also found the South was justified in firing back in self-defense. The findings of the report were ordered by the unified command of multinational military forces operating under the United Nations umbrella, and were contained in a letter that U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice sent to the Security Council. [UNUS] [Clash] [media]

• Official: Iran, NKorea are in 'one trench'
  Network NewsX Profile The Associated Press Wednesday, February 23, 2011; 9:00 AM TEHRAN, Iran -- North Korea's deputy foreign minister says Tehran and Pyongyang are in "one trench" in the fight against "arrogant powers." Vice-minister Pak Kil Yon made the remarks during a meeting with Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi. on Tuesday. The comments were posted late Tuesday on the website of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Pak is on an official visit to Iran. Rahimi said improving ties between Tehran and Pyongyang are "a thorn in the eyes of world's arrogant powers" - a clear reference to the United States. Iran has long refused to comment on its close relationship with North Korea. In November, a U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that Iran has received advanced North Korean missiles capable of targeting European capitals.
• N.Korea Blacks Out Egyptian Revolution
  The North Korean media have been completely silent about the popular protests in Egypt that ousted President Hosni Mubarak. The KCNA news agency, North Korean Central TV, North Korean Central Broadcasting Station and the Rodong Sinmun have failed to report on the protests that began on Jan. 17.

• Iran official supports NKorea nuclear programs
  The Associated Press Saturday, January 22, 2011; 4:27 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- A senior Iranian official has expressed support for North Korea's controversial nuclear activities, as long as they are restricted to energy projects. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Saturday that Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said the country is "not opposed" to North Korea using nuclear technology to generate electricity. Both North Korea and Iran are accused of using energy projects to hide the development of nuclear weapons and are under intense international pressure to give up their nuclear programs. The two countries are also suspected of nuclear cooperation. North Korea conducted two nuclear tests in recent years and is believed to have produced enough weaponized plutonium for at least half a dozen bombs. [Media] [LWR]

• NZ 'misled' over status at the UN
  KATE CHAPMAN Last updated 05:00 23/12/2010SharePrint Text Size Relevant offers Politics US feared 'fiasco' at Wellington film screening MP Chris Carter cans travel after report Waitangi Tribunal: Maori petroleum interests ignored Compensation law reform recommended WikiLeaks: Family access threat over Fiji coup Clark says WikiLeaks Iraq story false NZ sheltered Saddam loyalist - cable ACC faces move toward competition The Hobbit saga: Govt 'sold out workers' rights' Action against Israel to aid trade, US ambassador claimed New Zealanders over-estimated their importance and influence in the United Nations, American diplomats believed. A 2005 WikiLeaks cable, signed off by former charge d'affaires David Burnett, said New Zealand would maintain its opposition to permanent members on the United Nations Security Council having the right of veto. The subject arose during discussions about whether Japan should be made a permanent member of the council. The United States, Britain, China, Russia and France are the five permanent members, with 10 other countries appointed to two-year terms. Mr Burnett appears to have spoken to New Zealand's UN permanent representative at the time Rosemary Banks, who said New Zealand would support Japan becoming a permanent member but still did not support the veto. "Unlike many, she [Banks] is very aware that most Kiwis do not appreciate how their government's foreign policy is diminishing New Zealand's influence in the UN despite the country's emphasis on the importance of the organisation," the cable said. In a section headlined "take off those rose-colored glasses", it said Ms Banks admitted New Zealanders could be somewhat unrealistic in their confidence in the UN. "[Ms] Banks added that despite the fact that New Zealanders take the UN very seriously, they do not yet see that their country has declining influence there." [UNUS] [WikiLeaks]
• NEWS UN Security Council Meets Urgently Over Korean Tensions
  The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session on Monday to discuss mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Russia asked the council to meet after North Korea threatened retaliation in response to a planned South Korean artillery drill on Yeonpyeong Island, which it shelled last month, killing two civilians and two soldiers. Russia in a draft presidential statement calls for efforts "to ensure a de-escalation of tension" between two Koreas and "resolution of all problems dividing them exclusively through peaceful diplomatic means." It also suggests that the UN immediately send special envoys to both nations "to consult on urgent measures to settle peacefully the current crisis situation in the Korean Peninsula." [Peace efforts]
• UNSC split over denouncing N. Korea
  » Vitaly Churkin, Russian Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks to the media Saturday Dec. 18, 2010 at the Russian Mission in New York during a news conference regarding the U.N. Security Council scheduling of an emergency meeting at Russia‘s request amid concerns over rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. (AP Yonhap) The U.N. Security Council has failed to agree on a statement to address rising tensions on the Korean peninsula on Sunday. After more than eight hours of closed-door consultations, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who called the emergency council meeting, told reporters, “We were not successful in bridging all the bridges.” U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice also said, “The gaps that remain are unlikely to be bridged.” The council was divided over whether to condemn North Korea for shelling on Yeonpyeong Island. Britain, supported by the United States and France, proposed a draft statement to “deplore” North Korea’s “attack,” but China and Russia opposed any statement denouncing North Korea. Earlier in the day, Russia circulated a draft statement calling on all parties concerned to “exercise maximum restraint” and urging U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to send an envoy to Seoul and Pyongyang for a “resumption of dialogue and resolution of all problems dividing them exclusively through peaceful diplomatic means.” North Korea’s U.N. ambassador, Sin Son-ho, appeared at the venue, but did not answer any questions from reporters. [Provocation] [UNUS]
• UN Security Council fails to adopt statement on N.Korea
  Topic: UN Security Council starts emergency meeting on Korea crisis Churkin said discussions could resume Monday. The UN Security Council failed to adopt a statement on North Korea on Sunday after nine-hour discussions due to diplomatic differences, Vitaly Churkin, Russia's envoy to the UN, said. "Our draft to send the sides a seemingly evident signal [to show restraint] faced quite predictable diplomatic difficulties due to differences in understanding by a number of Security Council members of the reasons for tensions on the Korean peninsula," Churkin told journalists. [Media]
• ICC Prosecutor Explains Proceedings Over N.Korean Attack
  The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has said a full investigation of North Korea for sinking the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan in March and shelling Yeonpyeong Island last month will depend on the outcome of a preliminary probe. Luis Moreno-Ocampo was answering questions from about 20 countries at UN headquarters on Dec. 8 after the ICC started a preliminary review of the North Korean provocations. [UNUS]
• WikiLeaks: Singapore Lee says Myanmar 'stupid'  
    By ALEX KENNEDY The Associated Press Wednesday, December 15, 2010; 2:47 AM SINGAPORE -- Singapore statesman Lee Kuan Yew called Myanmar's junta leaders "stupid" and "dense" in conversations with U.S. diplomats, according to classified documents released this week by WikiLeaks. The Singapore leader said dealing with Myanmar's military regime was like "talking to dead people," according to a confidential U.S. briefing on a 2007 conversation between Lee and U.S. Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Christensen released by WikiLeaks.
  The 87-year-old Lee is known for his outspoken and blunt assessments of world affairs, but avoids publicly insulting the leadership of foreign countries. Lee was prime minister from 1959 to 1990 and remains a senior adviser to his son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. A cable released by Wikileaks a couple of weeks earlier quotes Lee calling North Korea's leaders "psychopathic types with a 'flabby old chap' for a leader who prances around stadiums seeking adulation." The reference to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is from a cable citing a May 2009 conversation between Lee and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg. [WikiLeaks] [Bizarre] [Inversion] [Kim Jong Il]
• War Crimes Investigation of North Korea Ludicrous Beyond Words
  By Stephen Gowans December 7, 2010 “The International Criminal Court has launched a preliminary investigation into allegations that North Korean forces committed war crimes when they shelled civilian areas in South Korea and allegedly sank a South Korean warship,” according to The Washington Post of 7 December. The North Koreans, it should be pointed out, didn’t shell civilian areas in South Korea; they shelled a South Korean military installation on Yeonpyeong Island, only eight miles from North Korea, after artillery was fired from the island into North Korea’s territorial waters. [1] The North Koreans warned the South—which at the time was conducting massive military exercises with the United States—that it would retaliate if the South went ahead with its planned test firing from the island into its waters. [Clash] [UNUS] [Double standards]
• International court investigating North Korea
    By EDITH M. LEDERER The Associated Press Tuesday, December 7, 2010; 8:17 PM UNITED NATIONS -- The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Tuesday his office is starting a preliminary examination of possible war crimes by North Korea in response to complaints from South Korean students and citizens. Luis Moreno Ocampo told reporters that "no state requested our intervention." Moreno Ocampo's office announced Monday that he has opened a preliminary investigation into the Nov. 23 shelling of South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island and the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, but it was unclear where the complaints came from. "We received no official communication," Moreno Ocampo stressed to reporters Tuesday. "Korean citizens sent to us communications. Students sent to us communications." He said his office will now conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether a full-scale investigation of possible war crimes by North Korea should be carried out.  "We have a duty to assess if the court should intervene or not," Moreno Ocampo said.  [War crimes] [UNUS]
• ICC Prosecutor to Conduct Preliminary Examination into Possible N.Korean War Crimes
  ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo (file photo) /AP The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says he will open a preliminary examination into allegations that North Korea committed war crimes on South Korean territory when it sank a South Korean warship in March and shelled a southern island last month. ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo's office announced he would open what is known as a preliminary examination, the first step to a possible formal investigation, into whether allegations that Pyongyang sank the South Korean warship Cheonan and shelled the island of Yeonpyeong constitute war crimes under international law. Both incidents resulted in the loss of lives. Prosecutor Moreno-Ocampo told reporters at the United Nations, where he is attending a meeting on States Parties to the court, that his office had received communications about the incidents from "citizens in different parts of the world." He said South Korea, which is a State Party to the court, did not ask for the preliminary review. [War crimes][Clash] [UNUS]
• International Criminal Court probes alleged North Korean war crimes
  By John Pomfret Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, December 6, 2010; 7:12 PM The International Criminal Court has launched a preliminary investigation into allegations that North Korean forces committed war crimes when they shelled civilian areas in South Korea and allegedly sank a South Korean warship, the court announced Monday. [Media] [War crimes][UNUS]
• Experts question North Korea-Iran missile link from WikiLeaks document release
  By John Pomfret and Walter Pincus Washington Post Staff Writers Wednesday, December 1, 2010; 12:19 AM On Oct. 10, to celebrate its 65th anniversary as a one-party state, North Korea unveiled a new missile in the type of military parade that for decades has been a hallmark of authoritarian regimes. The North Koreans call the missile the Musudan. The Musudan is now playing a starring role in reports this week prompted by WikiLeaks' release of U.S. diplomatic cables. One of the documents says that Iran has obtained 19 of the missiles from North Korea, prompting news reports suggesting that the Islamic republic can hit targets in Western Europe and deep into Russia - farther than Iran's existing missiles can strike.
• WikiLeaks Cables Shed Light on N.Korea-Iran Connection
  South Korean and U.S. officials discussed the future of a unified Korean Peninsula after the collapse of the North Korean regime, according to diplomatic cables unveiled on Sunday by WikiLeaks. And despite international surveillance, North Korea managed to export 19 mid-range missiles to Iran, and U.S. intelligence believes military cooperation between the two countries is far more extensive than previously thought. WikiLeaks on Monday published some 250,000 diplomatic cables that the U.S. State Department exchanged with U.S. embassies overseas including South Korea over the last three years. They contain information that North Korea exported 19 BM-25 missiles to Iran with a range of 3,000 km, which puts the capital cities of most major West European countries and even Moscow within range. South Korean and U.S. officials discussed the future of the South if the North Korean regime collapses and mooted offering economic incentives to China in order to calm its nerves. The U.S. government also ordered diplomatic missions abroad to gather information about UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The cables show that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told American diplomats to gather information on several high-ranking UN officials including Ban's biometric data.
• Hardline Israeli Paper Laments S.Korea's Response to Attack
  A newspaper in Israel has condemned South Korea's response to North Korea's attack on Yeonpyeong Island as "the model we must strenuously avoid emulating." The rightwing Jerusalem Post, in an editorial titled "As Iran Watches Korea," on Saturday said, "Both North Korea and its Mideastern associates are testing the limits of world tolerance," and claimed, "Teheran and Damascus carefully monitor every nuance of Washington's response to Pyongyang's actions."
• Iran Fortifies Its Arsenal With the Aid of North Korea
  Yonhap News Agency, via European Pressphoto Agency Iran bought 19 advanced missiles from North Korea, a diplomatic cable says. The North displayed what some experts say are the same kind of missiles in an October parade. By WILLIAM J. BROAD, JAMES GLANZ and DAVID E. SANGER Published: November 28, 2010 .Secret American intelligence assessments have concluded that Iran has obtained a cache of advanced missiles, based on a Russian design, that are much more powerful than anything Washington has publicly conceded that Tehran has in its arsenal, diplomatic cables show. Iran obtained 19 of the missiles from North Korea, according to a cable dated Feb. 24 of this year. The cable is a detailed, highly classified account of a meeting between top Russian officials and an American delegation led by Vann H. Van Diepen, an official with the State Department’s nonproliferation division who, as a national intelligence officer several years ago, played a crucial role in the 2007 assessment of Iran’s nuclear capacity.
• UN Security Council may consider tougher sanctions against N.Korea
  "Countries such as the US, Britain and France raised deep concerns over the North's centrifuge-based nuclear facility during a meeting to review a report by the UN North Korea Sanctions Committee" 07:44 30/11/2010© RIA Novosti. Dmitriy Astakhov The UN Security Council may consider "toughening sanctions against North Korea for its uranium enrichment facility" on Tuesday, the Seoul-based Arirang TV said citing sources in the international body.

• DPRK Statement on "Cheonan" Distributed as UNSC Official Document
  Pyongyang, November 15 (KCNA) -- "The warship 'Cheonan' case orchestrated by the U.S. and the Lee Myung Bak group of traitors is the hideous conspiratorial farce unprecedented in the nation's history", the first installment of the statement issued by the inspection group of the DPRK National Defence Commission to disclose the truth behind the case, was distributed as S/2010/568, an official document of the UN Security Council, on Nov. 12. [Cheonan]
• Letter dated 2 November 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council
  I have the honour to transmit herewith Open Announcement No. 1 issued on 2 November 2010 by the Inspection Group of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on the truth behind the Cheonan incident (see annex). I should be grateful if you would have the present letter and its annex circulated as a document of the Security Council. (Signed) Sin Son Ho Ambassador Permanent Representative S/2010/568 2 10-61855
  Annex to the letter dated 2 November 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council Cheonan incident fabricated by the United States and the Lee Myung Bak group of traitors was most hideous conspiratorial farce in the nation’s history Open Announcement No. 1 issued on 2 November 2010 in Pyongyang by the Inspection Group of the National Defence Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on the truth behind the Cheonan incident Seven months have passed since the Cheonan of the south Korean Navy sank in the West Sea of Korea. No sooner had the incident [Cheonan] [Coverup]
• DPRK-Brazil Signed Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation
  Pyongyang, October 28 (KCNA) -- An inter-governmental agreement on the economic and technical cooperation between the DPRK and Brazil was signed in Pyongyang on Thursday. Present at the signing ceremony were Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam and officials concerned from the DPRK side and Brazilian Ambassador to the DPRK Arnaldo Carrilho and a member of his embassy from the Brazilian side. On hand were diplomatic envoys of different countries, embassy officials and Brazilian guests staying in the DPRK. Ri Ryong Nam and Arnaldo Carrilho inked the agreement.

• N.Korean Sculptors to Build Another African Monument
  North Korean sculptors are building a monument in Chad to mark the 50th anniversary of the African country's independence, it emerged Tuesday. The craftsmen are in high demand on the continent for building heroic statuary cheap. North Korean craftsmen in April completed the African Renaissance monument in Senegal, also to mark the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. Standing on a hill near Dakar International Airport on the Atlantic coast, the 50-m high sculpture depicts a heavy-jawed man embracing a woman and child in the attitude of marching boldly into the future. It was built by the North's Mansudae Overseas Project Group of Companies for a reported US$25 million. Last month, North Korean sculptors completed a statue of Joshua Nkomo, the founder of Zimbabwe, but this has come in for some derision. The Wall Street Journal reports that the main attraction of the North Koreans is their price competitiveness. [Media]
• SKorea: Libya releases South Korean pastor
  The Associated Press Sunday, October 3, 2010; 6:13 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- Libya released a South Korean Christian pastor and a businessman on Sunday who had been detained on accusations of proselytizing in the predominantly Muslim country, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said. Efforts to seek their release had dragged on for several months amid diplomatic tensions over Libya's expulsion of a South Korean Embassy official in June for allegedly collecting information on its leader, Moammar Gadhafi, his family and other senior politicians. The dispute was settled on Friday when Lee Sang-deuk, a lawmaker who is the brother of South Korea's president, met with Gadhafi, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim Young-sun said. "There have been some diplomatic concerns in South Korea-Libya relations and lawmaker Lee's visit aimed to neatly resolve them," Kim said. "Last week's talks with Gadhafi completely finalized all lingering issues." Kim denied Libyan allegations that the embassy official was an intelligence agent. The pastor was arrested in June on charges of bringing Christian material into the North African country for missionary work. The other South Korean man was arrested a month later and accused of helping to finance the pastor's religious activities [Lee Myung-bak] [Religion]
• Korea, Libya End Diplomatic Dispute
  Lee Sang-seuk (left) and Moammar al-Qaddafi Korea and Libya have ended a months-long diplomatic dispute that was sparked by accusations of Korean spying on Libyan leader Moammar al-Qaddafi. The agreement came after Lee Sang-deuk, a brother(sic) of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, met with the Libyan leader in Tripoli on Thursday. A Korean official told news agencies in Seoul that Qaddafi had agreed to end the "unsavory" dispute. The Yonhap news agency said Qaddafi has promised to work toward reopening Libya's de facto embassy in Seoul and releasing two South Koreans detained in Libya. Korea and Libya built strong economic ties after establishing diplomatic relations in 1980. But relations soured after Libya expelled a Korean intelligence official for allegedly trying to collect information on Qaddafi, his family and key bureaucrats. Yonhap reported at the time that the expelled man had worked for Seoul's National Intelligence Service at its embassy in Libya. Libyan authorities shadowed him for three months before arresting and expelling him. Libya subsequently detained two Koreans on charges of violating Libya's religious laws. [Succession] [Double standards]
• N.Korea Insists on Continuing Nuclear Development
  North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yon gives a keynote speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. /Xinhua-Yonhap North Korea has sent a clear message to the international community that it will not give up its nuclear program, following its move to make a third-generation hereditary succession official. North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yon's speech in the UN on Wednesday was clearly directed towards the United States. "As long as the U.S. nuclear aircraft carriers sail around the seas of our country, our nuclear deterrent can never be abandoned, but should be strengthened further," Pak told the General Assembly session. [Conditionality] [Media]
• North Korean statues open wounds in Zimbabwe
  By ANGUS SHAW The Associated Press Wednesday, September 29, 2010; 1:50 PM HARARE, Zimbabwe -- The two North Korean-made statues were meant to honor a national hero but people were so offended because of Pyongyang's links to a blood-soaked chapter of Zimbabwe's history that one was taken down almost immediately and the other has not been erected. Besides, at least one of them didn't even resemble Joshua Nkomo, a former guerrilla leader known as "Father Zimbabwe" who died in 1999 at the age of 82. That the statues were designed and made by North Koreans is an affront to Zimbabweans who blame North Korean-trained troops loyal to President Robert Mugabe for massacring thousands of civilians as the government tried to crush an uprising led by Nkomo in the 1980s. The uprising ended when Nkomo signed a unity pact in 1987 and became a vice president. No offense was intended by the choice of North Korea to make the statues, Godfrey Mahachi, head of the state National Museums and Monuments, told The Associated Press. He said North Korea was chosen simply because it won the bid for the work, promising favorable prices. [Media]

• Kim Jong Il Greets Raul Castro Ruz
  Pyongyang, August 29 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il on Thursday sent a message of greetings to Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the Council of State, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and Cuba.

• ASEAN Forum Fails to Blame N.Korea for Cheonan Sinking
  The ASEAN Regional Forum in Hanoi adopted a chairman's statement on Saturday night, a day after the meeting ended, due to wrangling over a portion referring to the March sinking of the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan. The forum was attended by the foreign ministers of 27 countries, including South and North Korea, the U.S., China, Japan and Russia. In the end the communique merely expressed support for a UN Security Council presidential statement which condemned the attack on the Cheonan but failed to pinpoint the North as the culprit. The ARF statement says the foreign ministers "deplore" the sinking and support the UNSC statement's call for a peaceful solution. It was another diplomatic disappointment for Seoul, which has met with a brick wall at attempt to persuade the international community to condemn North Korea for the attack [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• Kick North Korea Out Of The U.N.
  Claudia Rosett, 07.16.10, 06:22 PM EDT
  Don't haggle with Kim Jong Il--just get rid of him.
  "Amputations without anesthesia" is the headline some news outlets have culled this week from a new Amnesty International report on "The Crumbling State of Health Care in North Korea." That title is a generous description of a North Korean system in which--apart from perks for Kim Jong Il and his cronies--whatever is now crumbling has been from the get-go consigned by state policy to the stone age. [Sanctions] [Disinformation] [Inversion] [Victim] [Bizarre] [UNUS]
• KOREAN SPYING IN TRIPOLI UPSETS LIBYA, STRAINS TIES
  Joongang Ilbo (Ser Myo-ja, Seoul, 2010/07/28) reported that officials in Seoul said Tuesday that an intelligence agent at the Korean Embassy in Libya was detained, questioned and deported last month. Tripoli informed Seoul on June 15 of its decision to declare the agent persona non grata. "The agent was collecting information on Libya's defense industry's ties with North Korea, but the Libyan authorities had some misunderstanding," an official said. "There appears to be a difference in their assessment and interpretation of an intelligence activity than ours." [Espionage]
• Beleaguered U.N. Chief Under Political Microscope
  Thalif Deen UNITED NATIONS, Aug 15 (IPS) - In South Korea, Ban Ki-moon is a prestigious brand name - like Samsung, Kia, LG and Hyundai. When the former South Korean foreign minister completes his term of office as secretary-general of the United Nations in December 2011, the Koreans expect him to be voted a second five-year term in office. In Korean culture, one Asian diplomat points out, failure is not an option. "Anything short of a second term for Ban Ki-moon," he said, "would be the equivalent of committing political hara-kiri." A downfall will also be construed as a monumental disaster for a country fast emerging as one of Asia's major political and economic powers, wielding immense clout in the international arena, he added.
  A Second Five-Year Term for U.N. Chief? The speculation in the corridors of the United Nations is that Ban Ki- moon could win a second five-year term in office - provided he does not antagonise or defy the five veto-wielding permanent members in the Security Council: the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. "The bottom line," says an African diplomat, "is the five big powers want a weak secretary-general, not someone who is independent and assertive." Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, a former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh who presided over a June 2001 Security Council meeting which endorsed a second five-year term for then Secretary-General Kofi Annan, thinks speculation about a second term for Ban Ki-moon is "premature". Much water will flow down the East River before that race warms up, he said. However, one point to remember well is that there is widespread concern about "the current non- transparent, non- democratic, manipulative process of electing the U.N. secretary-general. That needs to change." Chowdhury said that during Ban's leadership, the U.N. has been beleaguered by the largest ever number of demonstrations, protests and processions against the world body. These days, member- states have no qualms about rejecting panels, tribunals and special envoys proposed by the secretary-general: something rather embarrassing, given the high moral authority his office enjoys. "I believe three areas in particular have given got short shrift during Ban's tenure so far," Chowdhury said. First, the poorest countries and the most vulnerable ones who deserve topmost attention of the U.N. leader have been not only been marginalised in his "priorities" but their agenda has been downgraded in terms of his "senior management team". Second, women's substantive agenda has been allowed to be lost. A third area is Ban's colossal indifference to civil society's involvement in advancing the U.N. agenda at the people's level, said the former ambassador. Even the NGO access to the U.N. building is now the most restricted ever in the U.N.'s 65-year history. Of course, his speeches on these three areas are clear proof of his faith in the usefulness of lip service. But during the last few months, the secretary-general has been on the defensive as his beleaguered administration - and his political leadership - have come under relentless fire. A 50-page scathing attack on Ban's leadership by outgoing Under-Secretary-General Inga-Britt Ahlenius - whose full report was exclusively reported only on the IPS news wire - appears to have rattled the besieged administration.
  But Sanbar said a quick look at the names of the New Zealand and Colombian members of the panel -both former heads of government - is enough to indicate where it is heading. "With (Geoffrey) Palmer and (Alvaro) Uribe, there will be no need for a deal. A phone call would do," he said, indicating their close ties to the United States and the West, both predictable sympathisers of Israel. [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS]
• 'Iran, N Korea share common goals'
  Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:15:42 GMT Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani says Iran and North Korea are both revolutionary and independent nations trying to resist the world's "greedy" powers. Meeting with his North Korean counterpart on the sidelines of an Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) conference in Geneva on Wednesday, Larijani hailed staunch bilateral ties between the two nations and thanked the North for its contributions to Iran under late Korean leader Kim Il-sung, ISNA reported. For his part, North Korean speaker Choe Thae Bok highlighted his country's full support for the Islamic Republic and the common goal of fighting US imperialism. [Imperialism]
• Statement by DPRK Ambassador SIN SON HO at a Press Conference, UN New York, 15 June 2010
  Statement by H.E. Ambassador SIN SON HO, Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to the United Nations (At the Press Conference, United Nations, New York, 15 June 2010)
  Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for coming to today’s press conference regarding the sinking of south Korean warship “Cheonan” which the south Korean side claimed it was torpedoed by the military of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Ladies and gentlemen, For your reference, I was invited by the Security Council yesterday to attend an informal meeting. At the request of the Security Council I briefed the Council members on our position with regard to the sinking of the south Korean warship “Cheonan” which occurred on March 26, 2010. I will refrain from telling you all in detail since the meeting of yesterday was informal. At today’s press conference I would like to further clarify the position of the DPRK with regard to the sinking of “Cheonan”. [Cheonan] [Coverup]

• Diplomatic offensive at ARF forum
  July 07, 2010 Seoul wants to persuade Asia’s biggest security group to condemn Pyongyang for its alleged role in the March 26 sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan, according to South Korean officials yesterday. During the 17th Asean Regional Forum to be held in Hanoi on July 23, Seoul officials will try to persuade other Asian countries to join its censure of the North for the sinking that killed 46 South Korean sailors. Officials quoted by Yonhap News Agency said Seoul wants the ARF to adopt a strongly worded statement reprimanding Pyongyang. [Cheonan]
• Statement by the President of the Security Council
  At the 6355th meeting of the Security Council, held on 9 July 2010, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “Letter dated 4 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2010/281) and other relevant letters”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:
  “The Security Council notes the letter dated 4 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2010/281), and the letter dated 8 June 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2010/294). “The Security Council deplores the attack on 26 March 2010 which led to the sinking of the ROK naval ship, the Cheonan, resulting in the tragic loss of 46 lives.
  “The Security Council takes note of the responses from other relevant parties, including from the DPRK, which has stated that it had nothing to do with the incident. “Therefore, the Security Council condemns the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• UN Security Council Statement Puts Lee in a Bind
  President Lee Myung-bak has to decide how to respond to North Korea's sinking of the Cheonan after the UN Security Council on Friday failed to point definitely to the North as the culprit. The main area of concern is the resumption of six-party talks on the denuclearization of North Korea. China called for prompt resumption of the talks, and a North Korean spokesman on Saturday said the country will "make consistent efforts to conclude a peace agreement and achieve denuclearization through the six-party talks." The United States, which had been adamant that there would be no six-party talks without resolution of the Cheonan incident, has yet to respond officially, but it cannot afford to turn a deaf ear to China's proposal of restarting the talks. South Korean government official said there are two conditions for the resumption of the six-party talks: Pyongyang must be sincere about denuclearization and it must apologize for the torpedo attack on the Cheonan. However, the real focus seems to be the former. "As the Cheonan incident was internationally wrapped up by the UN Security Council presidential statement, the priority in inter-Korean relations will be North Korea's sincerity." In other words, although there can be no normalization of inter-Korean relations without an apology, it is possible to resume the six-party talks. Seoul could adopt a two-track strategy employing different policies at international level and at inter-Korean level over the Cheonan sinking. Lee seems determined to get an apology from North Korea. In a speech in late May, he said an apology and punishment of those responsible are the North’s top priorities. If the six-party talks resume without these basic steps, the political pressure for Lee would be enormous, and critics could argue that Lee traded the lives of 46 soldiers for a one-page resolution. Resumption of the six-party talks would inevitably mitigate international pressure on North Korea, which is then even more unlikely to agree to the South's demands. If Pyongyang continues with its traditional strategy of making overtures to the U.S. while maintaining a hard line toward South Korea with the backing of China, Seoul’s influence would only shrink further. This is why Lee may try for yet another "grand bargain" later this year to get an apology from the North. Whether that will ever be forthcoming remains to be seen. [Cheonan] [UNUS] [Six Party Talks]
• UN Security Council No Closer to Decision Over Cheonan
  The UN Security Council has failed to come up with a response to North Korea's sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan a month since South Korea referred the torpedo attack to it. Seoul is discussing with the U.S. and other allies how to persuade the UNSC to adopt at least a chairman's statement condemning the North's provocation. As a non-permanent member, South Korea cannot attend meetings of permanent members, but permanent members the U.S. and the U.K. which support South Korea's position, have kept meeting behind the scenes. But China, another permanent member, continues to block any term or phrase that would point directly to its ally North Korea as the culprit. A diplomatic source on Monday said UNSC members feel under pressure to reach some kind of decision. No regulations stipulate that cases at the UNSC are dropped unless they are handled by a certain deadline, but if discussion is delayed indefinitely due to deadlock caused by China's opposition, the Cheonan case could be put on the back burner indefinitely since the council has a heavy load of other cases. Some government officials are talking about getting China to abstain from voting on a resolution, if it is realistically difficult to persuade all permanent members to adopt a chairman's statement. China faces criticism that a veto would amount to tacit support of North Korea's armed attack on the Cheonan. A Foreign Ministry official said, "It's true that the situation hasn't turned out as we expected. But if we give the impression that we're pressed for time it may put us at a disadvantage in negotiations." The government, however, does not rule out that the UNSC permanent members will suddenly reach a compromise this week since there appears to be consensus among them that they cannot afford to leave the case unsolved indefinitely. [Cheonan] [UNSC]
• North Korea urges U.N. council to back new Cheonan probe
  By Louis Charbonneau UNITED NATIONS | Wed Jun 30, 2010 7:19pm EDT UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - North Korea has asked the U.N. Security Council to support its call for a new probe into the March sinking of a South Korean warship that Seoul blames it for, saying it could cooperate on it with the South. "We are of the view that the most reasonable way of settling this incident is that the north and south of Korea sit together to probe for the truth," North Korean U.N. Ambassador Sin Son-ho said in a letter to Mexican U.N. Ambassador Claude Heller, current president of the council. The letter, dated June 29, was obtained by Reuters on Wednesday. [Cheonan] [Evidence] [UNUS]
• China Sticks with N.Korea at UN
  China is apparently blocking any term or phrase in the UN Security Council that would point directly to North Korea as the culprit that sank the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan in March. The UNSC is debating how to hold the North to account for the torpedo attack. Already China finds that description too strong and wants it referred to as an "incident." According to sources at the South Korean mission to the UN, the atmosphere at the UNSC was "tenser than expected" last Thursday, when China, which is North Korea's staunchest ally and as a permanent UNSC member has a veto, resisted any attempts to deal firmly with the North. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• KCNA Commentary Refutes Declaration of G-8 Summit
  Pyongyang, July 2 (KCNA) -- The declaration adopted at the Canada G-8 summit criticized the DPRK, linking it with the "Cheonan" case. This can not but be an unjust and arbitrary practice openly perpetrated by the G-8 against the DPRK, dancing to the tune of the United States. The declaration pulled up the DPRK, though indirectly, referring to south Korea's "results of investigation" into the "Cheonan" case. This is an insult to the DPRK. The results are beset with doubts and contradictions. Heads of state of G-8, however, hastily handled the case in a deliberate manner only to prove that they sought a sinister political purpose. A touch-and-go situation is now prevailing on the Korean Peninsula. [Cheonan] [Coverup ] [Buildup]
• U.N. discussions on ship sinking stalled: sources
  UNITED NATIONS, July 1 (Yonhap) -- U.N. Security Council discussions on North Korea's sinking of a South Korean warship are stalled as China still balks at naming the communist neighbor the culprit and refuses even to call the case an attack, sources said Thursday. U.N. diplomats have been negotiating language in a document the Council plans to adopt on the March 26 sinking of the warship Cheonan, which left 46 sailors dead, after South Korea referred the case to the U.N. early last month for a rebuke of Pyongyang. China and Russia, Pyongyang's traditional backers, have been a stumbling block to Seoul's push for a strongly worded statement aimed at condemning the North for the attack and sending a clear warning to the regime against future provocations. The two nations have expressed reservations about the result of a multinational probe that found the North responsible. [Cheonan] [Coverup]
• N.Korean Envoys on Mission to Deny Cheonan Sinking
  North Korean diplomats are apparently on a concerted mission in their host countries to deny the North's involvement in the sinking of the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan. Han Bong-ho, the North's ambassador to Laos, recently told a senior Laotian government official if Pyongyang had really intended to strike the Cheonan, it would have fired not one torpedo, as the South Korean government claims, but several. Han also claimed that the propulsion shaft of a North Korean torpedo that the South Korean investigation team presented as evidence was either planted there by the South Korean government or had lain in the waters for many years. Lee Gun-tae, his South Korean counterpart, gave senior Laotian officials a detailed briefing on the evidence. As one of the last remaining communist countries, Laos has traditionally close relations with the North. During a reception for diplomats in South Africa on June 11 for the 2010 World Cup, North Korean Ambassador An Hui-jong reportedly threatened South Korean Ambassador Kim Han-soo in the toilet. An reportedly told Kim, "We're not going to put up with it if you keep going like this." [Cheonan]
• Requested Security Council Cheonan measures weaken considerably
  Instead of sanctions against North Korea, the proposed statement now denounces “those responsible” By Kwon Tae-ho Contrary to the Lee Myung-bak administration’s initial expectations, the U.N. Security Council measures on the Cheonan sinking currently being pursued by the administration are known to be at a rather muted level. Speaking about the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) Cheonan discussions during a talk with Washington correspondents Wednesday (local time), a senior government official visiting the United States said that an agreement was being reached on the draft document. “We understand that China also agrees that we should present our position in the Security Council,” the official said. As the talk went on, however, the official’s remarks became progressively more vague. In the early stages, the Lee Myung-bak administration primarily used the phrase “a resolution for sanctions against North Korea” in referring to UNSC measures in response to the Cheonan sinking. Currently, however, it is having a difficult time inserting a passage in the president’s statement specifying that North Korea bears responsibility for the sinking of the Cheonan. The government official said that the draft adopted by the UNSC would be at the level of the statement from the G-8 summit held in Canada. “The G-8 statement is not bad in a relative manner,” said the government official. “It states the investigation team’s opinion that North Korea is responsible, and contains criticism and denunciation directed at ‘those responsible.’” However, due to objections from Russia, the G-8 summit did not specify that “those responsible” referred to “North Korea.” The UNSC, however, includes China, which is not part of the G-8 summit. In terms of scope, the UNSC draft is expected to fall short of the G-8 summit statement. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• Foreign Ministry Totally Refutes G-8 Declaration
  Pyongyang, June 29 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to the question raised by KCNA Tuesday as regards the G-8 summit declaration criticizing the DPRK over the "Cheonan" case: We vehemently and totally refute the declaration adopted at the G-8 summit held in Canada on June 25 and 26 in which its participants pulled up the DPRK, though indirectly, referring to south Korea's "results of investigation" into the "Cheonan" case. The "results of investigation" are arousing ever-more hot arguments not only in the international community but inside south Korea. They are beset with so many doubts and contradictions that a committee was set up in the "National Assembly" of south Korea to investigate the case but it has not yet concluded its work. Moreover, the south Korean side persistently turns its face away from the invariable demand for receiving the inspection group of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK. Heads of state of G-8, however, hastily handled the case in a deliberate manner only to prove that they sought a sinister political purpose. G-8 gave its way to G-20 and is heading for a cemetery of history as it has been reduced to an evil group blindly conniving at and defending its allies, far from taking principle and truth as a standard. [Cheonan] [Softpower] [Coverup]

• G8 Leaders Condemn N.Korea
  The leaders of the G8 countries issued a final communique on Saturday condemning North Korea for sinking the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan. "We deplore the attack on March 26 that caused the sinking of the Republic of Korea's naval vessel, the Cheonan, resulting in tragic loss of 46 lives," the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States said in the communique issued after a two-day summit in the Canadian resort town of Huntsville. Stressing that a multinational investigation held North Korea responsible for the sinking, the statement added: "We condemn, in this context, the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan." It demands that North Korea “refrain from committing any attacks or threatening hostilities" against the South. [Cheonan] [Softpower]
• Muskoka Declaration: Recovery and New Beginnings
  Muskoka, Canada, June 26, 2010 * Development * Africa * Environmental Sustainability and Green Recovery * Trade and Investment * International Peace and Security * Annex I: Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Under-Five Child Health * Annex II: Strengthening Civilian Security Systems
  1. We, the Leaders of the Group of Eight, met in Muskoka on June 25-26, 2010. Our annual summit takes place as the world begins a fragile recovery from the greatest economic crisis in generations. 34. We deplore the attack on March 26 that caused the sinking of the Republic of Korea’s naval vessel, the Cheonan, resulting in tragic loss of 46 lives. Such an incident is a challenge to peace and security in the region and beyond. We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families and to the people and Government of the Republic of Korea, and call for appropriate measures to be taken against those responsible for the attack in accordance with the UN Charter and all other relevant provisions of international law. The Joint Civilian-Military Investigation Group, led by the Republic of Korea with the participation of foreign experts, concluded that the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea was responsible for the sinking of the Cheonan. We condemn, in this context, the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan. We demand that the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea refrain from committing any attacks or threatening hostilities against the Republic of Korea. We support the Republic of Korea in its efforts to seek accountability for the Cheonan incident, and we remain committed to cooperating closely with all international parties in the pursuit of regional peace and security. 35. We call on the international community to ensure the comprehensive enforcement of all existing UN Security Council resolutions pertaining to the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea. At the same time, we express our gravest concern that the nuclear test and missile activities carried out by the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea have further generated increased tension in the region and beyond, and that there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security. We reaffirm support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive resolution to this threat and to implement the 2005 Joint Statement of the Six Party Talks. Recalling the importance of full and transparent implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, we strongly urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to act strictly in accordance with its nuclear safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, and to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as proliferation activities, in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 1718 and 1874. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea does not, and cannot, have the status of a nuclear-weapon state in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We also urge the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take prompt actions to address the concerns of the international community on humanitarian matters, including the abduction issue. [Cheonan] [Softpower]
• Lee to press for Cheonan support at G-20 Summit
  Diplomatic ‘pull-asides’ expected with Japan, Russia at Canada talks June 26, 2010 South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan are expected to ratchet up diplomatic efforts to garner international support for a UN reprimand of North Korea during this weekend’s G-20 Summit in Toronto.
• G-8 Chiefs Condemn North Korea
  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: June 26, 2010 HUNTSVILLE, Ontario (AP) — The leaders of the world’s eight top industrial democracies on Saturday condemned North Korea over its suspected sinking of a South Korean warship. The statement by the countries — the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and Russia — was released at the end of a meeting in Canada and before a summit meeting of the Group of 20, which includes countries with fast-growing economies, like China. On the March 30 sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan, the leaders cited an independent report that found that the ship had been sunk by a North Korean torpedo. Their statement said, “We condemn in this context the attack which led to the sinking of the Cheonan.”
  Japanese officials said the Russians were the only ones in the Group of 8 to resist tougher language condemning North Korea. A Russian delegation official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that because Russia still did not consider the results of the commission to be final, condemning Pyongyang further could lead to negative consequences. [Cheonan] [Softpower
• G8 leaders criticize Iran, condemn Cheonan sinking
  (UPDATE 1) Topic: G20 and G8 summits in Canada The G8 leaders 20:47 26/06/2010© REUTERS/ CHRIS WATTIE The G8 leaders have called on Iran to respect the rule of law and freedom of speech and condemned the sinking of the South Korean Cheonan warship, for which Seoul blames North Korea, a source from one the delegations said. The source said the comments are being included in the summit's final communique. The source said the leaders had not included in the draft some of the harsher policies towards Tehran and Pyongyang, put forward by several G8 leaders, such as the United States.
  The draft does not contain any direct allegations against North Korea over the Cheonan affair [Cheonan] [Russia]
• UNSC Urged to Properly Know about Truth of "Cheonan" Case
  Pyongyang, June 21 (KCNA) -- The south Korean puppet group recently referred the "results of the investigation" into the case of warship "Cheonan" sinking unilaterally worked out to serve its purpose to the UNSC at last, turning down the DPRK's just proposal for dispatching an inspection group of its National Defence Commission to the spot of south Korea. Rodong Sinmun Monday observes in a signed commentary in this regard: Various data and objective reality are bringing to light as the days go by the fact that the "Cheonan" case is a conspiratorial farce orchestrated by its fabricators to achieve a sinister aim. The story that the responsibility for the above-said case rests with the DPRK is obviously nothing but a politically motivated dastardly and vicious plot and fraud of the U.S. and south Korean puppet group, the commentary notes, and goes on: When the "Cheonan" case broke out, the U.S. used "threat from north Korea" for strongly pressurizing Japan into yielding to Washington over the issue of transferring the U.S. forces base in Okinawa, a serious challenge to realizing its Asia-Pacific strategy for aggression, and thus forced the Hatoyama regime uncomfortable for it to step down. This met its double ends. The U.S. is also using the case for tightening its grip on Japan and south Korea and accelerating the formation of a triangular military alliance of the U.S., Japan and south Korea. The U.S. is openly disclosing its intention to sell large quantities of weapons to south Korea, secure a pretext for moving its naval strike group to the Korean Peninsula and the West Sea of Korea, sensitive waters for China in terms of security, and delay the U.S. transfer of the "right to command the wartime operation" to south Korea slated to take place in 2012, for the present. The U.S. required the above-said case to make its government appear strong in the run-up to the mid-term Congressional election slated for coming November or justify its "policy of strategic patience" to suffocate the DPRK's economy in a sustainable manner. If the UNSC unjustly handles the case, taken in by lies of the U.S., sparking off a military conflict on the peninsula, the U.S. and the UNSC will be wholly accountable for its consequences. The UNSC had better properly understand the truth of the case and the gravity of the issue and observe the principle of respect for sovereignty and impartiality. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS]
• Darusman assumes new UN envoy for NK human rights
  The United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights has appointed Indonesia-born Marzuki Darusman as its new envoy to be in charge of overseeing North Korea’s human rights conditions, Yonhap news agency said on Saturday. Darusman, who will begin his new role starting from next month, is replacing Thailand's Vitit Muntarbhorn, who is completing his six-year maximum term. Muntarbhorn had never been granted access to North Korea by its rulers during his term. Darusman was the Attorney General of Indonesia as well as a member of the National Commission of Human Rights in Indonesia. The South Korean foreign ministry welcomed the news, saying it hopes to closely work with him to improve North Korean human rights conditions. The U.N. envoy position was created in 2004 and is subject to annual review, up to six years. [Human rights] [UNUS] [Manipulation]
• UN action on Cheonan faces delay
  June 19, 2010 South Korea’s diplomatic mission to garner the UN Security Council’s official condemnation of Pyongyang for the March 26 attack on the Cheonan warship is expected to take longer than Seoul officials had hoped. Some ambassadors of the Council’s 15 member countries will spend the next week in Afghanistan for a security tour, forcing any potential discussions on the Cheonan matter to be deferred until June 27. In addition, Russia is expected to take at least two or three weeks before officially announcing its stance on the recent inter-Korea diplomatic clash. South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, however, has continued Seoul’s efforts to draw UN censure on Pyongyang by calling his counterparts in countries including Russia and Lebanon, both of which are Security Council members, and seeking their support. [Cheonan] [UNUS] [Double standards]
• Seoul refers Cheonan case to UNSC
  By Kang Hyun-kyung Staff reporter South Korea officially requested the United Nations Security Council to come up with a coordinated international action against North Korea after a multinational investigation team blamed it for the sinking of the naval warship Cheonan, Friday.
  Meanwhile, the United Nations Command in Seoul said Friday that it will report to the U.N. that North Korea violated the armistice agreement.
  The UNSC (sic) teamed up with the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC) two weeks ago to review the findings of the investigation and determine the scope of the armistice. [Cheonan] [Evidence] [UNUS]
• N.Korea 'a Victim of a Conspiracy'
  North Korea's ambassador to the UN, Sin Son-ho, flatly denied his country had any hand in the sinking of the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan in March. "The investigation result is a complete fabrication from A to Z," he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday at the UN auditorium. It was North Korea's first public press conference following the sinking of the Cheonan. Sin read from a 20-page script for about 27 minutes. He said that when the international investigation team announced its findings of the Cheonan on May 20, the South was beginning campaigning for regional elections, and the U.S. was planning to hold strategic talks with China, so the Cheonan sinking was "fabricated" by the two governments for political purposes. He also charged that the U.S. "mostly benefited from the incident" as it was able to extend its imperiled hold on a military base in Okinawa and cause former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to resign over his failure to oust U.S. forces. Sin drew attention to the "number 1" marking handwritten on the salvaged propulsion shaft of a torpedo found near the site of the sinking. He called it "suspicious" that the inscription survived extremely high temperatures during the blast. When asked why the torpedo recovered from the scene perfectly matched a North Korean torpedo exported to other countries, Sin became evasive. "The scene of the incident is inside a disputed area following the ceasefire agreement between [North Korea] and the U.S., while South Korea and the U.S. were conducting military exercises there when the incident happened," he said. "Everything will be clear when our investigators probe the scene." A Japanese journalist said most UN Security Council members supported the evidence South Korea presented the day before, but Sin said, "If South Korea's failed attempt to put a satellite into space is blamed on a North Korean torpedo, would you believe it?" Sin said he has yet to read a letter sent to the UN Security Council by a South Korean civic group raising suspicions about the South Korean evidence, but added that it showed how skeptical even South Koreans are about the accusation. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [Media]
• DPRK UN Representative on "Cheonan" Case
  Pyongyang, June 16 (KCNA) -- Sin Son Ho, permanent representative of the DPRK at the United Nations, called a press conference in New York on June 15 as regards the sinking case of the south Korean puppet navy's warship "Cheonan". Present there were media correspondents of various countries to the UN. Sin made an address at the conference. Recalling, to begin with, that the DPRK informed the UNSC member nations of its stand on the case, he said: As already known, the south Korean authorities announced on May 20 the "results of investigation" linking the case with the DPRK. The DPRK promptly and totally rejected the "results" and repeatedly declared that it had nothing to do with the case. And it proposed sending an inspection group of its National Defence Commission to the spot to objectively verify the "results of investigation." However, the south Korean authorities refused to accept this just demand and referred the unilaterally worked out "results of investigation" to the UNSC. The "results of investigation" into the case were a fabrication made by the U.S. and the south Korean authorities from A to Z. That was why the "results" aroused suspicion and criticism internally and externally from the moment they were announced. Various information and objective realities brought to light with the passage of time that the case was their politically motivated fabrication. The south Korean authorities' announcement of the "results of investigation" on May 20 was timed to coincide with their political timetable-- the visit of the U.S. secretary of State to Japan and the start of their campaign for the "elections to local self-governing bodies". The U.S. and south Korea claimed that the "investigation" was "objective and scientific" as it was carried out by the "multinational team" involving foreign experts. But the "team" itself and its activities were very problematic. UK was officially requested to send information about its experts involved in the "team", but nothing has been heard from it. Canada announced on May 16, four days before the announcement of the "results" that it would send its experts, but nothing has been known when they arrived in south Korea and whether they took part in the "investigation" or not. It was also reported that Swedish experts joined the "team" only to offer technical assistance but did not participate in the job to clarify who is to blame for the case. The south Korean authorities produced only "material evidence" favorable for deliberately linking the case with the DPRK, but concealed all what was unfavorable for such scheme under the pretext of "military secrets". Even the produced "evidence" aroused so many doubts that the case has been regarded as a puzzle in the U.S. and south Korea and the rest of the world. Citing in detail the points in question and facts proving the false case, he further said: This being a hard reality, the south Korean authorities hid one piece of evidence after another that might deny the DPRK's involvement or strictly removed them from the list of objects to be investigated. Referring to such problems as the gas turbine, a key evidence allegedly proving the cause of the sinking and the letter "number 1" and to the strange movement of the south Korean military which would have been well aware of the cause of the case, the representative continued: The assertion that the DPRK was to blame for the case was a politically motivated charade orchestrated by the U.S. and south Korea from A to Z. It was the U.S. that got the biggest share of the windfall through the said case. The United States used the case for pressurizing Japan into yielding to it over the issue of transfer of the U.S. military base from Okinawa, a main hurdle in the way of carrying out its Asia-Pacific strategy, under the pretext of "threat from north Korea" and thus brought about the fall of the Hatoyama regime uncomfortable for it. This case thus met two ends. Hatoyama himself admitted that the case of sinking warship was a decisive factor that compelled him to meet the U.S. demand over the issue of the U.S. forces base. Availing itself of the case, the U.S. openly disclosed its intention to accelerate the formation of the "triangular military alliance" of the U.S., Japan and south Korea and for the present to secure a pretext for selling a large quantities of weapons to south Korea and moving its aircraft carrier to the West Sea of Korea and extend the transfer of the "right to command the wartime operations" of the U.S. forces in south Korea which had been expected in 2012. The U.S. required the case to make its administration appear strong in the run-up to the coming intermediary election and justify its policy of "strategic patience" to deplete the environment for investment in the DPRK and stifle its economy in a sustainable manner. The immediate aim sought by south Korea was to evade the responsibility for the case of warship sinking. It was the calculation of the south Korean authorities that they could rally the conservative camp if they published the "results of investigation" into the case of warship "Cheonan" on May 20, the day of the start of the campaign for "the elections to the local self-governing bodies" to link the case with the DPRK and hype the "national security" as the most important pending issue for the "elections". But they suffered a defeat in the "elections" as their "north wind" proved to be counter-productive. In spreading the story about "the torpedo attack by the north" the south Korean authorities sought a foolish aim to justify their anachronistic hard-line policy towards the DPRK, shirk off the responsibility for having pushed the inter-Korean relations to the worst phase and drive a wedge in the ties between the DPRK and China whose relations have favorably developed with each passing day. As is known to everybody, the "crucial material evidence" produced by the U.S. and the south Korean authorities is nothing but "serious doubts" and the "results of investigation" released by the "multi-national joint investigation team" were not based on a scientific basis but cooked up to serve their purpose: it was not conducted objectively but in a biased and arbitrary manner. Precisely for this reason the DPRK promptly refuted the "results of investigation" as soon as they were announced and proposed sending an inspection group of the National Defence Commission to the spot. Some countries are referring to the possibility to discuss the "Cheonan" issue at the "Military Armistice Commission" but the U.S. unilaterally withdrew the senior member of the "UN forces" side and posted a "general" of the south Korean puppet army in his place in 1991 though south Korea was not a signatory to the Armistice Agreement, paralyzing the function of the MAC. The situation created on the Korean Peninsula due to the "results of investigation" published by the south Korean authorities and their reckless "follow-up countermeasures" is so grave that a war may break out any moment. The UNSC has a shameful precedent in which it failed to prevent the Iraqi war, taken in by the lie told by the United States in February of 2003. If the UNSC unreasonably handles this case, taken in by the U.S. lie, sparking off a clash on the peninsula, Washington and the UNSC will be wholly accountable for the ensuing consequences. Should the aggressors dare provoke, defying the repeated warnings of the DPRK, its army and people will mercilessly react to them and make a clean sweep of them from the land of Korea and build a prosperous reunified country. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS]
• N. Korea: Ship's Sinking Helped U.S.
  By JOE LAURIA UNITED NATIONS—North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations said the U.S. and South Korea benefited politically from the sinking in March of a South Korean warship, but he stopped short of saying that either country deliberately attacked the ship. Ambassador Sin Son Ho told a rare news conference that the U.S. persuaded Japan to keep a controversial U.S. base in Okinawa after the incident and that the release of South Korea's own investigation into the attack was timed for the beginning of South Korean elections. [Cheonan] [Cover] [Motive] [Hatoyama]
• 2 Koreas Brief UN Security Council on Cheonan Sinking
  The two Koreas took turns Monday briefing the UN Security Council on the sinking of the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan. UNSC members expressed confidence in South Korea's findings but found North Korea's denial of involvement unconvincing. Accompanied by international investigators, Yoon Duk-yong, the head of the investigative team, briefed a session of the UNSC for two hours and answered questions. "UNSC members asked many good questions," he told reporters afterwards. "They understood the scientific, physical cause of the sinking of the Cheonan." The French, Austrian, Turkish, and Japanese ambassadors to the UN described the briefing given by the South Korean team as "scientific," "thoroughgoing" and "convincing." The envoys from China and Russia, which have sat on the fence so far, reportedly raised no further doubts in the session. South Korean ambassador to the UN Park In-kook (left) and North Korea's UN ambassador Sin Son-ho leave the UN Security Council after briefing it on the sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan on Monday. /Xinhua-Yonhap North Korea's UN ambassador Sin Son-ho was up next and claimed that far from sinking the ship, the North is the victim of South Korean "fabrications." Austrian ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting called the South Korean testimony a presentation based on a thorough "investigation" but the North's briefing an "allegation." Ambassador Claude Heller of Mexico, the current UNSC chair, in a statement said that the UNSC is "seriously concerned" about the Cheonan sinking and its consequences for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. He urged both Koreas to refrain from action that could heighten tensions in the region. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• More Activists Lobby UNSC Over Shipwreck
  Another leftwing activist group calling itself Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea has written to UN Security Council members urging the international body to reinvestigate the sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan. The group is the second to write to the council over the sinking in March, for which an international inquiry has blamed North Korea. The group addressed letters to two permanent UNSC members -- France and the U.K. -- and nine non-permanent members -- Austria, Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Turkey, and Uganda. It delivered the letters to UN headquarters alongside a Korean-American grassroots organization called "Nodutdol" based in New York, urging a "fair and objective" discussion about the sinking. "South Korean opposition parties, numerous civic groups and civilian experts have raised doubts over the Lee Myung-bak administration's findings in the Cheonan sinking," the group claimed in the letters. "The UNSC should take action to objectively determine the cause of the sinking, given that China has proposed a joint probe by two Koreas, the U.S., and China." [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS] [Human rights]
• Two versions of Cheonan blast at UN
  South’s briefing lasts twice as long, North’s doesn’t allow questions June 16, 2010 South Korean Ambassador to the UN Park In-kook at UN headquarters in New York on Monday after diplomats presented to the Security Council evidence that North Korea sunk the warship Cheonan on March 26. NEW YORK - The diplomatic battle of the two Koreas has begun at the United Nations. Both countries Monday held briefings for the 15 members of the UN Security Council to convince them of their contrasting stances on the sinking of the Naval ship Cheonan in March. South Korea held the first, two-hour briefing. Experts from the United States, Australia, Canada and Sweden who took part in the monthlong investigation of the sinking also attended the meeting, which took place in the UN headquarters from 3 p.m. on Monday, New York time. “All ambassadors from the 15 countries attended the event and we believe we presented logical and scientific explanations based on facts,” said a senior South Korean Foreign Ministry official. “The briefing went smoothly and no countries made remarks denying the results of our investigation.” Seoul has been trying to convince the council to officially condemn Pyongyang for attacking the Cheonan, killing 46 sailors, through an official resolution or a less-binding presidential statement. North Korean Ambassador to the UN Sin Son-ho fields reporters’ questions after his team’s separate briefing to the council. [YONHAP] The closed briefing took 40 minutes and was followed by questions, mostly devoted to technical aspects, which lasted about 80 minutes. None of the diplomats raised the issue of a letter from South Korean civic group People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy that questioned the veracity of South Korea’s investigation. The letter to the council last week said the probe report had “many loopholes” and “lacks convincing rationale.” “The matters raised by the PSPD were never mentioned,” said the Seoul official. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• UNSC to Hear Both Koreas on Cheonan Sinking
  The UN Security Council started discussion on Monday afternoon about the sinking of the South Korean Navy corvette Cheonan. The UNSC expects to hear South and North Korean views about the incident.
  Earlier, the North asked Mexico, the current chair of the UNSC, for an opportunity to explain its position. According to a diplomatic source, the UNSC agreed to give the North a chance before it makes its decision.
  Believing that it is unlikely the UNSC can agree a firm resolution sanctioning the North due to opposition from North Korea's staunchest ally China, which has a veto as a permanent member, South Korean and the U.S. are already aiming only at a so-called chairman's statement denouncing the North. The UNSC is expected to make a decision next month. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• Activists Urge UNSC to Reinvestigate Cheonan Sinking
  The civic group People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy e-mailed the UN Security Council on Friday raising doubts over the inquiry into the sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan. It claimed further investigation is "necessary." The leftwing group sent the e-mail three days before a group of South Korean experts briefed UNSC members Monday on their conclusion that North Korea sank the warship. "It's like getting shot in the back by our own side as we try to gather international support," said one government official. Council members said the PSPD e-mailed a two-page letter plus a 20-page report containing suspicions about the investigation. It called on the council to make an "objective and rational decision" since the response of the Lee Myung-bak administration could trigger "serious political and diplomatic conflict." The move is unprecedented in the history of the UNSC and has apparently stirred up some controversy among member nations. One council official checked with the South Korean delegation at the UN whether the group really exists. The group demanded its report be considered along with the South Korean government's investigations, but the UNSC president decided not to accept the PSPD's request since the council has never reviewed materials submitted by a civic group. After the PSPD e-mailed the council, the North Korean delegation to the UN sought to give its own explanation before the council, which has been scheduled immediately after South Korea's session. Cheong Wa Dae and the Foreign Ministry told reporters Monday that attempts to block the government's diplomatic efforts are "extremely regrettable." A government spokesman said, "This is not a matter involving progressives or conservatives but a matter of common sense. How will the international community view South Korea?" Conservative groups issued statements condemning the PSPD. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS] [Human rights]
• The PSPD's Stance on the Naval Vessel Cheonan Sinking
  PSPD Issue Report IR-20100601 PSPD Center for Peace and Disarmament, June 1. 2010 written by Junghye Kwak , Huisun Kim , Taeho Lee
  Contents Article 1.` p3 The PSPD's Stance on the Final Investigation Report on the Cheonan and the countering measures of the Lee Myung-bak administration Article 2. p10 Eight Questions Needing Answers on the Investigation of the Sunken Naval Corvette Cheonan Article 3. p21 Six Problems on the Investigation Process of the Cheonan Sinking [Cheonan] Coverup] {human rights]
• Civic group takes unresolved Cheonan issues to UN
  PSPD says the government should not submit a matter to the international community if there is still no internal consensus » Members of civic organizations debate questions over the sinking of the Cheonan during panel discussion hosted by People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, May 24. Prior to the joint civilian-military investigation team’s briefing at the UN Security Council on the sinking of the Cheonan on Monday, the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) submitted a letter to the nations of the Security Council highlighting contentious aspects of the investigation’s findings. The Lee Myung-bak government has slammed the move as interference in diplomacy, while the PSPD called it a justified action by a civic group. PSPD sent the letter on June 10 via email to Mexico, which currently holds the presidency of the Security Council, and the 15 member nations. The opinion statement consisted of an official PSPD letter written in English and a 27-page attachment detailing the problems with the investigation findings. The letter, signed by PSPD Representative Lim Jong-dae, said the final investigation results into the Cheonan sinking were not announced. It also expressed concern that the response plan announced by the Lee Myung-bak administration could cause serious political and diplomatic controversy. It also conveyed hopes that the UN Security Council would make a rational and fair decision for peace on the Korean Peninsula, taking all matters into account. The attachment, a translation of the “Cheonan Issue Report 1 and 2” released by PSPD on May 25, asks eight questions about unresolved issues in the investigation results. These included questions about insufficient explanations about the water column and cross section, and six issues regarding the investigation process. In response to the PSPD letter, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kim Young-sun said in a briefing Monday that he believed that the letter was an extremely regrettable action blocking diplomatic efforts currently being put forth by the government. He also said the government plans to resolutely deal with the issue, including having the joint investigation team faithfully brief the UN Security Council. Some government officials, however, slammed PSPD in more relentless terms, calling the move “traitorous” and “messing things up.” In response, PSPD said it is a group qualified to convey opinions and statements to the UN Human Rights Committee and UN Economic and Social Council as an NGO in consultative status with the U.N. It said the Lee administration has claimed that the civic organization’s activity seeks to divides public opinion. However, PSPD said the responsibility of the Lee administration, which has taken a matter about which no internal consensus has been reached to the international community, is even [Cheonan] [Coverup] [Human rights]
• Civic group questions Cheonan report at UN
  PSPD’s moves draw fire from government, conservatives
  June 15, 2010 A copy of the letter and report sent to the UN Security Council. [JoongAng Ilbo] A local civic group has submitted a letter raising suspicions about the cause of the Cheonan sinking to the UN Security Council, throwing a spanner into Seoul’s diplomatic efforts to draw international censure upon Pyongyang for the attack. The move by the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), one of South Korea’s oldest and best-known civic groups, comes as Seoul diplomats grapple to gain support from China and Russia - key members of the Security Council and North Korea’s allies - for an official reprimand at the United Nations level, whether by resolution or less-binding presidential statement. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [Human rights]
• U.N. warns rival Koreas against escalating tension
  2010-06-15 14:08 The U.N. Security Council warned South and North Korea Monday against escalating regional tension after hearing briefings by both sides on the sinking of a South Korean warship which Seoul blames on the North. The Security Council made a "strong call to the parties to refrain from any act that could escalate tension in the region" and to preserve peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, according to its president, Mexican Ambassador Claude Heller.
  North Korea, which has denied any role in the sinking, had been scheduled to speak at the Council after the South Korean briefing, but it was unclear if the session was held as scheduled. Amb. Pak Dok-hun, deputy chief of North Korea's mission at the U.N., told reporters that his mission will hold a press conference Tuesday. "We are a victim of this incident," Park said. "We have nothing to do with this incident." [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS]
• Seoul regrets NGO sending Cheonan report to UNSC
  By Kang Hyun-kyung, Kim Young-jin Staff reporters The government expressed regret Monday over a progressive civic group's sending of a letter to the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) president raising doubts over the multinational investigation team's probe into the sinking of the warship Cheonan in March. The letter, penned by the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD), is seen as potentially undermining of the investigation findings, and drew the ire of government officials. The PSPD e-mailed the report to Mexican Ambassador Claude Heller, who holds the UNSC presidency for June, requesting he circulate it to the 15 members. It also sent the report to 15 UNSC members via e-mail. Kim Young-sun, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said it was regrettable to hear that the NGO had sent the letter to the UNSC and its members at a time when the nation is facing a grave national security situation. He told reporters that there is no doubt that the multinational team's investigation results are "impartial, scientific, transparent and thorough." "We do not consider any countermeasures against the NGO. And I am not in a position to comment on the group's measure," Kim said. "As South Korean investigators were scheduled to brief the UNSC members on the incident at the U.N. headquarters, we will keep trying to make an effective presentation." In its report, the NGO raised eight questions regarding the international investigation team's findings over the cause of the sinking of the Cheonan in the West Sea on March 26 that killed 46 sailors. The team, including experts from the United States, Britain, Australia and Sweden, concluded a North Korean submarine torpedoed the 1,200-ton warship. In the report, the NGO said it was not certain if a torpedo attack caused the warship to sink, claiming "no severe injuries evident of a torpedo explosion were found on the bodies of survivors and deceased soldiers." [Cheonan] [Coverup] [Human rights]
• 'UN Security Council understands probe into ship sinking'
  U.N. Security Council members appeared to understand the outcome of a multinational probe that found North Korea responsible for the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship, Yonhap News reported, quoting a chief investigator as saying Monday after a briefing to the Council in New York. The briefing at the U.N. headquarters in New York was part of Seoul's efforts to censure North Korea for the ship attack in March that killed 46 sailors. South Korea referred the case to the Council earlier this month after a five-nation investigation concluded that the communist regime attacked the warship Cheonan. "We offered sufficient explanations," Yoon Duk-yong, a renowned scientist who headed the investigation, told reporters after the briefing. "Members of the Security Council appeared to understand a lot." Yoon said his team also urged the Council to respond appropriately to North Korea's provocations. He declined to elaborate, but said questions from Council members focused mostly on technical matters. North Korea, which has denied any role in the sinking, had been scheduled to speak at the Council after the South Korean briefing, but it was unclear if the session was held as scheduled. Amb. Pak Dok-hun, deputy chief of North Korea's mission at the U.N., told reporters that his mission will hold a press conference Tuesday. "We are a victim of this incident," Park said. "We have nothing to do with this incident." The two-hour briefing began with opening remarks by the Council's rotating president, Mexico's Claude Heller, and South Korea's U.N. ambassador Park In-kook. That was followed by the screening of a video showing North Korean torpedo parts being pulled out of the site of the sinking, and a question and answer session, officials said. France and the United States expressed support for the investigation results and called for a strong punishment of the North. But China and Russia, the North's traditional backers, neither voiced support for the probe nor asked any questions, officials said. The fate of South Korea's push for a rebuke of the North at the Council hinges on Beijing and Moscow. The two nations, which hold veto power at the 15-member Council, have expressed reservations about the findings of the investigation. [Cheonan] [Evidence] [UNUS]
• South, North Korea to address U.N. Security Council over ship sinking
  (LEAD) By Chang Jae-soon SEOUL/NEW YORK, June 14 (Yonhap) -- The U.N. Security Council will allow North Korea a chance to speak this week, right after South Korean investigators give a briefing on their probe results that blame the communist regime for the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship.
  Compounding South Korea's push at the Council, a left-leaning civic group in Seoul sent a letter to the Council's president and raised questions about their government's investigation into the sinking, according to a Council member nation official. The move by People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, one of the largest civic organizations in South Korea, could complicate Seoul's efforts to punish the North, as Pyongyang could take advantage of the claim in its efforts to discredit the investigation results. Seoul's foreign ministry expressed anger over the group's move. "We consider it extremely regrettable as it impedes diplomatic efforts by the government," foreign ministry spokesman Kim said. "It is very important for our people to show a unanimous and united attitude at a time when the international community is dealing with the grave national security issue of the Cheonan incident." [Cheonan] [Coverup] [UNUS] [Human rights]
• NDC Spokesman Slams Reference of "Cheonan" Case to UN
  Pyongyang, June 11 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the National Defence Commission of the DPRK had already officially clarified the principled stand of the army and people of the DPRK on the sinking case of the south Korean puppet navy's warship in waters of the West Sea of Korea. He also dismissed the assertion of the south Korean group of traitors that the ship was sunk by a torpedo attack of the DPRK and the "results of investigation" faked up to support it as a sheer anti-DPRK "conspiratorial farce" and a "charade". The political, social, academic and press circles of south Korea, favoring the principled stand of the DPRK, are growing increasingly suspicious about the "results of investigation" announced by the "joint investigation team" in which it claimed it was done on an objective and scientific basis.
  There is even strong opinion that the ship was sunk by the U.S.
  Not only China closely following the situation around it but also Russia which dispatched an investigation group to the spot of south Korea assert that it is difficult to find out any evidence proving that the ship was sunk by a torpedo of the DPRK [Cheonan] [Coverup]
• UNSC likely to settle for presidential statement on Cheonan
  The United Nations will not completely commit to South Korea's bid to mete out full sanctions against North Korea for the sinking of a South Korean warship due to China's reluctance, Yonhap news agency said on Saturday. "It's going to be difficult, probably impossible, to get a resolution in the U.N. Security Council," Yonhap reported, quoting Douglas H. Paal, vice president at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as saying in organization's website. "My judgment is China will be unable to support a resolution condemning North Korea. There could be a presidential statement as, when the five major powers in the council don't agree to support action, a statement by the president can condemn something, in this case the sinking of the ship," he said. Even a symbolic presidential statement may not be easy to get, Paal warned. "That requires unanimity, and China may not even be willing to support that," he said, according to Yonhap. "South Korea needs a response for domestic political purposes, so the pressure will be high. And the U.S. will push very hard for China to accept a presidential statement. That is where the crux of the struggle will be over the next couple of months. And when that happens, everyone will need to deal with the North Korean reaction," he said. [Cheonan] [UNUS]
• N. Korea asks U.N. to help it investigate sunken ship site
  BEIJING, June 9 KYODO North Korea's permanent representative to the United Nations has requested that Pyongyang be allowed to inspect the site of the sinking of a South Korean warship to verify (sic) international investigations that found the country responsible for the incident, the North's state media said Wednesday. [Cheonan] [Coverup] [Media]
• N.Korea to Security Council: Don't Debate Warship Sinking
  North Korea says it has warned the United Nations Security Council not to debate the sinking of a South Korean warship that Seoul blames on Pyongyang. North Korea's official news agency says its UN ambassador, Sin Son-ho, wrote a letter to the Security Council president saying a debate on what it calls South Korea's "forged" investigation of the sinking would have "serious consequences" for peace on the Korean peninsula. [Cheonan] [Coverup]
• DPRK Permanent Representative Sends Message to President of UNSC
  Pyongyang, June 9 (KCNA) -- Sin Son Ho, permanent representative of the DPRK at the UN, sent the following message to Claude Heller, president of the UNSC, on Tuesday as regards the grave situation prevailing on the Korean Peninsula: On May 20, 2010, the United States and the south Korean authorities released the "investigation result" that forcibly linked the sinking of the south Korean warship "Cheonan" with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The DPRK straight away and totally rejected the "investigation result" and clarified its position that it has nothing to do with the incident, proposing that it will dispatch to the site of the incident its own inspection group of the National Defence Commission in order to conduct an objective evaluation on the "investigation result". It would be very useful to remind ourselves of the ever more increasing international doubts and criticisms going beyond the internal boundary of south Korea, over the "investigation result" from the very moment of its release. As days go by, the objective and scientific military analysis and the environment surrounding the incident reveal that the incident is a fabricated scenario, purely out of political and military purposes of the U.S. The key to resolving the case lies in that the DPRK which is the victim takes an opportunity to verify and confirm the "investigation result" on a scientific and objective basis. It is imperative for the United Nations Security Council not to step into the same situation as it was once misused as a tool of high handedness and hegemony of the United States by giving legitimacy over to its armed invasion into Iraq, based on a single word of lies of Powell in February 2003. The United Nations Security Council is strictly duty bound to adhere to the principles of respect for sovereignty and impartiality of UN Member States, as enshrined in the UN Charter. The United Nations Security Council is an organization with the securing of the global peace and security as a lifeline in its mission. If the United Nations Security Council, as an organization of such a mission, is in its genuine wish for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, where a touch and go situation has been created due to the incident of "Cheonan", it should take, first of all, measures that can lead the U.S. and south Korea to receive the inspection group of the National Defence Commission as already proposed by the DPRK, the victim, to help verify the "investigation result". By doing so, the United Nations Security Council should give utmost priority to bringing to light the very truth of the incident, on an impartial and objective basis. In case the unilaterally forged "investigation result" is put on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council and open to be debated without the verification of the directly victimized party, it will be more than clear that the sovereignty and security of the DPRK is infringed upon, and by then no one would dare imagine how serious its consequences would be with regard to the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. On this occasion I would like to enclose herewith a copy of the answer by the spokesman of the DPRK Foreign Ministry dated 4 June 2010 and kindly request you to circulate it as document of the United Nations Security Council. [Cheonan] [Coverup]
• "Cheonan" Case Dismissed as Sheer Fabrication
  Pyongyang, June 9 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegate, addressing the Geneva Disarmament Conference on June 3, said that the case of warship "Cheonan's" sinking was, to all intents and purposes, "a conspiratorial farce" and "charade" orchestrated by the south Korean authorities at the U.S prodding. He said: The south Korean authorities have linked the above-said case with the DPRK since its very outset without any material evidence under the zealous patronage of the U.S. and finally announced the "investigation results" asserting that the warship was sunken by a "torpedo attack" of the DPRK and are now foolishly working to prod the UN Security Council into slapping even additional "sanctions" against it, crying out for "punishment" and "retaliation." As already clarified, the DPRK has nothing to do with the above-said case, he noted, and continued: As universally known, the DPRK is busy waging a general offensive to open the gate to a great prosperous and powerful nation in 2012. From the viewpoint of common sense that development presupposes peace, peaceful international environment is more urgently required by the DPRK than in any other time. Whoever has reason can have strong doubt about south Korea's assertion that the DPRK was involved in the above-said case. Such shocking case as the sinking of the warship "Cheonan" is required only by the south Korean authorities making desperate efforts to hold in check the progress of the DPRK through a campaign against it. Invariable is the stand of the DPRK government to build a solid peace-keeping regime in the Korean Peninsula and denuclearize it, he declared, and went on: The earlier conclusion of a peace treaty on the peninsula still in the state of ceasefire would help build confidence necessary for the denuclearization as soon as possible. The conclusion of the peace treaty provides the only reasonable and realistic way for realizing the denuclearization of the peninsula. [Cheonan] [Peace Treaty]
• Fidel Castro Ruz Comments on "Cheonan" Case
  Pyongyang, June 9 (KCNA) -- Fidel Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban revolution, in an article titled "The Empire and the Lie" contributed to the June 4 issue of Granma expressed his view on the sinking of warship "Cheonan" of the south Korean puppet navy. He cited the following information sources disclosing the United States' deceptive nature of the case of the warship sinking: "The sources suspect that the attack on warship 'Cheonan' was a false flag operation orchestrated by the U.S. to make believe the attack was coming from north Korea." "One of the U.S main purposes of increasing tension in the Korean Peninsula was to put pressure on Japanese Prime Minister Hatoyama to make him change his policy on the U.S. forces base. Hatoyama has admitted that tensions over the sinking of the 'Cheonan' had a significant influence on his decision to allow the U.S. marines to stay in Okinawa." "As the 'Cheonan' was sunk, there were four ships of the U.S. Navy in the sector, as part of the U.S.-South Korea exercise Foal Eagle. An investigation into the metal and chemical traces of the suspicious 'torpedo' shows that they are not the DPRK's." "The presence of the USS 'Salvor,' one of the ships taking part in the Foal Eagle, so close to the Paekryong Islet during the sinking of the south Korean warship raises questions, too." In the final analysis, the U.S. could do too easily such big job, ie, the operation to eliminate the coalition government of Hatoyama but it is paying a very dear price for what it has done, he observed. The political leaders and the world public opinion have proof of the cynicism and absolute lack of scruples that characterize the United States' imperial policy, he stressed. [Cheonan] [Coverup]

• UN envoy given cold shoulder
  Korea's freedom of expression assessed as diminished over past 2 years By Park Si-soo Staff reporter Frank La Rue, a special envoy from the United Nations who inspected the nation's conditions of freedom of opinion and expression for 12 days, said Monday he got the cold shoulder from the Korean government, and a lack of cooperation from agencies here hampered his mission. At a press conference held just hours before his departure, the envoy complained he was unable to meet any high-ranking officials of ministries related to human rights issues despite the fact that he visited the country at the invitation of the government and repeated requests for interviews in advance. Assessing the degree of freedom of expression here, he concluded that the right to freedom of opinion and expression has markedly diminished over the last two years under the Lee Myung-bak administration. [Human rights] [Lee Myung-bak]

• Kim Yong Nam Meets WHO and RC Delegates
  Pyongyang, April 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk with Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, and her party at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday when they paid a courtesy call on him. He also met and conversed with Massimo Barra, chairman of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, and his party who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on the same day.
• NKorea launches telemedicine network with WHO help
  By HYUNG-JIN KIM The Associated Press Tuesday, April 27, 2010; 6:01 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea formally launched a medical videoconference network Tuesday aimed at giving smaller, rural hospitals access to specialists in the capital Pyongyang with the help of the World Health Organization. WHO has been providing cameras, computers and other equipment to North Korea to help the reclusive, impoverished country connect a main hospital in Pyongyang with medical facilities in 10 provinces. The system is designed to allow doctors to talk to each other to provide additional services to rural patients. On Tuesday, North Korean health officials and visiting WHO Director-General Margaret Chan held the formal inaugural ceremony for the system at the Kim Man Yu hospital in Pyongyang, according to footage from broadcaster APTN. "This is an excellent vision because it meets the needs of the government," Chan said. Chan, clad in a white gown, later tested the system by talking with provincial doctors via video link. One unidentified doctor at Jagang province, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Pyongyang, told Chan he is satisfied with the system because it's too far for his patients to visit specialists in the capital. She arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, becoming the U.N. agency's first chief to visit the communist country since 2001. The North faces chronic food shortages and has relied on outside assistance to feed much of its population of 24 million since a famine is believed to have killed as many as 2 million people in the 1990s. The North also faces a shortfall of hospitals and lacks an efficient state health care system. WHO opened its office in Pyongyang in 2001 and has coordinated the purchase of medical equipment and supplies for North Koreans. The world's health body says on its Web site that it is currently focusing on strengthening the North's health infrastructure. On Monday, the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency said the government held a reception for Chan, who arrived the same day as Red Cross and Red Crescent officials. It was not clear whether the visits were connected. --- Associated Press writer Sangwon Yoon in Seoul contributed to this report.
• WHO chief meets with NKorean health officials
  The Associated Press Tuesday, April 27, 2010; 3:58 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- The head of the World Health Organization toured a medical facility and met with North Korean health officials Tuesday during a rare trip to the reclusive country. WHO Director-General Margaret Chan arrived in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, on Monday - becoming the U.N. agency's first chief to visit the communist country since 2001. On Tuesday, Chan and North Korean health officials, all clad in white gowns, met and discussed projects aimed at boosting the North's medical programs, according to footage from broadcaster APTN. Details of the programs were not immediately available. [Media]
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Mongolian FM
  Pyongyang, April 22 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, met and had a talk with Gombojab Zandanshatar, minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia, and his party who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Thursday.
• Kim Yong Nam Leaves Dakar
  Pyongyang, April 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Monday left Dakar after winding up his official goodwill visit to the Republic of Senegal. Leaving together with him were Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, and other suite members. They were seen off by Sada Ndiaye, minister of Overseas Senegalese, and others concerned of Senegal and Ri Kyong Son, DPRK ambassador to Senegal.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Senegalese President
  Pyongyang, April 5 (KCNA) -- Talks between Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, and Abdoulaye Wade, president Senegal, were held at the Presidential Palace Sunday.
• Joint Communique on Kim Yong Nam's Gambia Visit Issued  
    Pyongyang, April 4 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on the official goodwill visit to the Republic of Gambia by Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, was made public in Banjul on April 3. The communique said: Kim Yong Nam, president of the SPA Presidium of the DPRK, paid an official goodwill visit to Gambia from April 1 to 3, 2010, at the invitation of Gambian President Yaya A.J.J. Jammeh. During the visit, talks were held between Kim Yong Nam and Yaya A.J.J. Jammeh. At the talks, they expressed the need to further consolidate the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.  
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Libreville
  Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, on Monday arrived in Libreville to pay an official goodwill visit to the Republic of Gabon.
• FM Spokesman Refutes Anti-DPRK "Resolution" at UN
  Pyongyang, March 29 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK gave the following answer to a question raised by KCNA on Monday as regards the adoption of an anti-DPRK "resolution" at the meeting of the UN Human Rights Council: The 13th meeting of the UN Human Rights Council high-handedly adopted an anti-DPRK "resolution" keynote of which is to extend the term of the "special rapporteur" on human rights issue in the DPRK. [Human rights] [Manipulation] [UNUS]

• UN Envoy Meets N.Korea's No.2 Leader
  Lynn Pascoe, the UN undersecretary-general for political affairs, on Thursday met North Korea's no. 2 leader Kim Yong-nam in Pyongyang, the official [North] Korean Central News Agency reported. Pascoe delivered a message and a gift from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, KCNA added.
• Japan, S.Korea Unite in Demand for N.Korean Nuclear Talks
  South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (right) shakes hands with Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul on Feb. 11, 2010. /AFP The top diplomats of Japan and South Korea are closing ranks on their demand that North Korea return to negotiations to end its nuclear weapons programs. After a meeting in the South Korean capital, Tokyo's foreign minister also offered regrets aimed at soothing historical Korean grievances.
• Ban Ki-moon hopes to make his reputation in North Korea
  James Bone in New York * In his three years in office, Mr Ban has lived down to expectations Ban Ki-moon got his job as United Nations Secretary-General because of one item on his curriculum vitae. The former South Korean Foreign Minister had served as Seoul's representative to the six-party talks on the country's hermetic neighbour North Korea. In that position, Mr Ban was well known to the foreign ministers of Russia, China and the United States — three of the five UN veto powers who had to agree on the appointment — and Japan, the UN's second-largest funder. The Bush Administration, in backing him for the top UN post, knew him to be an extremely cautious diplomat who was so tongue-tied in English that he would not — could not — make waves. China apparently concurred. In his three years in office, Mr Ban has lived down to expectations.
  The North Koreans normally crave direct contact with the United States, so it is intriguing that the leadership is now ready to re-engage with the UN. An eventual visit to Pyongyang by Mr Ban — who has been elsewhere in North Korea but never to the capital — would be the first by a UN secretary-general since Boutros Boutros-Ghali went in 1993.
  There are always unexpected pitfalls, however. Mr Boutros-Ghali's historic visit descended into something of a sexual farce when it emerged that the UN's top political officer, Britain's Sir Marrack Goulding, who was married at the time, ran off with the UN chief's much younger secretary during the trip. [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS]
• UN, China in Diplomacy to Persuade North Korea
  By Kim Sue-young Staff Reporter U.N. Special Envoy to North Korea Lynn Pascoe indicated that his upcoming visit to the secretive state will include discussions on the resumption of the stalled six-party denuclearization talks, saying all issues will be on the table. [UNUS]
• Kim Jong Il Greets Vietnam Communist Party Leader
  Pyongyang, February 1 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il sent a congratulatory message to Nong Duc Manh, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Sunday on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and Vietnam.
• B. Lynn Pascoe Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
  B. Lynn Pascoe of the United States assumed the post of Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs on 1 March 2007. He was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
  Before joining the United Nations, Mr. Pascoe was most recently the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, from October 2004 to February 2007. He previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs at the State Department in Washington, D.C., following postings as U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia and U.S. Special Negotiator for Regional Conflicts in the former Soviet Union. [UNUS]
• N.Korea Tasked with Building African Liberty Monument
  The African Renaissance Monument, a large bronze statue, is being made in the Senegalese capital of Dakar by a North Korean design company. The Mansudae Overseas Project Group of Companies is due to complete the monument by April to mark the 50th anniversary of Senegal's independence from French colonial rule. Standing at 50 m tall, the piece will tower over the 46-m Statue of Liberty in New York. The Wall Street Journal reported the reason why a project that symbolizes Africa's march to freedom and independence was commissioned to one of the most dictatorial regime on the planet is that North Korean monumental sculptures "are big, simple and cheap."
• 2 UN envoys to visit North to begin talks
  Tensions on peninsula ease as shells fall silent, Kaesong parley to resume February 01, 2010 NEW YORK - Two United Nations special envoys will make a visit to North Korea this month to discuss restoring stalled dialogue between the UN and North Korea, according to a senior-ranking UN official yesterday. Kim Won-soo, a special advisor to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, told the JoongAng Ilbo that Lynn Pascoe, under secretary general for UN political affairs, and himself will visit the North from Feb. 9 to 12. The official added that the delegation visit aims to resume high-level talks that have been stalled since 2005 after UN envoy to North Korea Maurice Strong, under then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, stepped down during a controversy over his ties to the Oil-for-Food Program. Kim said, “the UN delegation will meet high-raking North Korean officials and discuss various issues concerning mostly humanitarian aid projects for the North.”
• U.N. political chief to visit North Korea next month
  By Patrick Worsnip Reuters Sunday, January 31, 2010; 1:47 PM UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending his top political aide to North Korea next month for wide-ranging discussions with the reclusive communist state, the United Nations announced on Sunday. In a statement, the world body said that Lynn Pascoe, under-secretary-general for political affairs, would visit North Korea February 9-12 to discuss "all issues of mutual interest and concern in a comprehensive manner." Pascoe, who will travel as Ban's special envoy, is a former U.S. ambassador to Indonesia and is the most senior U.N. official in years to visit North Korea. He will also visit China, Japan and South Korea, the statement said.

• 10 years of DPRK-Italy Diplomatic Ties Marked
  Pyongyang, January 26 (KCNA) -- A friendly meeting took place at the DPRK embassy in Rome on Jan. 20 on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and Italy. Present on invitation were figures of the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Senate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for Asia of Italy. The DPRK ambassador and staff members of his embassy in Rome were on hand.
• Kim Yong Nam Conveys Sympathy to Haiti President
  Pyongyang, January 15 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Thursday sent a message of sympathy to Rene Preval, President of Haiti, in connection with strong earthquake that hit the country recently, claiming huge human and material losses. Expressing deep sympathy and consolation to the president and the inhabitants of the afflicted region, Kim in the message hoped that the president and government of Haiti would eradicate the aftermath of the disaster as early as possible and bring the life of the victims to normal.

• DPRK Contributes to Peace, Security, Development of Asia
  Pyongyang, December 14 (KCNA) -- The DPRK will make a positive contribution to peace, security, independent development and prosperity of Asia in firm unity with its other peoples in the future, too, said the head of the delegation of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, addressing the plenary meeting of the Fourth Asian Parliamentary Assembly held in Indonesia on Dec. 8. Extending thanks to peoples of different countries in Asia for having voiced support and solidarity with the Korean people in their efforts to preserve peace on the Korean Peninsula and achieve its reunification and build a great prosperous and powerful nation, the speaker continued:
• Iran 'Bought Masses (sic) of N.Korean Arms'
  Iran has imported piles of North Korean-made conventional weapons, the Washington Post reported Thursday, even though both countries are under UN sanctions over their nuclear programs. Weapons also went to two Palestinian militant organizations, the Iran-backed Hezbollah and the Islamist Hamas, the paper said. [Arms sales] [Imperialism] [UNUS] [Double standards] [Sanctions] [Legality] [Spin]
• The United Nations' Role in Peace and War.
  "The UN of the arms dealers - the most disreputable and yet profitable business on earth."
  By Denis Halliday
  Global Research, December 4, 2009 Global Research Public Lecture, Montreal, December 1, 2009 Some times the New York Times does the right thing. This morning the Editorial (December 1, 2009) condemned the Swiss referendum vote to prohibit the construction of minarets on Mosques throughout the country. And on the Op. Ed. Page Bob Herbert quoted Eisenhower “ I hate war, as only a soldier who has lived it can, as one who has seen its brutality, it futility, its stupidity.” He added, and “:every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired, signifies in the final sense a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed.” [UNUS] [Arms sales] [Double standards]

• Malaysian Embassies Help Korean Farmers
  Pyongyang, November 11 (KCNA) -- Rahimi Bin Harun, Malaysian ambassador to the DPRK, and staff members of his embassy did a friendship work at the DPRK-Malaysia Friendship Ponghwa Co-op Farm in Kangdong County, Pyongyang, Wednesday. Being briefed on the immortal leadership feats performed by the peerlessly great men for the farm, they looked round the board bearing on-spot teachings given by President Kim Il Sung and the room devoted to the education in the revolutionary history, etc. They helped farmers in threshing bean. During break, they enjoyed an art performance at the farm and talked to its officials, deepening the friendship. They handed aid materials to the farm.
• Kim Yong Nam Congratulates Afghan President
  Pyongyang, November 4 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Hamid Karzai upon his reelection as President of Afghanistan. Extending congratulations to Karzai upon his reelection as President of Afghanistan, Kim in the message wished him success in his work.
• Seoul Backs UN Resolution on N.Korean Human Rights
  The South Korean government is co-sponsoring a UN resolution condemning human rights abuses in North Korea for the second year running. The Foreign Ministry on Sunday said the EU and Japan submitted a draft resolution on the North Korean human rights situation to the UN Secretariat last Friday co-sponsored by 49 nations including South Korea and the U.S. [Human rights] [Manipulation] [UNUS]
• UN Day Observed
  Pyongyang, October 30 (KCNA) -- Torben Due, acting UN resident coordinator in the DPRK, arranged a reception Thursday on the occasion of the UN Day. Present there on invitation were Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, officials concerned and diplomatic envoys of various countries here. Representatives of international organizations here were present there. Speeches were made there.

• Myanmar, North Korea Feature at Asian Summit
  By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: October 24, 2009 Filed at 3:49 a.m. ET CHA-AM, Thailand (AP) -- Southeast Asian leaders, having launched the region's first human rights watchdog, called Saturday on military-ruled Myanmar to conduct free and fair elections next year but refrained from criticizing one of the world's worst human rights offenders.
  Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, however, delivered a strong condemnation of North Korea, delegation spokesman Kazuo Kodama said. ''Japan cannot tolerate nuclear and ballistic missile development by North Korea,'' Kodama quoted the prime minister as saying. ''In order to insure peace and stability in the region, we must have comprehensive agreement. I urge you to close ranks with me.'' [Hatoyama]
• Good Moon Rising?
  Ian Williams | October 14, 2009 This year's General Assembly attracted more media attention than the United Nations usually attracts, at least since the feeding frenzy over the "oil for food" controversy. It was not just the recent stand-up routines of Libya's Qaddafi, Iran's Ahmadinejad, and Venezuela's Chavez that won the attention of the large press contingent. This time the organization really was dealing with substantive issues of global importance, and dealing with them rather than evading them with the traditional parade of orotundity. Disarmament and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, climate change, and a fair deal for the poor in the economic crisis were all on the agenda. It may not be coincidental that these issues are hardly calculated to warm a neocon heart. [Ban Ki-moon] [Continuity]
• U.N. chief portrayed as 'good moon rising'
  A renowned online publisher of analyses on U.S. foreign policy ran a commentary on the diplomatic achievements of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, whose effectiveness was recently questioned by several Western media. Journalist and author Ian Williams wrote in a Foreign Policy in Focus commentary titled "Good Moon Rising?" on Wednesday that Ban deserves more credit for last month's U.N. General Assembly.
  The FPIF senior analyst was also optimistic about Ban's prospects of winning a second term. "As a nominee of John Bolton, Bush's U.N. representative, Ban might be expected to face an Obama administration veto of a second term," he said. "But this is doubtful, however, since Ban's and Obama's agendas generally seem to be in close harmony. Above all, they subscribe to the Churchillian principle that jaw-jaw is better than war-war." [Continuity] [Ban Ki-moon]
• DPRK's Will to Contribute to Attaining UN Millennium Goal Reiterated
  Pyongyang, October 14 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government will boost the friendly and cooperative relations with UNESCO and all its member states and make a positive contribution to the international efforts to attain the UN millennium goal of development in the future, too, said the head of a DPRK delegation when addressing the plenary meeting of the 35th General Conference of UNESCO on October 9.
• DPRK's Stand on World Peace and Security Clarified
  Pyongyang, October 1 (KCNA) -- Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK who is leading the DPRK delegation, said at the plenary session of the 64th UN General Assembly on Sept. 28 that the DPRK government would fulfil all its responsibilities for defending peace and security in the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the world. The DPRK has done all it could to achieve the peaceful reunification of the country, remove the nuclear threat and the source of war from the Korean Peninsula and bring about peace and stability, he noted, and went on to say: Its efforts, however, have not met a response from the United States. The U.S. has dealt with the Korean issue only from the view of its Asia strategy and does not want to see the whole Korean Peninsula denuclearized. [NK US policy] [US NK policy] [China confrontation]
• DPRK Calls for Developing South-South Cooperation
  Pyongyang, October 1 (KCNA) -- It is the consistent stand of the DPRK to expand and develop the South-South cooperation. Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK who is heading its delegation, said this when addressing the foreign ministerial meeting of the group of 77 held at the UN Headquarters on Sept. 25 while the 64th UN General Assembly is in session. He recalled that the DPRK government has paid deep attention to boosting the South-South cooperation and taken an active part in the activities of the non-aligned movement, the group of 77 and the UN system, rendering disinterested support and exerting devoted efforts. He referred to the fact that the DPRK initiated cooperation projects in various fields including agriculture, bio-science, standardization and measurement for different developing countries in Asia and Africa, and has made governmental efforts to implement them, gaining good experience and successes in this course. The DPRK government will as always creditably fulfil its responsibility and duty in establishing a new international economic order based on justice, equality and impartiality and further expanding and developing the South-South cooperation based on collective self-reliance, he declared.

• N. Korean Delegation Heads for UN
  A team of North Korean delegates are on their way to New York to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, a plenum for the world's largest inter-state body, amid renewed hope for the often-stalled nuclear negotiation, prompted by the latest overtures from Kim Jong-il. The North Korean delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yon left Pyongyang on Friday to attend the 64th U.N. General Assembly, Yonhap News Agency said, citing the North's Korean Central News Agency. In talks with a visiting Chinese envoy on Friday, Kim said his country is willing to resolve the nuclear dispute through "bilateral or multilateral talks." His remarks, reported by China's government-run Xinhua News Agency, hinted that North Korea may possibly rejoin six-party denuclearization talks it quit earlier this year. Washington welcomed Kim's reported remarks. Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs, said he understands Kim's remarks were in line with the U.S. position that any bilateral contact between the two countries should be held within the six-party framework. The multilateral forum aimed at ending the North's nuclear drive also involves South Korea, China, Japan and Russia. "It sounds as if North Korea is underscoring that it will accept those conditions," Campbell told reporters in Tokyo, where he visited to meet with officials of the new Yukio Hatoyama government launched earlier this week. "If we have any initial bilateral interaction with North Korea, it will be as a means to get back to the six-party talks," he said. Washington has said it will decide after the U.N. session whether and when to hold bilateral talks with Pyongyang. The U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy, Stephen Bosworth, has a North Korean invitation to visit Pyongyang. [Bilateral]

• Ban Ki Moon and R2P
  Ian Williams | August 3, 2009 Kofi Annan's greatest achievement as UN secretary general was his deft steering of the UN General Assembly to accept the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine at the 2005 World Summit. Rather than attempting the impossible task of rewriting the UN Charter, Annan got the assembled delegates to reinterpret it. The assembled government leaders declared that the threats to international peace and security that came under the organization's remit included crimes against humanity, even when committed by a sovereign state within its borders. Annan's successor Ban Ki Moon is a staunch supporter of the concept of R2P. [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS] [Humanitarian interventionism] [Camouflage]

• Kim Yong Nam Back Home
  Pyongyang, July 20 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, came back home Monday after participating in the 15th NAM Summit held in Egypt. He was greeted at the airport by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the SPA, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, the Egyptian ambassador to the DPRK and the Chinese charge d'affaires ad interim to the DPRK.
• NAM Summit Supports DPRK's Efforts for Peace and Security
  Pyongyang, July 20 (KCNA) -- The 15th NAM Summit, held in Egypt, expressed full support and solidarity with the DPRK striving for peace and security in the Korean Peninsula. Especially, the member nations of the Non-Aligned Movement recognized that the "six-party talks" are needed no longer, and decided not to reflect this matter in the final document of the summit. In this connection, the DPRK delegation expressed the conviction that the NAM would as ever extend invariable support to the just cause of the DPRK. And it reclarified the steadfast stand of the DPRK government to remain faithful to the idea of the NAM and make positive contribution to its strengthening and development in the future, too. [NAM]
• XV Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement
  Sharm El Sheikh, 11-16 July 2009
  Official website
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Foreign Heads of State and Governments
  Pyongyang, July 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly who is attending the 15th NAM summit, Thursday met and had a talk with Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, president of Egypt. Present there were Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and the DPRK ambassador to Egypt from the DPRK side and the secretary of Information of the Presidency of Egypt from the Egyptian side. On the same day, Kim separately met and had talks with Madav Kumar Nepal, prime minister of Nepal, and George Yong-Boon Yeo, foreign minister of Singapore. Kim separately met and had talks with Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, president of Sudan, Datuk Seri Mohamad Najib Bin Tun Haji Abudul Razak, prime minister of Malaysia, and Kasit Piromya, foreign minister of Thailand, Wednesday. Financial police in Lucca became suspicious and, in cooperation with the Austrian government, tracked the relevant bank accounts back to Kim. Libero-News said investigations are now focused on how Kim is getting supplies of luxury goods from Italy and other European regions. The confiscated yachts will be put up for auction and the money already paid for them has been frozen.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Presidents of Cuba and Viet Nam
  Pyongyang, July 16 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly who is attending the 15th NAM summit, Tuesday separately met and had talks with Raul Castro Ruz, President of the Council of State of Cuba, and Nguyen Minh Triet, President of Viet Nam. The talks were held in a friendly atmosphere.
• Non-Aligned States Unlikely to Take N.Korea's Side
  UN condemnation of North Korea is apparently being heeded at the 15th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Egypt. Diplomatic sources in Washington D.C. say North Korea's protests are finding little sympathy from other members of the movement, and this was due to the U.S. government using its diplomatic weight behind the scenes. The North is a full member of the movement. The U.S. and South Korea are not, but have been seeking support from NAM member states for UN Security Council Resolution 1874, which was passed after the North's recent nuclear test. Cuba, Egypt and other key members of the movement, have been seeking to improve ties with the U.S. since President Barack Obama came to power. As a result, the final statement at the end of the summit on Thursday is not expected to register North Korea's protests against six-party talks on its nuclear program nor any clauses regarding the Korean Peninsula, which the Stalinist country had insisted on during previous summits. Formed more than five decades ago during the Cold War, the NAM was designed to be a group of countries that do not consider themselves aligned with any particular superpower or bloc. North Korea joined in 1975 and has been attending each year as a regular member. South Korea has been attending since 1997 as an observer. [Softwar] [US dominance][NAM] [UNUS]
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Egypt
  Pyongyang, July 14 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Sharm El Sheikh, a local city of Egypt, Monday to attend the 15th summit of non-aligned countries. [NAM]
• Kim Yong Nam Leaves for Egypt
  Pyongyang, July 11 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Saturday left here to attend in the 15th summit of non-aligned countries to be held in Egypt. He was seen off at the airport by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the SPA, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, the Egyptian ambassador to the DPRK and the charge d'affaires ad interim of China. [NAM
• South Korea in a new Asia initiative
  By Zhiqun Zhu Speaking Freely is an Asia Times Online feature that allows guest writers to have their say. Please click here if you are interested in contributing. While North Korea has grabbed the world's attention again in recent months, few people have noticed a new diplomatic initiative launched by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak earlier this year. If fully implemented as envisioned, the new policy, dubbed "New Asia Initiative", will not only enhance South Korea's international standing but promote peace and prosperity throughout Asia.
• DPRK Delegate Reiterates Its Stand on Terrorism
  Pyongyang, July 6 (KCNA) -- It is the consistent stand of the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to resolutely oppose all forms of terrorism and any support to it, declared a delegate of the DPRK addressing the meeting of the Special Committee on International Terrorism held on June 29. Terrorism is now steadily escalating in different parts of the world despite the international efforts to combat it, seriously threatening the lives of people, stability of societies and world peace and security and, furthermore, infringement upon sovereign states and extreme human rights abuses are being justified under the pretext of "war on terrorism", he noted, and continued: The United States invaded Afghanistan and Iraq and is escalating the "anti-terror war" not only in those countries but into their neighboring countries, massacring civilians. This is typical of state-sponsored terrorism and hideous human rights abuses. If such state-sponsored terrorism is allowed to go on, international efforts to put an end to it will never prove successful.
• DPRK Delegate Calls for New International Financial and Economic Order
  Pyongyang, July 5 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government will positively join in the world efforts to establish a new international financial and economic order, in the future, too, declared a delegate of the DPRK addressing the UN meeting on the international financial and economic crisis and its impact on development held on June 29. Recalling that the worldwide financial and economic crisis that originated from the U.S. last year is adversely affecting political, economic, cultural and all other fields of many countries, he said, adding that this hardest hit developing countries and is throwing serious difficulties in the way of attaining the internationally agreed targets of development including the millennium goals for development. It is absolutely intolerable that the aftermath of the economic slowdown spawned by the burst of the bubble of the capitalist monetary market is more directly and seriously affecting the peoples of developing countries than those of the developed countries, he said. He expressed a positive view on the fact that the UN analyzed the worldwide financial and economic crisis and its cause and addressed in good time the important issues including the reform of the international financial system for the first time in its history. He held that the only way of weathering the present worldwide financial and economic crisis is to do away with the outdated international economic order and establish a new international economic order whereby the sovereignty and interests of all countries are guaranteed on an equal basis. [Independent states]
• UN's Ban Ki-moon under fire for praising Burma leaders
  Julian Borger, diplomatic editor guardian.co.uk, Friday 3 July 2009 19.24 BST Article history The UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, faced a barrage of criticism tonight for apparently praising the Burmese junta without winning any concessions over human rights or a move towards democracy. Ban was under pressure to produce concrete results from his two-day mission to Burma, which was criticised as providing an endorsement to the Burmese leadership just as it is staging a trial of the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. The high-stakes visit to Burma comes at a critical time for Ban, whose low-key approach to his job has been criticised as ineffectual. He came under further fire on arrival in Naypyidaw, the regime's headquarters, when he told the head of the junta, General Than Shwe: "I appreciate your commitment to moving your country forward." "That is absolute nonsense," said Brad Adams, a Burma specialist at Human Rights Watch. "It's just what we implored him not to say, to make these diplomatic gaffes. Than Shwe has steadily moved his country backwards." [UNUS]
• Nowhere Man
  Why Ban Ki-moon is the world's most dangerous Korean. By Jacob Heilbrunn | JUNE 22, 2009
  Ban Ki-moon, a general nonentity as secretary-general
  For such a seemingly crucial position, the secretary-generalship of the United Nations has historically had a rather low bar for success. Kurt Waldheim? In his memoir, A Dangerous Place, Daniel Patrick Moynihan recounted that Waldheim functioned as "a post office, a somewhat antique but reasonably efficient public service run along Austro-Hungarian lines. As one sat down with him, he would be mentally sorting the mail while making small conversation." Boutros Boutros-Ghali? His arrogance and fecklessness as the Serbs laid waste to Bosnia prompted the Clinton administration to veto a second term. Kofi Annan? Brought low by his son Kojo's financial peculation in the Iraq oil-for-food scandal.
  Even in this unimpressive company, though, Ban Ki-moon appears to have set the standard for failure. It's not that Ban has committed any particularly egregious mistakes in his 2½ years on the job. But at a time when global leadership is urgently needed, when climate change and international terrorism and the biggest financial crisis in 60 years might seem to require some—any!—response, the former South Korean foreign minister has instead been trotting the globe collecting honorary degrees, issuing utterly forgettable statements, and generally frittering away any influence he might command. He has become a kind of accidental tourist, a dilettante on the international stage.
  Ban's flaws were obvious dating back to his decades toiling in the South Korean foreign ministry, where he earned a telling nickname, "The Bureaucrat." Luckily for Ban, if not for the rest of the world, The Bureaucrat was exactly what the Bush administration was looking for after years of tussling with the assertively anti-American Annan. When it became Asia's turn to nominate a secretary-general, Bush's secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, made Ban's election her pet project. [UNUS] [Ban Ki-moon]

• Unique Exhibition of North Korean Paintings at the Nha Trang Sea Festival in Vietnam
  Nha Trang, Vietnam, June 05, 2009 --(PR.com)-- For the first time ever North Korean paintings will be shown in Vietnam at an art exhibition during the Nha Trang Sea Festival. The festival is expected to attract large numbers of visitors from Vietnam and other Asian as well as Western countries and will be held from June 6 - 12. With more than 130 paintings it is probably the largest collection of paintings from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) ever shown in Southeast Asia.
• Pyongyang Painters.com
  Exclusively introducing renowned painters as well as new talents from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) Art collectors, investors, experts and everybody else interested in discovering North Korean fine arts
• Independence, Basis for Strengthening Internationalism
  Pyongyang, June 4 (KCNA) -- Political independence is linked with internationalism and is the basis for strengthening it. Political independence is manifested in exercising full-fledged sovereignty and equality in external relations. There are in the world parties and countries, big and small, and economically developed and underdeveloped nations. But, they are all equal and independent. Therefore, one should not infringe on other's sovereignty and one's sovereignty should not be disturbed by others. Political independence is linked with internationalism and there can not be internationalism apart from independence. Internationalism is not an abstract concept divorced from the revolution of each country but closely related with it. Only when one makes revolution successfully in one's country, can one fully support other's revolution with experience and substantial strength and fulfill the international duty. Political independence is also the basis for consolidating internationalism. Internationalist unity should be voluntary and equal by nature. For this purpose, political independence should be fully ensured between countries. There can be neither friendship nor solidarity among the nations when someone orders other countries to act this or that way, threatening their sovereignty without respecting it or meddling in their internal affairs. The Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK have exercised full-fledged political sovereignty and equality and successfully combined political independence with internationalism in the external relations by uniting with the socialist countries, non-aligned countries and other developing countries and strengthening solidarity with the countries which are friendly with them on the principle of territorial integrity, respect of sovereignty, nonaggression, noninterference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefits. As seen above, independence in politics is linked with true patriotism and genuine internationalism, not "nationalism" or "isolationism". [Independent states] [NK China]

• Cambodian PM offers condolences at Roh's death
  By Lee Chi-dong PHNOM PENH, May 23 (Yonhap) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday offered his condolences following the death of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, who he said made large contributions to the improvement of ties between Korea and Southeast Asia. "I don't know how to express my sadness. I express sincere, deep condolences," the prime minister told a group of South Korean reporters visiting here. "I didn't hear yet about the exact reason for his death, but I can't contain my sadness over the news."
• Talks between Parliamentary Delegations of DPRK and Indonesia Held
  Pyongyang, May 20 (KCNA) -- Talks between the delegation of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK and the delegation of the Parliament of Indonesia were held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Wednesday. Present there from the DPRK side were the members of the delegation of the SPA of the DPRK headed by Chairman Choe Thae Bok and from the opposite side were the members of the delegation of the Parliament of Indonesia headed by Speaker Agung Laksono and Indonesian Ambassador to the DPRK Daulat Hotma Audison Passaribu. At the talks both sides exchanged views on the issue of boosting the relations between the parliaments of the two countries and issues of mutual concern.
• North, U.S. both will be present at upcoming forum
  May 20, 2009 BANGKOK - North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun and his American counterpart, Hillary Clinton, will attend the Asean Regional Forum to be held in Thailand in July, a Thai official said yesterday. “North Korea recently confirmed that its foreign minister will attend the [forum] slated for July 17 through 23,” Arthayudh Srisamoot, deputy director-general of the Thai foreign ministry’s Asean bureau, told a group of South Korean reporters on a trip here. [ARF]
• Banquet Hosted by Zimbabwean VP in Honor of Kim Yong Nam
  Pyongyang, May 13 (KCNA) -- Vice-President of Zimbabwe Joyce Teurai Ropa Mujuru hosted a banquet on May 12 in honor of Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, on a visit to Zimbabwe. Present there on invitation were Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyong Jun, DPRK Ambassador to Zimbabwe An Hui Jong and other suite members. Present there were ministers including Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, commanders of the army, the mayor of Harare and officials concerned. The banquet proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
• Talks between Kim Yong Nam and Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Held
  Pyongyang, May 11 (KCNA) -- Talks were held between Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of South Africa, at the presidential palace in Pretoria on May 10. At the talks both sides discussed the matter of further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two counties in various domains and exchanged views on matters of mutual concern. The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. Present there were Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK, and Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, foreign minister of South Africa.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Foreign State Leaders
  Pyongyang, May 11 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, on a visit to South Africa met and had a talk with Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda who paid a courtesy call on him on May 10. The Zambian President said that he was well aware of the DPRK's support and encouragement rendered to the African people in the struggle for independence, freedom, national liberation and economic development. Noting that the DPRK has long and fully supported the just cause of the Zambian people, he expressed the steadfast stand to steadily boost the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. Kim Yong Nam also met and had a talk with Esteban Lazo Hernandez, vice-president of the Council of State of Cuba who paid a courtesy call on him on the same day. The vice-president referred to the bilateral relations continuously developing on good terms despite the complicate international situation, adding that Cuba positively supports the principled strong stand taken by the DPRK and its efforts to achieve the peaceful reunification of the country without foreign forces' interference. Noting that the DPRK's satellite launch is the just exercise of the right of a sovereign state, he declared that Cuba decisively rejects any sanctions against the DPRK and resolutely opposes high-handed and arbitrary practices in the international arena. During his visit to South Africa Kim Yong Nam met with the Presidents of Namibia, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya, the chairman of the African Union Committee, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and the vice-president of Gabon who attended the swearing in ceremony of the South African President.
• Stand on Int'l Information Activities Expressed
  Pyongyang, May 11 (KCNA) -- At the 31st meeting of the UN Committee on Information on May 5, the head of the DPRK delegation expressed the stand on the matter of providing practical measures to make the international information activities contribute to peace and security, sound social progress and promotion of sustained development. He said that priority should be attached to the discussion on the ways for establishing a new and fair international information and communications order. [Media]
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Singapore
  Pyongyang, May 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and his party arrived in Singapore on Wednesday.
• Kim Yong Nam Leaves
  Pyongyang, May 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, left here on Wednesday to visit South Africa and Zimbabwe. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyong Jun and other suite members.
• Talks between FMs of DPRK and Cuba Held
  Pyongyang, May 6 (KCNA) -- Talks between Pak Ui Chun, foreign minister of the DPRK who is leading the government delegation on a visit to Cuba, and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Cuban foreign minister, were held in Havana on May 4. Present there from the DPRK side were members of the delegation and the DPRK ambassador to Cuba and from the opposite side a vice-minister of Foreign Affairs and officials concerned. At the talks both sides discussed the matter of further developing the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on the international issues of mutual concern.
• UN chief rejects further inquiry in Gaza
  Julian Borger, diplomatic editor guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 5 May 2009 20.54 BST Article historyOne of the more striking features of today's UN inquiry into the Gaza war is the secretary general's prompt rejection of one of its key findings. In its 11th and final recommendation, the board of inquiry said the killings and injuries that happened beyond its narrow remit, outside the walls of the UN compound in Gaza, "should be investigated as part of an impartial inquiry mandated, and adequately resourced, to investigate allegations of violations of international humanitarian law". In his covering letter, however, Ban Ki-moon, said he did not "plan any further inquiry", opting not to use the secretary general's prerogative to order his own inquiries into allegations of serious human rights abuses. [UNUS]
• DPRK FM Spokesman on Adoption of Final Document at Ministerial Meeting of Coordinating Committee of NAM
  Pyongyang, May 1 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the follow answer to a question put by KCNA Friday in connection with the adoption of the final document at the ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Non-Aligned Movement: The ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the NAM was held in Havana, Cuba on April 29 and 30 and the final document was adopted there. The meeting decided not to include a Korea-related article dealing with the "six-party talks" in the final document, taking into consideration the recent situation prevailing in the Korean Peninsula. The said article which had so far been included in the final documents of the NAM meetings was excluded this time. This fully reflects the present situation in which the "six-party talks" disappeared due to the vicious moves of the forces hostile toward the DPRK.

• Kim Yong Nam to Visit South Africa and Zimbabwe
  Pyongyang, April 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, will soon visit South Africa to attend the inaugural ceremony of the President of the country. He will also visit Zimbabwe.
• Iranian Ambassador to DPRK Hosts Reception
  Pyongyang, April 22 (KCNA) -- Morteza Moradian, Iranian ambassador to the DPRK, gave a reception at his embassy on April 21 on the occasions of the birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung and General Secretary Kim Jong Il's reelection as chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK.
• Kim Jong Il Sends Greetings to Syrian President
  Pyongyang, April 16 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il Thursday sent a message of greetings to Bashar Al-Assad, regional secretary of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party and President of Syria, on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of the independence of Syria.
• The Disunited Nations
  Amy L. S. Staples. The Birth of Development: How the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, and World Health Organization Have Changed the World 1945–1965 (New Studies in U.S. Foreign Relations). Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 2006. xvi + 368 pp. Notes, bibliography, index. $55.00. When most people think of the United Nations, the first images that come to mind are of hands raised around the Security Council and the blue helmets and white jeeps of the peacekeepers. For many, the United Nations is, above all, a moral force, issuing an authoritative imprimatur to all manner of ideas, whether upholding human rights and collective security or fighting genocide and global warming. Whereas detractors deride the General Assembly as a debating society for dictators, for supporters it bears the potential to make real Tennyson’s old dream of a “Parliament of Man, the federation of the world.” Still others imagine the United Nations is already part of some sinister plan, in which the secretary general commands squadrons of black helicopters that will one day swoop down and impose world government. [UNUS]
• U.N. Council May Rebuke North Korea
  NEIL MacFARQUHAR Published: April 11, 2009 UNITED NATIONS — The major players on the United Nations Security Council reached a compromise Saturday to chastise North Korea for launching a rocket while avoiding tough new punishments that Russia and China had feared would drive the North away from negotiations over dismantling its nuclear program. Text of U.N. Security Council Draft Statement on North Korea (April 11, 2009) The Council may vote as soon as Monday on the American draft of a presidential statement, a step less forceful than a resolution, that would tighten existing sanctions by singling out specific North Korean organizations and expanding the list of banned goods related to its nuclear and missile programs. [Satellite] [Sanctions] [Double standards]
• Key U.N. Powers Agree on N. Korea Statement
  By Colum Lynch Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, April 12, 2009; Page A12 UNITED NATIONS, April 11 -- The U.N. Security Council's five permanent powers and Japan reached agreement Saturday on a statement condemning North Korea's April 5 rocket launch over Japan. The text would revive a 2 1/2 -year-old threat of financial and travel sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Pyongyang's missile program. [Satellite] [Sanctions] [Double standards]
• Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry Rejects Anti-DPRK "Resolution"
  Pyongyang, March 30 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave the following answer to the question raised by KCNA on Monday as regards the adoption of an anti-DPRK "resolution" at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council: Another anti-DPRK "resolution" peppered with lies and fabrications was adopted at the 10th meeting of the UN Human Rights Council as what happened last year. This is a product of the plot being hatched by the EU and Japan each year to achieve a sinister political aim. [Manipulation] [Human rights]

• UN adopts resolution on the North
  Grave concerns about systematic human rights abuses March 28, 2009 The United Nations has adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by South Korea, denouncing human rights abuses in North Korea. The UN’s human rights council has reappointed an investigator on the North to continue reporting on abuses there for another year. [Manipulation]
• Indonesian navy chief in S. Korea for weapons, training cooperation
  Indonesia's top naval officer visited South Korea Wednesday on a three-day trip aimed at boosting weapons trade and personnel exchanges, the Navy here said Wednesday, according to Yonhap News Agency. Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, Indonesia's Navy Chief of Staff, arrived here on invitation by his South Korean counterpart Jung Ok-keun, who visited Jakarta in May last year, the Navy said in a statement. The two met at the Jinhae naval base in southern South Korea to discuss mutual security issues and ways to boost cooperation in weapons systems, the statement said, adding Tedjo Edhy will also tour South Korean manufacturers of naval weapons during the trip. "The visit is part of routine exchanges between the countries, who have increased their cooperation in naval training over the years," a Navy officer said. South Korea has been pushing to export submarines to Indonesia, which could in turn provide transport aircraft. [Arms sales] [Proliferation]
• Helen Clark lands top UN job
  Mitchell Hall | Wednesday March 25 2009 - 10:35am In a few hours former Labour prime minister from 1999-2008 Helen Clark will be named the new UN Development Program chief. Highly placed sources have told The Trans-Tasman Political Letter that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon is confirming the appointment today. The UNDP administrator job is the third highest ranking member of the United Nations after the United Nations Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. It will be the highest international post held by a New Zealander since former Labour prime minister Mike Moore was director-general of the World Trade Organisation. [UNDP]
• UN to Discuss Sanctions on N. Korea
  By Na Jeong-ju Staff Reporter The U.N. Security Council will discuss possible sanctions on North Korea if the communist country test-fires a missile or launches a communications satellite, the U.N. chief and South Korea's top diplomat indicated, Friday. ``That's what Security Council members will discuss when and after anything happens,'' U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told a news conference at the U.N. headquarters in New York in response to a question about whether the United Nations will move to impose sanctions on Pyongyang. ``I'm concerned about North Korea's recent move to launch a satellite or long-range missile. This will threaten the peace and stability in the region,'' he said, adding the launch violates a U.N. resolution in October 2006 that prohibits North Korea from test-firing a ballistic missile or conducting nuclear experiments [UNUS] [Double standards]
• DPRK Delegate on UN Peace-keeping Operations
  Pyongyang, March 3 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegate made a speech at the session of the UN Special Committee on Peace-keeping Operations on Feb. 24. He said: The UN peace-keeping operation has increased in number and size as never before but regrettably, dispute and conflict are getting steadily escalated in different parts of the world, instead of being reduced. Even such practices are taking place frequently as that the peace-keeping forces and UN officials became the targets of attack. The facts show that there are still many problems to be settled in UN peace-keeping operations. Primary efforts should be exerted to remove the source of all frictions and conflicts, the delegate urged, saying that the root cause is just the Cold-War way of thinking and confrontation policy. It is important to strictly adhere to the objective and principle of the UN Charter and all the principles related to the peace-keeping operation in every UN peace-keeping operation, he stressed, adding: If any peace-keeping operation is decided on in the interests of some countries and used as a lever for interference in other countries' internal affairs, such operation may, on the contrary, aggravate any dispute. He went on to say:
  It is abnormal that the "UN Command," unhampered by the UN, remains in Korea, without getting any orders or financial support from the UN, still now though over half a century has passed since the ceasefire there. [UNUS]

• Photo of Kim Il Sung Taken Together with Seyed Ali Khamenei Displayed at Iranian Embassy
  Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- A function was held at the Iranian embassy in Pyongyang on Thursday to display a photograph President Kim Il Sung had taken with leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Seyed Ali Khamenei on the occasions of the 20th anniversary of their meeting and the 30th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
• Friendly Meeting with Members of Missions of International Organizations Here Held
  Pyongyang, February 5 (KCNA) -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs arranged a friendly gathering with members of the missions of international organizations here on Feb. 5 on the occasion of the birthday of General Secertary Kim Jong Il. Present there on invitation were Torben Due, an acting UN resident coordinator to the DPRK, and other members of the missions of international organizations here. On hand were officials of the Foreign Ministry including Vice-Minister Pak Kil Yon. Speeches were made at the meeting.
• Anniversary of Victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran Marked
  Pyongyang, February 2 (KCNA) -- A meeting and film show took place at the Chollima Hall of Culture on Feb. 2 to mark the 30th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Present there on invitation were Morteza Moradian, Iranian ambassador to the DPRK, and staff members of his embassy. Jong Yong Su, minister of Labour, who is chairman of the DPRK-Iran Friendship Association, addressing the meeting, said that the Iranian people have registered many successes in the efforts to develop economy and improve the standard of the people's living since the victory of revolution, smashing the U.S. hostile moves against Iran.
• S. Korea Seeks Ties With Syria
  By Jung Sung-ki Staff Reporter South Korea is pushing ahead with establishing diplomatic ties with Syria, known as one of North Korea's staunchest allies, diplomatic sources here said Monday. The Seoul government proposed the formalization of diplomatic relations with the Middle Eastern nation in 2005, but Syria rejected the offer, citing its relationship with North Korea, which remains technically at war with South Korea. In 2006, the then Roh Moo-hyun administration proposed establishing a consular office to which Syria was positive.

• What Is Massacre Aimed at
  Pyongyang, January 7 (KCNA) -- Israel is steadily escalating its brutal military attacks on Gaza Strip of Palestine, turning a deaf ear to the strong protest and condemnation of the international community. The operation started on December 27 last year with an air raid involving more than 60 fighters and armed helicopters and it entered a ground operation on January 3.

• DPRK-Singapore Inter-Governmental Agreement Inked
  Pyongyang, December 3 (KCNA) -- An agreement on promoting and protecting investment between the governments of the DPRK and Singapore was signed in Singapore on Nov. 2. Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were members of the DPRK government economic delegation headed by Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam on a visit to Singapore and the DPRK ambassador to that country and from the Singaporean side Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang and officials concerned. The agreement was inked by Ri and Lim. That day an agreement on the bilateral cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce of the DPRK and the Singaporean Business Federation was signed.
• Disbandment of "UN Command" Demanded
  Pyongyang, November 3 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegate, addressing the meeting of the Fourth Committee of the 63rd UN General Assembly on Oct. 27, demanded the disbandment of the "UN Command" in south Korea. He referred to the fact that the abuse of the sacred name of the UN is going on due to the "UN Command" in south Korea. He held that the "UN Command" is nothing but the U.S. forces command as it is a product of the Cold War. It is generally recognized fact that the "UN Command" has no relations with the UN as far as its administration and budget, etc. are concerned, he noted, and went on: It cannot but be an abnormal thing that the "UN Command" is still present in south Korea beyond the control of the UN though 55 years have passed since the truce in Korea. Nevertheless, the U.S. has persistently insisted on the continued existence of the above-said command. This is aimed to justify and perpetuate the U.S. forces' presence in south Korea and bring multinational forces to the Korean Peninsula with ease in any time in case of emergency. Ever since its appearance the command has brought unspeakable misfortune to the Korean people and thrown hurdles in the way of reunification of Korea, hamstringing the implementation of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration which clarified the idea of "By our nation itself" and the October 4 declaration, a programme for implementing it. The "UN Command" should be dissolved without delay as required by the resolution of the 30th UN General Assembly, he urged. [UNUS] [Military presence]

• DPRK Delegate on Reforms of UNSC
  Pyongyang, November 25 (KCNA) -- The DPRK delegate, in a speech made at the plenary meeting of the 63rd UN General Assembly on November 19 which discussed the issue of reforming the UNSC, said that the UNSC's arrogation has reached a serious phase as evidenced by the fact that it is used for meeting the interests of some specified countries in many cases and issues beyond its mandate are frequently dealt with. The UNSC should become a body responsible for substantially ensuring the international peace and security and not act a tool for justifying specified countries' moves to meet their strategic interests, he stressed. Saying that the principle of impartiality should be thoroughly observed in the activities of the UNSC, he held that disputes should be settled mainly by parties concerned through peaceful dialogues and negotiations. [Independent states]
• What's Your First Thought About Korea?
  When foreign opinion-makers think about Korea, often the first image that springs to mind is that of a divided country. According to a survey conducted by Corea Image Communication Institute, 39.3 percent of the 117 foreign opinion leaders surveyed -- including CEOs of foreign firms, bank managers, diplomats, and professors who either reside in Korea or have visited -- said their first image of Korea was of “a divided country,” followed by Kimchi (18 percent), Samsung (12 percent), and North Korea’s nuclear issues (6 percent). [Image]
• UN Commission Passes N.Korea Resolution
  The UN Commission on Human Rights last Friday passed a resolution urging North Korea to improve its human rights record. The resolution will now likely be adopted by a full session of the UN General Assembly next month. AP reported the resolution was passed by a vote of 95 to 24 with 62 abstentions. The resolution expressed "very serious concern" at conditions in North Korea, citing North Korea's harsh treatment of recaptured refugees, restrictions on freedom of religion and thought, and its violations of workers' rights. It was initiated by 51 nations, including the EU and Japan. South Korea jointed them as a co-sponsor for the first time after abstaining or absenting itself in previous years with the exception of 2006. North Korea immediately rejected the UN resolution. AP quoted deputy chief of North Korea's mission to the UN Pak Dok-hun as saying, "The resolution is a product of a political plot to forcibly change North Korea's system and ideology." He warned South Korea “will pay dearly” for sponsoring the resolution. [Manipulation] [UNUS] [Decline]
• Greetings to Lebanese President
  Pyongyang, November 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Friday sent a message of greetings to Michel Suleiman, President of the Republic of Lebanon, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of its independence. The message wished the President and people of Lebanon successes in their efforts to ensure the peace and stability of the country and national unity and achieve progress and prosperity of the country.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Palestinian Ambassador
  Pyongyang, November 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a talk with Mohammad Shahta Zarab, Palestinian ambassador to the DPRK, on Friday when the latter paid a farewell call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. Present on the occasion was Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Agreement on Cooperation Signed between DPRK and Kuwait
  Pyongyang, November 19 (KCNA) -- An agreement on cooperation between the Ministry of City Management of the DPRK and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development was signed here Wednesday. Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were Vice-Minister of City Management Ri Kang Hui and officials concerned and from the opposite side the delegation of the Kuwait fund led by Deputy Director General Hesham Al-Waqayan.
• Kim Yong Nam Greets Cambodian King
  Pyongyang, November 8 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, on Nov. 8 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of its independence.
• DPRK Clarifies Its Will to Contribute to Int'l Efforts for Protection and Improvement of Human Rights
  Pyongyang, November 5 (KCNA) -- The government of the DPRK will as ever further strengthen and develop the Korean-style socialist system and positively contribute to the international efforts for the protection and improvement of human rights. A delegate of the DPRK declared this when discussing the item "protection and improvement of human rights" at the meeting of the 3rd Committee of the 63rd UN General Assembly on Oct. 29. The human rights issue is not a privileged monopoly granted to any specified country or to forces and there can be neither "judge" nor "defendant" as far as international human rights issues are concerned, he noted, and continued:
• Day of United Nations Observed
  Pyongyang, October 30 (KCNA) -- Jean Pierre De Margerie, acting resident coordinator of the UN to the DPRK, hosted a reception on Wednesday on the occasion of the Day of the United Nations. Present there on invitation were Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, officials concerned and diplomatic envoys of various countries here.   Representatives of international organizations here were on hand.   Speeches were made at the reception.

• Kim Yong Nam Meets Syrian Delegation  
          Pyongyang, October 27 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with a delegation of the Syrian Trade Unions Federation headed by its President Mohammed Shaban Azzooz who is president of the World Federation of Trade Unions, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Monday.  
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Vietnam Delegation
  Pyongyang, October 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the delegation of the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security headed by its Minister Le Hong Anh, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C., the Communist Party of Vietnam, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today.
• Nuclear bond for North Korea and Myanmar
  By Norman Robespierre YANGON - A recent flurry of high-level contacts between North Korea and Myanmar raises new nuclear proliferation concerns between the two pariah states, one of which already possesses nuclear-weapon capabilities and the other possibly aspiring. At least three delegations led by flag-level officers from Myanmar's army have traveled to Pyongyang in the past three months, hot on the heels of the two sides' re-establishment last year of formal diplomatic relations. According to a source familiar with the travel itineraries of Myanmar officials, Brigadier General Aung Thein Lin visited North Korea in mid-September.
• Message of Sympathy to Syrian President
  Pyongyang, September 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of sympathy to Syrian President Bashar Al?Assad on Sept. 29 in connection with the terrorist bomb blast that occurred in Damascus recently, killing or wounding many innocent people. Kim in the message expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the president, the government and people of Syria and the victims and the bereaved families of the dead.   The Democratic People's Republic of Korea government, which opposes all forms of terrorism and any support to it, vehemently denounces the bomb blast as a hateful terrorist act to disturb the security and stability of Syria, the message said.

• Diplomatic Relations Established between DPRK and Kenya
  Pyongyang, September 28 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on establishing diplomatic relations between the governments of the DPRK and the Republic of Kenya was published in New York on September 26. According to it, the governments of the DPRK and the Republic of Kenya decided to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level from the day of signing the joint communique, in conformity with the principle and goal of the U.N. Charter, international law, the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations signed in 1961 and the Vienna convention on consular relations signed in 1963, proceeding from the desire to promote and strengthen the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries on the principles of mutual respect for equality, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs of states. Authorized by the governments of their countries Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, from the DPRK side and Moses M. Wetangula, minister of Foreign Affairs, from the Kenyan side signed the joint communique.
• Protocols Signed between Governments of DPRK and Cuba
  Pyongyang, September 26 (KCNA) -- A protocol on the 27th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Economic and Scientific and Technological Consultative Committee and a protocol on the exchange of goods for 2009 were signed between the DPRK and Cuba with due ceremony here on Sept. 26. Present there from the DPRK side were Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, and officials concerned and from the Cuban side members of the Cuban government economic delegation headed by Jose Manuel Galego Montano, Cuban ambassador to the DPRK. They were signed by the minister and the ambassador.
• Kim Il Chol Meets Delegation of VPA
  Pyongyang, September 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, Wednesday met and had a friendly talk with the delegation of senior political officers of the Vietnam People's Army led by Le Van Dung, secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and head of the VPA General Political Department. Present there were Col. General of the Korean People's Army Sim Sang Dae and Le Van Cu, Vietnamese ambassador to the DPRK, and Dau Xuan Long, military attache of the embassy.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets UNESCO Director-General and His Party
  Pyongyang, September 12 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with Koitsiro Matsuura, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and his party at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Friday. On hand was Pak Kil Yon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs.

• Non-Aligned Movement gives North and South equal attention
  August 01, 2008 Member countries of the Non-Aligned Movement that convened in Iran for an annual conference chose a closing statement that buttressed concerns of both Seoul and Pyongyang. Seoul diplomats have been working hard to have their position equally reflected in the statement along with that of Pyongyang, after diplomatic embarrassments at the Asean Regional Forum in Singapore last week. NAM, a group of 118 countries that seeks to look out for the interests of developing countries, had an annual conference in Tehran last week and released the statement on Wednesday night. It said that NAM member countries support all inter-Korean joint declarations as well as other agreements signed in the six-party talks seeking to denuclearize the North.
• Iranian President on Relations with DPRK
  Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian President, met and had a friendly talk in Tehran on July 29 with the DPRK delegation headed by Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun to the conference of foreign ministers of non-aligned countries. Saying that Iran and the DPRK are countries fighting against the U.S. imperialists, the Iranian president sincerely hoped that the Korean people would achieve greater success in the anti-U.S. struggle. He expressed the belief that the relations between the two countries would grow stronger in the future, too.
• Talks Held between DPRK and Iranian Foreign Ministers
     Pyongyang, July 30 (KCNA) -- Talks between Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun who is heading the DPRK delegation to the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Countries and Manouchehr Mottaki, foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, were held in Tehran on July 28.     Present there from the DPRK side were members of the delegation and the DPRK ambassador to Iran and from the Iranian side officials concerned of the Foreign Ministry.     At the talks both sides exchanged views on the issue of boosting the relations between the two countries and a series of matters of common concern.

• North seeking diplomatic support
  July 30, 2008 Pyongyang is poised to take its months-long demand that Seoul respect the principles of last October’s inter-Korean joint declaration to the international community. North Korea, which managed to present its position during the Asean Regional Forum in Singapore last week, is now pushing the agenda at the annual meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement being held this week in Iran. NAM, with 118 member countries, is an international organization of nations considering themselves not formally aligned with or against a major power bloc. Pyongyang’s move is likely to put Seoul in a politically delicate position; it has to prove it supports the inter-Korean declaration and that the North, not the South, does not. {NAM]  
• Korea's Reunification Supported
  Pyongyang, July 29 (KCNA) -- Nong Duc Manh, general secretary of the C.C., the Communist Party of Vietnam, met and had a friendly talk with a DPRK delegation led by Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun on a visit to Vietnam at the building of the Party Central Committee on July 26. The general secretary stated that it is the steadfast stand of the Vietnamese party and government to value and further develop the friendly relations between the two countries provided by President Kim Il Sung and President Ho Chi Minh.
• Koreas in Diplomatic Showdown in Tehran
  By Jung Sung-ki Staff Reporter South and North Korea are in for another bout of diplomatic maneuvering at this week's international conference in Teheran, following a showdown at a regional security forum in Singapore last week. At issue is the Oct. 4 Summit Declaration signed under the previous, liberal South Korean government, which the conservative Lee Myung-bak administration is reluctant to inherit. North Korea has urged the Lee government to ``honor'' the agreements made at the summit between former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang last year.
  outh Korea is a guest to the NAM, a group of states considering themselves not formally aligned with any major power bloc, while North Korea is a full member. [NAM]
• Lee’s N. Korea policy criticized at ASEAN Regional Forum
  Foreign ministers support continuation of inter-Korean dialogue and implementation of summit agreement
        Foreign affairs and security experts who are working on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Regional Forum in Singapore, a stage for multilateral diplomacy, have pointed out that the administration of President Lee Myung-bak needs to reshape its policy on North Korea by clarifying that it will implement two summit accords with the North, the June 15 Joint Declaration and the October 4 Summit Declaration. Providing evidence that the international community has raised the issue of the North Korean policy by the South Korean government, the experts cited a statement issued by foreign ministers of 27 nations participating in the regional security forum that “expressed strong support for continued development of inter-Korean dialogue based on the October 4 Summit Declaration.”  [SN NK policy]
• South, North Korea tie ARF in a diplomatic knot
  July 26, 2008 A bizarre diplomatic twist took place yesterday that mirrors the turbulent nature of inter-Korean relations. It began Thursday when Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo, who is also chairman of the Asean Regional Forum, released a statement in Singapore. In a diplomatic blow to South Korea, Yeo said the South’s recent dealings with the North leave room for improvement. ARF members “expressed strong support for continued development of inter-Korean dialogue based on the [Oct. 4] declaration,” Yeo said in a statement. The North has long argued that the Lee Myung-bak administration has ignored the declaration, which was reached by President Roh Moo-hyun, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il last year. South Korea, meanwhile, tried to convince the nations represented at ARF to press Pyongyang to answer questions surrounding the recent killing of a South Korean tourist in the North. During the annual forum, foreign ministers from 10 Asean member nations and 17 other countries expressed concern over the recent shooting, saying they hope “the incident would be resolved expeditiously.” And then came the twist. Unhappy Seoul officials yesterday asked Singapore to delete the part of the statement that called on the South to honor the Oct. 4 declaration. Seoul agreed, in turn, that the sentence that mentions the shooting at Mount Kumgang should also be deleted. The ARF host country has the right to revise the chairman’s statement.  [KR_summit07]
• Singaporean President on Relations with DPRK
     Pyongyang, July 25 (KCNA) -- Singaporean President S. R. Nathan met and had a friendly talk with the visiting DPRK delegation headed by Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun at the presidential palace on Wednesday.     The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a heritage of President Kim Il Sung, the Singaporean President said, hoping that the Korean people would brilliantly celebrate its 60th birthday.     Expressing his pleasure over the favorably developing relations between Singapore and the DPRK, he declared that he would do his best to develop the bilateral relations.  
• North Korea signs on to peace pact
  ‘Every step we take to encourage North Korea to abide by international norms is a step in the right direction.’ July 25, 2008 SINGAPORE ? North Korea signed a non-aggression pact with Southeast Asia yesterday in what officials and analysts said was a sign it wants to be seen as a more responsible international player.
• Congratulations to First President of Nepal
  Pyongyang, July 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, today sent a congratulatory message to Ram Baran Yadav upon his election as the first President of the Republic of Nepal. In the message Kim expressed the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Nepal would continue to develop on good terms and sincerely wished him great success in his noble work for the political stability and prosperity of the country.
• Talks between DPRK and Singaporean Foreign Ministers Held
  Pyongyang, July 23 (KCNA) -- Talks were held between Pak Ui Chun, foreign minister who is heading the DPRK delegation on a visit to Singapore, and George Yong�|Boon Yeo, foreign minister of Singapore, in Singapore on July 22. Present there from the DPRK side were members of the delegation and the DPRK ambassador to Singapore and from the Singaporean side the second permanent secretary of the Foreign Ministry and officials concerned of Singapore. At the talks, both sides exchanged views on boosting the relations between the two countries and a series of matters of mutual concern.
• Kim Yong Nam Receives Credentials from Egyptian Ambassador to DPRK
  Pyongyang, July 21 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, received credentials from Ismail Abdelrahman Ghoneim Hussein, Egyptian ambassador to the DPRK, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. On hand were Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and staff members of the Egyptian embassy here. After receiving the credentials, Kim had a talk with the ambassador.
• Ban Urges NK to Improve Human Rights
  President Lee Myung-bak, right, shakes hands with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon before their meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, Friday. Ban Arrived in South Korea, Thursday for a five day visit. / Yonhap By Jung Sung-ki Staff Reporter U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged North Korea Friday to address its human rights situation, calling it ``unacceptable.'' ``I think that North Korea should also take necessary steps to improve their human rights situation,'' Ban, who is on a visit to his homeland for the first time since taking office at the United Nations 18 months ago, said in a press conference in Seoul. ``There are still many areas where human rights are not properly protected, and even abused,'' said Ban, who served as South Korean foreign minister between 2004 and 2006. ``This is an unacceptable situation.''
• Choe Thae Bok Meets Vietnamese Delegation
  Pyongyang, June 27 (KCNA) -- Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, met and had a friendly talk with the delegation of the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Parliamentary Group led by its Chairman Ksor Phuoc who is also chairman of the National Council of the Vietnamese National Assembly, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Friday. Present there were Kim Wan Su, chairman of the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group, and Le Van Cu, Vietnamese ambassador to the DPRK.
• Message of Greetings to 11th Ordinary Session of Assembly of Heads of State and Government of AU
  Pyongyang, June 30 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Monday sent a message of greetings to the 11th ordinary session of the assembly of heads of state and government of the AU in connection with its opening in Egypt. Kim in the message extended on behalf of the DPRK government warm congratulations and salute to all heads of state and government and delegates participating in the session, noting that the AU has achieved great successes in its work to achieve peace, stability and socio-economic development of the continent and boost the unity and cooperation among its member states while rapidly raising its position and role. The message extended full support and solidarity to the efforts of the African governments and people to build an independent, peaceful and prosperous continent, reiterating the will of the DPRK government and people to steadily boost the traditional friendly and cooperative relations with the AU and its member states. Expressing belief that this session will mark an important occasion in achieving lasting peace and security in Africa and promoting the politico- economic integration of the continent, the message sincerely hoped that the African people would make shining success in line with their desire and wishes.

• Talks between DPRK and Vietnamese Delegations
  Pyongyang, June 24 (KCNA) -- Talks were held between the delegations of the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group and the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Parliamentary Group at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. Present there from the DPRK side were members of the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group led by its Chairman Kim Wan Su and from the opposite side members of the Vietnam-Korea Friendship Parliamentary Group led by its Chairman Ksor Phuoc who is also chairman of the National Council of the Vietnamese National Assembly and Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Cu to the DPRK. At the talks both sides exchanged views on further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the two parliaments and a series of matters of mutual concern.
• Agreement Signed between DPRK and Laos
  Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- An agreement on the formation of the joint information committee between the Information Committee of the DPRK and the Ministry of Information and Culture of Laos was signed in Vientiane on Wednesday. Attending at the signing ceremony were the members of the delegation of the Information Committee of the DPRK headed by its Chairman Kang Nung Su who is minister of Culture and the DPRK ambassador to Laos from the DPRK side and Mounkeo Oraboun, minister of Information and Culture, and officials concerned from the Lao side. The agreement was inked by Kang Nung Su and Mounkeo Oraboun
• Greetings to President of Philippines
  Pyongyang, June 11 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 3 on the occasion of the 110th independence anniversary of the country. Kim in the message sincerely wished the president greater success in her work for political stability and economic progress of the country. Saying that it is the consistent stand of the DPRK government to give importance and positively develop the relations with Philippines and other Asian countries which are geographically close to the DPRK, he expressed belief that the DPRK-Philippine friendly and cooperative relations developing on good terms at present would grow stronger by their joint efforts.
• North Korea says it's opposed to terrorism
  The Associated Press Tuesday, June 10, 2008; 2:58 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea has reiterated its opposition to terrorism and nuclear proliferation in an apparent attempt to bolster its bid for removal from a U.S. blacklist. The North's Foreign Ministry says in a statement released Tuesday that the country "will firmly maintain its consistent stand of opposing all forms of terrorism." The ministry also says the North will take part in international efforts to prevent weapons of mass destruction from falling into terrorists' hands.
• Greetings to Swedish King
  Pyongyang, June 6 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Friday sent a message of greetings to Carl Gustaf, King of Sweden, on the occasion of its national day. Kim in the message sincerely wished the king good health and happiness and the Swedish people prosperity.
• Kim Jong Il Sends Congratulatory Message to Raul Castro Ruz
  Pyongyang, June 3 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il Tuesday sent together with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, a congratulatory message to Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba on the latter's 77th birthday. The message says: We extend warm congratulations and comradely salute to you on your 77th birthday. Availing ourselves of this opportunity, we express the belief that the friendly and cooperative relations between the peoples of the two countries based on the revolutionary principle will continue to grow stronger and sincerely wish you good health and happiness as well as greater success in your responsible work for protecting the socialist gains and promoting the well-being of the people.

• S. Korea’s role in a balanced foreign policy
  [Editorial]   President Lee Myung-bak goes to China for a summit meeting with Chinese leader Hu Jintao today. It is part of his plan to get the framework for relations with the "four powers" (the United States, Russia, Japan and China) up and running early in his government.   According to Blue House officials, the two countries plan to agree on elevating bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership." The official explanation is that a strategic partnership with China means that Seoul and Beijing are going to cooperate closely on peninsular, regional and global issues. If so, that means that relations are rising to a level of "global management" that excludes only military affairs. There is no reason this in itself should be considered something negative. The question, though, is whether that can be harmonized with the "strategic alliance" Seoul and Washington have declared. At a time when it would be hard for the national interests of the United States and China to always be in agreement, tilting excessively to one side would mean cooperation with the other could easily hurt the cooperation. If there is going to be a higher-level of relations with China, see, there needs to be a sustained desire to achieve balance in diplomacy. Countries like China and Russia suspect that since Lee’s inauguration, Korea is leaning towards the old triangular Cold War-style alliance starring Korea, Japan and the United States. This summit meeting needs to be a time for washing away those concerns.
• Korea, 22 Arab States Look to Enhanced Ties
  [Special] Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, fourth from left, poses with dignitaries from Arabian countries during the Korea-Arab Society’s inaugural conference at the Lotte Hotel in Seoul, Monday. They include Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, third from left, and President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, fifth from left. / Yonhap By Jung Sung-ki Staff Reporter About 200 high-profile figures from the political, business and cultural circles of 22 Arab states gathered in Seoul, Monday, to attend a conference to prepare for the landmark establishment of the Korea-Arab Society (KAS). KAS aims to enhance public understanding of Islamic culture and foster human networks, as well as to explore joint business and investment opportunities in South Korea and the Middle East, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT), which hosted the conference. The society is a non-profit organization that is to be officially launched on June 30. [Islam]
• DPRK Foreign Ministry Hails Agreement to Settle Political Crisis in Lebanon
  Pyongyang, May 25 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs Saturday gave the following answer to the question put by KCNA in connection with the agreement reached to settle the dispute in Lebanon: Some days before, an agreement was reached to settle the dispute among various forces in Lebanon through the mediation of the League of Arab States and Qatar, thus making it possible to defuse the political crisis in Lebanon. The DPRK hails the important agreement reached to settle the political crisis in Lebanon thanks to the positive efforts of the Arab League and various Arab countries. This agreement proves that the Arab people are quite capable of settling their problems by themselves. The DPRK government will as ever positively support the just measures and efforts of the Arab countries and people to settle the Mideast issue.
• Plan on Cultural Exchange between DPRK and Ethiopia Inked
  Pyongyang, May 22 (KCNA) -- A 2008-2010 plan on cultural exchange between the DPRK government and the Ethiopian government was signed in Addis Ababa on May 16. The plan was inked by DPRK Ambassador to Ethiopia Ri Song Mok and the minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia authorized by the governments of the two countries.
• Rodong Sinmun Calls for Heightened Vigilance against "Liberty" and "Democracy" Touted by Imperialists
  Pyongyang, May 22 (KCNA) -- The world progressive people should not be taken in by "liberty and democracy" of aggressive nature much publicized by the imperialists but wage a dynamic struggle for genuine freedom and democracy. Rodong Sinmun today urges this in a signed article. It is sheer hypocrisy for the imperialists to claim that a capitalist society is a "free world" allegedly giving people all sorts of freedom, the article notes, and goes on: This is nothing but a foolish attempt to keep mankind from longing for socialism and create illusion about capitalism among people in a bid to westernize the world. The imperialists' loudmouthed "liberty and democracy" is a slogan for aggression and interference to realize their ambition for world domination.
• Kim Yong Nam Greets Eritrean President
  Pyongyang, May 23 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Issaias Afewerki, President of Eritrea, on May 23 on the occasion of its independence day. Kim in the message expressed the belief that the bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation would grow stronger in the common interests of the two peoples and sincerely wished the president and people of Eritrea greater success in their future work.
• Taking the First Footsteps on the 21st Century Silk Road
  There is something I always stress when meeting people from the Middle East as a diplomat -- the fact that exchange has been taking place between the Korean peninsula and the Middle East via the Silk Road since a thousand years ago. Considering the knowledge of geography and the means of transportation back then, this sort of exchange is simply amazing. This trade lasted until the early Chosun Dynasty, then
  The launch of the Korea-Arab Society is both a move toward the formation of a new partnership between Korea and the Middle East, as well as a move to instill a proper awareness of the region in our society. Now, Korea and the Arab world have embarked on a long journey on the 21st Century Silk Road to meet an old friend. Through this opportunity, it is our hope that a new interest will take off in Korea in getting to know the Arab world properly. The column was contributed by Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan [Islam]
• Reception Given by Singaporean FM
  Pyongyang, May 14 (KCNA) -- Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo on a visit to the DPRK hosted a reception at Yanggakdo International Hotel on Tuesday. Present on invitation were Minister Pak Ui Chun and Vice-Minister Kim Yong Il of Foreign Affairs and officials concerned of the DPRK. Speeches were made there.
• Week of DPRK-Iran Friendship Observed
  Pyongyang, May 13 (KCNA) -- A meeting and a film show were held at the Chollima House of Culture on Tuesday on the occasion of the week of the DPRK-Iran friendship. Present there on invitation were Morteza Moradian, Iranian ambassador to the DPRK, and his embassy officials.
  Morteza Moradian said that the friendly relations between the two countries are further developing under the deep care of the leaders of the two countries with each passing day. Iran and the DPRK always stand together on the anti-imperialist front, he said, adding that his country extends full support to the Korean people in the efforts to build a great prosperous powerful nation and achieve the reunification of the country.
• DPRK, Singapore Cooperate
  Pyongyang, May 12 (KCNA) -- An agreement on the cooperation between the foreign ministries of the DPRK and Singapore was signed at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Monday. Present there from the DPRK side were Minister Pak Ui Chun and Vice-Minister Kim Yong Il and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from the opposite side Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo and his party. The agreement was inked by Pak Ui Chun and George Yong-Boon Yeo.
• Firm Adherence to Stand of National Independence Called for
  Pyongyang, May 12 (KCNA) -- The present era calls for settling all issues from an independent and patriotic stand while giving overriding importance to the country and the nation. Rodong Sinmun Monday says this in a signed article. Such practices as putting foreign forces above the nation and regarding cooperation with foreign forces more important than that with fellow countrymen are being reported from south Korea quite contrary to the trend of the times, the article notes, and goes on: The Koreans have not yet established national sovereignty throughout Korea due to the U.S. colonial enslavement policy toward south Korea and its moves to keep south Korea as its military base and the sycophantic and traitorous politics and the policy of depending on outside forces pursued by the successive south Korean ruling forces, its lackeys. In order to establish national sovereignty throughout Korea and fully exalt the dignity and honor of the nation it is necessary for it to hold high the banner of national independence. [Independent states]
• DPRK FM Meets Singaporean FM
  Pyongyang, May 10 (KCNA) -- Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs, met and had a talk with George Yong-Boon Yeo, Singaporean foreign minister, and his party who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Saturday.
• Message of Sympathy to Chairman of Myanmar State Peace and Development Council
  Pyongyang, May 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Tuesday sent a message of sympathy to General Than Shwe, chairman of the Myanmar State Peace and Development Council, in connection with tropical storm that hit the country, claiming big casualties and material losses. Kim in the message expressed deep consolation and sympathy to him and, through him, to the victims, hoping that he and the Myanmar government would eradicate the aftermath of the natural disaster as early as possible.
• DPRK's Will to Boost Regional Cooperation Expressed
  Pyongyang, May 5 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government will further boost cooperation with regional countries in achieving the millennium development objective through its efforts for the development of the national economy and the improvement of the standard of people's living in the future, too. The head of the DPRK delegation declared this stand when addressing the 64th general meeting of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific held in Thailand from April 23 to 30. Referring to the achievements made by the commission last year, he said that if the Asia-Pacific region is to steadily maintain its position as a region propelling the world economic development in conformity with the present changed circumstances, it is necessary to decide on more concrete strategy and plan and take practical measures for promoting the sustained economic and social development.

• DPRK's Determination to Build Great Prosperous Powerful Nation Manifested
  Pyongyang, April 23 (KCNA) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea will frustrate any enemy provocations and surely build a great prosperous powerful nation, in which the people will lead a happy life with nothing to desire more in the world, as all its people are single-mindedly united around General Secretary Kim Jong Il and it has powerful defence capability provided by dint of the Songun politics. Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly who is leading its delegation, said this when addressing the plenary session of the 118th Conference of the IPU held in South Africa on April 14. He went on: The DPRK is waging a dynamic drive after singling it out as its main tasks to build an economic power and bring about a substantial turn in improving the people's standard of living in hearty response to the people's living-first policy this year marking its 60th birthday.
• Syrian Party School Delegation Here
  Pyongyang, April 21 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the school of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party led by Riad Youness, deputy of the director of the school, arrived here on Monday.
• SPA Delegation Leaves to Participate in IPU Conference
  Pyongyang, April 10 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK headed by its Chairman Choe Thae Bok left here today to participate in the 118th Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union to be held in South Africa. It was seen off at the airport by Choe Yong Rim, secretary general of the Presidium of the SPA, and Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK.
• DPRK Delegation Leaves for 12th Meeting of UNCTAD
  Pyongyang, April 17 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegation led by Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, left here today to participate in the 12th meeting of the UN Conference on Trade and Development to be held in Accra, Ghana.
• Agreement Signed between DPRK and Mexico
  Pyongyang, April 19 (KCNA) -- An agreement on educational and cultural cooperation between the governments of the DPRK and Mexico was inked in Mexico on April 14. Present at the signing ceremony were a delegation of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries led by its Acting Chairman Mun Jae Chol and DPRK Ambassador to Mexico So Jae Myong from the DPRK side and Alberto Fierro Garza, general director for Culture of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials concerned from the Mexican side.
• DPRK Permanent Representative at UN Appointed
  Pyongyang, April 7 (KCNA) -- Sin Son Ho was appointed as the DPRK permanent representative at the United Nations, according to a decree of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly.
• Kim Yong Nam Flies back
  Pyongyang, April 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, returned home on Tuesday by special plane after wrapping up his official goodwill visit to Namibia, Angola, Democratic Congo and Uganda. Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs, Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, and other suite members flew back together with him. They were greeted at the airport by Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the SPA of the DPRK, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, Ri Pong Hun, vice-minister of Public Health, and Liu Xiaoming, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK.

• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Kampala
  Kampala, March 27 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Kampala on March 27 to pay an official goodwill visit to Uganda.
• NKorea Rejects UN Rights Resolution
  The Associated Press Saturday, March 29, 2008; 6:54 AM SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea on Saturday rejected a recent U.N. resolution condemning its human rights abuses as a U.S.-led political plot, warning the U.S., the European Union and Japan of "unpredictable consequences" for leading the move. The North's Foreign Ministry issued the harsh warning, labeling the resolution _ passed at the U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday _ as a "politically motivated document" that is "full of sheer lies and fabrications." [Manipulation]
• U.N. Renews North Korea Rights Investigator's Mandate
  By REUTERS Published: March 27, 2008 Filed at 2:05 p.m. ET GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. Human Rights Council on Thursday renewed the one-year mandate of its investigator for North Korea, overcoming objections from countries including China and Russia which wanted the post abolished. The 47 member-state body adopted a resolution presented by Japan and the European Union in a vote of 22 countries in favor and seven against, with 18 abstentions. South Korea, which had abstained in previous years, voted in favor.   [Manipulation] [Double standards] [USUN]
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Kinshasa
  Kinshasa, March 26 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived here on Wednesday to pay an official goodwill visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Ui Chun, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik and others. Kim Yong Nam and his party were greeted at the airport by Godefroid Mayobo Mpwene Ngantien, minister in charge of the prime minister's Office, Marcelin Chisambo, special advisor to the president on political and foreign affairs, and officials concerned. Kim Yong Nam was presented with a bunch of flowers by a child. He announced an arrival statement.
• Joint Document on Kim Yong Nam's Angolan Visit Signed
  Luanda, March 25 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Joint document on official good-will visit to Angola by Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, were signed in Luanda on Tuesday. Present there from the DPRK side were Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Ui Chun, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik and DPRK Ambassador to Angola Ri Won Son and from the Angolan side were Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo De Miranda, Minister of Foreign Trade Joaquim Icuma Muafumba, Minister of Health Anastacio Ruben Sicatu, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Pedro Canga, Minister of Science and Technology Joao Baptista Ngandagina and Angolan Ambassador to the DPRK Joao Manuel Bernardo. Pak Ui Chun and Joao Bernardo De Miranda signed the joint document.
• Yang Hyong Sop Meets Brazilian Delegation
  Pyongyang, March 26 (KCNA) -- Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with a delegation of the Brazilian Foreign Ministry headed by Undersecretary General Roberto Jaguaribe at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday.
• Talks between President of DPRK SPA Presidium and President of Angola
     Luanda, March 24 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Talks were held between Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola, at the presidential palace on Monday.     At the talks both sides exchanged views on the issue of boosting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries as required by the new century and matters of mutual concern.     The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.     Present there were Pak Ui Chun, minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, and Ri Won Son, DPRK ambassador to Angola.     On hand were Joao Bernardo De Miranda, foreign minister, Carlos�@Fonseca, diplomatic advisor to the president, and Joao Manuel Bernardo, Angolan ambassador to the DPRK.
• DPRK-Namibia Joint Communique Released
  Windhoek, March 23 (KCNA Correspondent) -- A joint communique on the official goodwill visit to Namibia paid by Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, was issued in Windhoek on March 23. According to it, Kim Yong Nam paid an official goodwill visit to Namibia from March 20 to 23 at the invitation of Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba. During the visit, Kim Yong Nam had talks with the Namibian president and met and had a conversation with the first Namibian president Sam Nujoma.
• Yong Nam Arrives in Luanda
  Luanda, March 23 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Luanda on March 23 to pay an official goodwill visit to the Republic of Angola. He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Ui Chun, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik and others. Kim Yong Nam and his party were greeted at the airport by Angola's Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo De Miranda, Minister of Foreign Trade Joaquim Icuma Muafumba, Minister of Health Anastacio Ruben Sicatu, officials concerned and DPRK Ambassador to Angola Ri Won Son.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Former President of Namibia
  Windhoek, March 22 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met Sam Nujoma, former president of Namibia, who paid a courtesy call on him on Saturday. Sam Nujoma said that he was grateful for the positive support and encouragement given by the Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK government to the struggle of the Namibian people for national liberation and the building of a new society, true to the high intention of President Kim Il Sung.  
• NK Ties With Africa
  Pyongyang Seeks to Export More Arms, Workers South Korean officials are paying attention to North Korea's move to intensify diplomatic activities in Africa. Kim Yong-nam, the second-highest ranking official in the North, is now on an 11-day visit to four African countries, leading a 24-member delegation. Press reports said that Kim originally planned to visit three countries ? Namibia, Angola and Uganda. But he added the Democratic Republic of Congo to his itinerary.
• N. Korea, Namibia reach deals
  North Korea agreed Friday to cooperate in health and medicine with Namibia while reaching a preliminary deal on "diplomatic negotiations" with the world's fifth-largest uranium producer, Pyongyang's official media reported. [Media]
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Windhoek
  Windhoek, March 20 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Windhoek on Thursday to pay an official goodwill visit to Namibia. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Ui Chun, Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik and other suite members arrived there together with Kim. Kim and his party were greeted at the airport by Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia, Nahas Angula, prime minister, Libertina Amasila, deputy prime minister, Marco Hausiku, foreign minister, Immanuel Ngatjizeko, minister of Trade and Industry, Richad Kamwi, minister of Health and Social Service, and other members of the government, Leonard Nambahu, Namibian ambassador to the DPRK, the commander of armed forces, the inspector general of police, figures from all walks of life, diplomatic envoys of different countries and representatives of international organizations in Namibia. A welcome function took place at the airport. Citizens of Windhoek welcomed Kim and his entourage at the airport, waving flags of the two countries and dancing to the tunes of folk songs.
• Agreement and MOU Signed between DPRK and Namibia
  Windhoek, March 20 (KCNA Correspondent) -- An inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in the fields of public health and traditional medicine between the DPRK and Namibia and a MOU on diplomatic negotiations between the two foreign ministries were signed here on Thursday. Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Pak Ui Chun, foreign minister, Ri Ryong Nam, minister of Foreign Trade, Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, and An Hui Jong, DPRK ambassador to Namibia. Present from the Namibian side were Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of Namibia, Marco Hausiku, foreign minister, Charles D. N. P. Namoloh, minister of Defence, Immanuel Ngatjizeko, minister of Trade and Industry, Richad Kamwi, minister of Health and Social Service, Joel Kaapanda, minister of Construction, Transport and Tele-Communications, Nangolo Mbumba, minister of Education, John Mutorwa, minister of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, and Leonard Nambahu, Namibian ambassador to the DPRK. Choe Chang Sik and Richad Kamwi signed the agreement and Pak Ui Chun and Marco Hausiku inked the MOU.
• WPK Delegation to Visit India and Iran
  Pyongyang, March 20 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Workers' Party of Korea led by Vice Department Director of its Central Committee Ri Yong Su left here today to participate in the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of India and the 19th Congress of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). The delegation will also visit Iran.
• North Korea's No. 2 on African Tour
  By REUTERS Published: March 20, 2008 Filed at 4:39 p.m. ET Skip to next paragraph WINDHOEK (Reuters) - North Korea's number two leader on Thursday started a three-country African tour in Namibia, a leading uranium producer with longstanding ties to the reclusive communist state. Kim Yong-nam, president of the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, will officially open Namibia's new North Korean-built presidential residence and discuss trade and political relations, Namibian officials said [Media]
• N.Korean Envoy to UN Recalled
  North Korea’s Ambassador to the UN Pak Gil-yon will be replaced in April, it emerged on Wednesday. A South Korean government official said, "I understand that Ambassador Pak will return to North Korea soon. It doesn't seem likely that he is leaving his post for health reasons." Pak (65) has worked in the international arena for 12 years, serving two terms, from 1991 to 1996 and from 2001 until this year. He spoke for North Korea at the UN during the first North Korean nuclear crisis in 1993, during the second nuclear crisis in 2002, and in 2006 when North Korean conducted a nuclear test. He was also deeply involved in talks with the U.S. One of the people mentioned as his possible replacement is Shin Seon-ho, former deputy chief of the North Korean mission to the UN.
• DPRK Delegate Calls on UNSC to Give Developing Countries Representation
  Pyongyang, March 7 (KCNA) -- The United Nations Security Council should be reformed in such a way as to give full representation to the developing countries which make up a majority of the UN member states and ensure the impartiality of its activities. A DPRK delegate said this in his speech at the meeting of the Special Committee on the UN Charter and on Increasing the Role of the Organization opened in New York on Feb. 27. The principles of respect for sovereignty, equality and non-interference in internal affairs laid down in the UN Charter are still wantonly violated in the international relations and the UNSC's breach of the authority of the UN General Assembly, in particular, is arousing concern among the member states, he noted, referring to a series of issues related to this. [Imperialism]
• DPRK Delegate Calls for Substantial Measures against Terrorism
  Pyongyang, March 4 (KCNA) -- The DPRK delegate, addressing the meeting of the special committee on international terrorism that opened in New York on Feb. 25, noted that it is impossible to guarantee not only the peace and security of the world but elementary rights of the human beings unless the state-sponsored terrorism is eradicated, calling on the UN to take substantial measures to combat terrorism. He said: The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq and the Israeli occupation of Arab territories have caused a vicious cycle of terrorism and horrible bloodshed as they are typical state-sponsored terrorism. These actions are spawning serious issues as they are designed to overthrow legitimate governments, but what is graver is that they are most hideous human rights abuses as they cause mass killings of civilians and a sharp increase in the number of refugees. He expressed the expectation that the UN-sponsored high-level meeting on terrorism would have a package discussion on the issue of terrorism and contribute to seeking more effective ways of combating it. Noting that the DPRK has maintained its avowed stand of opposing all forms of terrorist actions and any form of supporting it, he said that the government of the DPRK would positively contribute to the efforts of the international community to root out terrorism and build a peaceful and stable world in the future, too.

• Kim Jong Il Sends Congratulatory Message to Raul Castro Ruz
  Pyongyang, February 26 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il Monday sent a congratulatory message to Raul Castro Ruz, second secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba. The message said: We extend warm congratulations to you in the name of the Workers' Party of Korea, the government and people of the DPRK on your election as president of the Council of State and president of the Council of Ministers of Cuba at the first session of the 7th National Assembly of People's Power. The above-said heavy responsibilities entrusted to you are an expression of the deep trust and high expectation of respected Fidel Castro and the Cuban party and people for you. Believing that the comradely and militant friendly and cooperative relations between the peoples of the two countries provided by President Kim Il Sung and Fidel Castro would steadily grow stronger in the course of carrying out the common cause of socialism, the message sincerely wished him success in his responsible work.
• FM Spokesman Interviewed
  Pyongyang, February 23 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to the question put by KCNA Saturday as regards the intention expressed by Fidel Castro Ruz, supreme Leader of the Cuban revolution, to resign from some of his duties: Fidel Castro has recently expressed his intention to resign from such duties as president of the Council of State and supreme commander of the armed forces of Cuba. He was operated and treated for acute intestinal bleeding in July 2006 but he has not been fully recovered. He forged particularly comradely relations with President Kim Il Sung, the great leader of the Korean people, and has since made many contributions to the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and Cuba in the past period.

• Korea Denies Entry to Thais Most
  By Kang Shin-who Staff Reporter Korea denied entry to the country to Thai nationals the most last year. Of 86,358 Thais who sought to come to Korea last year, 6,767 were refused entry, according to the Korea Immigration Service. Following Thais were Chinese with 3,481, Mongolians, 1,667 and Bangladeshis, 834. Immigration officials said that most of the entries were refused due to concerns about illegal residency.
• Rodong Sinmun on DPRK's Avowed Foreign Policy Tenet
  Pyongyang, January 18 (KCNA) -- It is the consistent stand and foreign policy of the DPRK to establish and develop relations of friendship, cooperation and good neighborliness with all countries that respect the sovereignty of the DPRK and are friendly towards it, says Rodong Sinmun Friday in a signed article. Independence, peace and friendship are the idea of the consistent foreign policy of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, the article says, and goes on: The present times are the era of independence. What people want is independence, not subjugation, peace, not war, and friendship, not confrontation. Each country has the right to defend its independence and, at the same time, an obligation to respect the independence of other countries. Only when countries support and unite with each other on the principle of full independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in other's internal affairs can the relations of friendship and cooperation be genuine and strong. [Independent states]
• Rodong Sinmun on Foreign Policy of DPRK
  Pyongyang, January 7 (KCNA) -- It is the invariable stand of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK to consistently embody the idea of the foreign policy -- independence, peace and friendship, observes Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article. Independence, peace and friendship represent the basic idea of the foreign policy of the WPK and the government of the DPRK, the article notes, and goes on: The idea of their independent foreign policy most fully meets the intrinsic wishes of the human beings to live and develop independently. Without an independent stand, people cannot properly advance the revolution and construction and achieve final victory. The DPRK never allows anyone to infringe upon its sovereignty, meddle in its internal affairs, dominate and control it. It is opposed to any act of violating the sovereignty of any other country. It estimates and handles anything arising in the relations with other countries and all other issues with independence as a yardstick and resolutely struggles against the infringement upon independence. The above-said idea of the peace-loving foreign policy represents the desire of the people to live in a peaceful world free from war. People can successfully promote national prosperity and the building of an independent new society only in a peaceful environment. Peace cannot be achieved by the effort of an individual country and people alone. Mankind's desire for peace can come true only when the peace-loving progressive people get united and wage a dynamic struggle for defending peace from war. The above-mentioned idea of the foreign policy presupposes boosting the friendly and cooperative ties with all countries and people of the world. It is the avowed foreign policy of the DPRK to develop the friendly and cooperative relations with all the countries of the world advocating independence. The DPRK will make every effort to establish sound international relations and order as a member of the international community. [Independent states]
• Rodong Sinmun on Trend of Times toward Global Independence
  Pyongyang, December 27 (KCNA) -- There may be turns and twists in the way of the advance of history but the main direction of the development of history can never change and no force on earth can stem the trend of the world toward independence. Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed article. It goes on: This year the world progressive countries and people have waged a worldwide vigorous struggle against the imperialists' military intervention and war, domination and subjugation and for global independence under the banner of independence against imperialism. What drew public attention in the international arena this year was that the movement of the developing countries has been noticeably intensified to resolutely counter the unilateral high-handed and arbitrary practices of the imperialists contrary to the trend of the times by their concerted efforts. [Independent States]
• Kim Yong Nam Sends Message of Condolences to Pakistani President
  Pyongyang, December 29 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of condolences to Pervez Musharraf, president of Pakistan, on Friday over the sudden demise of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan. In the message Kim expressed deep condolences to the Pakistani president and, through him, to the bereaved family members.

• Rodong Sinmun on Idea of Foreign Policy of WPK and DPRK Government
  Pyongyang, November 26 (KCNA) -- Independence, peace and friendship are the idea of the foreign policy of the Workers' Party of Korea and the DPRK government. It is the most just idea as it helps strengthen the international solidarity and make a positive contribution to the cause of global independence. Rodong Sinmun Monday says this in a signed article. The WPK and the DPRK government have firmly upheld and consistently adhered to the idea of independence, peace and friendship, thus dealing a heavy blow at the imperialist forces keen to maintain their outdated international order, the article says, and goes on:
• Maritime Security and Protection of Sea Environment Called for
  Pyongyang, November 25 (KCNA) -- The head of the DPRK delegation, addressing the 25th general assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on November 20, called for ensuring the maritime security and protecting the sea environment. He recalled that the IMO adopted new favorable conventions and regulations and amended the existing ones in the field of overall maritime work including maritime security and protection of sea environment and has taken proper measures to implement them, thus consistently pursuing its goal to ensure safe navigation in clean oceans and boost its efficiency.
• Kim Jong-il 'Accepts Invitation to Vietnam'
  North Korean leader Kim Jong-il told the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh, who was on a visit to Pyongyang in mid-October, that he wants to visit Hanoi next year, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported Saturday. Kyodo quoted a senior Vietnamese official who was in the meeting as saying Kim "is seriously considering a visit to Vietnam." The official said Kim, who has an aversion to flying, will go via the trans-Chinese railway. "North Korean officials asked us to keep everything, including Chairman Kim's itinerary, secret if his visit to Vietnam materializes at all, and to announce his visit only after his departure for Vietnam," he added.
• MOU Signed between Pyongyang and Jakarta
  Pyongyang, November 10 (KCNA) -- A memorandum of understanding on establishing the sister city relations between Pyongyang of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Jakarta of the Republic of Indonesia was signed in Jakarta on Thursday. The MOU was inked by Vice-Chairman of the Pyongyang City People's Committee Kim Jong Sik and the mayor of Jakarta.
• Inter-Sector Talks Held between DPRK and Vietnam
  Hanoi, October 27 (KCNA-Correspondent) -- Inter-sector talks between the DPRK and Vietnam took place in Hanoi on Oct. 27. The talks were separately held between Minister of Agriculture Ri Kyong Sik and Cao Duc Phat, minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, and between Acting Chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Mun Jae Chol and Hoang Tuan Anh, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. At the talks both sides exchanged views on boosting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries in different fields as desired by the two peoples and issues of mutual concern. The talks proceeded in a friendship atmosphere.
• Premier of DPRK Cabinet Returns
  Pyongyang, November 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Il, premier of the DPRK Cabinet, Wednesday returned home by special plane after winding up his official goodwill visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. Rim Kyong Man, minister of Foreign Trade, Ri Kyong Sik, minister of Agriculture, Mun Jae Chol, acting chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries, and Kim Yong Il, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, also flew back home. They were greeted at the airport by Ro Tu Chol, vice-premier, Kang Nung Su, minister of Culture, Choe Su Hon, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ku Pon Thae, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, and diplomatic envoys of Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos here.
• DPRK to Make Positive Contribution to Worldwide Protection and Promotion of Human Rights
  Pyongyang, November 7 (KCNA) -- The DPRK will more firmly defend the advantageous socialist system of Korean style which legally and practically guarantees the people's enjoyment of human rights on the basis of the man-centered Juche idea and make a positive contribution to protecting and promoting human rights worldwide. A DPRK delegate said this when addressing the meeting of the Third Committee handling social, human rights and humanitarian issues of the 62nd UN General Assembly on October 31. There go on the international arena at present unceasing acts of taking the lives of innocent people and violating the rights and basic freedom of people quite contrary to the trend of the times towards peace and stability, he noted, and continued: In order to protect and promote human rights it is necessary to put an end to aggression against sovereign states and interference in their internal affairs and the application of the double standards and selectivity in dealing with human rights issues and eradicate national chauvinism prevalent in the developed countries.

• Two Koreas seeking UN approval on deal
  October 19, 2007 North and South Korea are seeking an endorsement and support from the United Nations for the outcome of their inter-Korean summit held earlier this month, the South Korean Foreign Ministry said yesterday. The two Koreas have submitted to the United Nations a joint resolution calling for international support for the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula and also for the agreements South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reached at their summit held Oct. 2-4, according to ministry officials.    
• Kim Jong Il Sees Nong Duc Manh Off
  Pyongyang, October 18 (KCNA) -- Nong Duc Manh, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, left here Thursday by a special plane after successfully winding up his official goodwill visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission. Kim Jong Il saw Nong Duc Manh off at the airport.
• Tete-a-Tete Talks Held between Kim Jong Il and Nong Duc Manh
  Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Tete-a-tete talks were held between Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, and Nong Duc Manh, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, in Pyongyang Wednesday. The talks proceeded in a comradely, sincere and friendly atmosphere.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Foreign Delegation
  Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met with a delegation of the International Kim Il Sung Foundation headed by Chairman Johnny Hon, who is chairman of the Global Group of Britain, and had a friendly talk with it at the Mansudae Assembly Hall Wednesday. Present there were Kwak Pom Gi, vice-premier of the Cabinet, Kim Yong Jin, minister of Education, Rim Hoe Song, vice-chairman of the Korean Social Scientists Society, and officials concerned.
• International Kim Il Sung Foundation Established
  Pyongyang, October 17 (KCNA) -- The International Kim Il Sung Foundation was established with due ceremony at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Wednesday. Present there were Vice-President of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop, Vice-Premier of the DPRK Cabinet Kwak Pom Gi, Minister of Education Kim Yong Jin, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Ryong Nam, President of Koryo Bank Pak Yong Chil, Vice-Chairman of the Korean Social Scientists Society Rim Hoe Song and officials concerned. Also present were members of the delegation of the International Kim Il Sung Foundation headed by Chairman Johnny Hon, who is chairman of the Global Group of Britain.  
• Kim Jong Il Greets Nong Duc Manh
  Pyongyang, October 16 (KCNA) -- Nong Duc Manh, Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, arrived in Pyongyang by a special plane on Oct. 16 to pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK at the invitation of Kim Jong Il, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission. Kim Jong Il greeted Nong Duc Manh at the Pyongyang Airport. Thousands of Pyongyangites turned out to the airport with flags of the two countries and flowers in their hands to greet the envoys of Vietnam. Present at the airport were Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Kim Yong Il, premier of the Cabinet, Kim Il Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces, Kim Jong Gak, first vice director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the SPA Presidium, Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the WPK Central Committee, Kang Sok Ju, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, leading officials of the party and power organs, ministries and national institutions and Ma Chol Su, DPRK ambassador to Vietnam.
• North Korean PM to Visit Cambodia In November
  By REUTERS Published: October 16, 2007 Filed at 7:46 a.m. ET Skip to next paragraph PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Cambodia said on Tuesday that North Korean Prime Minister Kim Jong Il [sic; should be Kim Yong Il's] would pay an official visit at the start of next month, cementing Pyongyang's relationship with a rare friend in southeast Asia. During his November 1 to November 4 trip, Kim will meet Prime Minister Hun Sen and former king Norodom Sihanouk, who formed a close personal relationship with North Korean founding father Kim Il-sung at the height of the Cold War. Sihanouk, whose playboy reputation and royal credentials did not appear to clash with Kim's austere and rigidly communist outlook, still has a palace in Pyongyang and his personal bodyguards are all North Korean agents. A Cambodian government statement gave few other details of Kim Yong Il's visit. Vietnam said earlier this month he would visit Hanoi, but did not say when or why. In March, Hanoi hosted talks aimed at normalizing relations between communist North Korea and Japan.
• Rodong Sinmun on Basic Idea of DPRK's Foreign Policy
  Pyongyang, October 13 (KCNA) -- The DPRK will carry on the revolution and construction in Korean style under the uplifted banner of independence and make a positive contribution to accelerating the global cause of independence, boosting solidarity and cooperation with the world progressives advocating independence. Rodong Sinmun today declares this in a signed article. It goes on:
  Independence is the avowed basic idea of the foreign policy of the DPRK. [Independent states]
• Chairman of SPA Leaves for Italy and Syria
  Pyongyang, October 13 (KCNA) -- Chairman of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Choe Thae Bok and his party left here on Saturday to visit Italy and Syria.
• FM of DPRK Meets New Thai Ambassador
  Pyongyang, October 11 (KCNA) -- Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun met and had a talk with new Thai Ambassador e.p. to the DPRK Rathakit Manathat who paid a courtesy call on him on Thursday. On hand were officials concerned and Thai embassy officials.
• General Secretary of C.C., CPV to Pay Official Goodwill Visit to DPRK
  Pyongyang, October 9 (KCNA) -- At the invitation of Kim Jong Il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the National Defence Commission of the DPRK, Nong Duc Manh, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, will pay an official goodwill visit to the DPRK in the near future.
• DPRK Calls for Building Just and Equal World
  Pyongyang, October 6 (KCNA) -- The DPRK will make positive efforts to build a just and equal world in the idea of independence, peace and friendship in the future, too. Choe Su Hon, head of the DPRK delegation who is vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, declared this in his speech made at the plenary meeting of the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly on Oct. 2. Referring to the principled and just and fair stance of the DPRK toward the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula and its sincere endeavor to settle the nuclear issue, he noted that the DPRK has no other option but to boost capability for self-defense in every way by enforcing the Songun policy in order to defend the sovereignty and the dignity of the nation from the threat of the preemptive nuclear attack and the harsh economic sanctions of the U.S.
• DPRK Delegation Leaves for Denmark
  Pyongyang, September 29 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the State Maritime Supervision Bureau of the DPRK led by Its Vice-Director Jon Ki Chol left here today to participate in the 83rd meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization to be held in Denmark.

• Diplomatic Ties Established between DPRK and Dominica
  Pyongyang, September 27 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on establishing diplomatic ties between the governments of the DPRK and the Dominican Republic was made public in New York on Sept. 24.
• Diplomatic Relations at Ambassadorial Level Established between DPRK and Guatemala
  Pyongyang, September 28 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties between the DPRK and the Republic of Guatemala was made public in New York on Sept. 26.
• Diplomatic Ties at Ambassadorial Level Established between DPRK and Kingdom of Swaziland
  Pyongyang, September 22 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties between the governments of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Swaziland was made public in New York on September 20.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Officials of Syrian Political Party
  Pyongyang, September 22 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with Saaeed Eleia Dawood, director of the Organizational Department of the Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party, and his party at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. On hand were officials concerned and the Syrian charge d'affaires ad interim here. Saaeed Eleia Dawood said that the friendly and cooperative ties between Syria and the DPRK provided by President Hafez Al-Assad and President Kim Il Sung, who are always remembered, are growing stronger under the deep care of President Bashar Al-Assad and Kim Jong Il.
• U.N. Chief's Dealings With U.S. Draw Fire
  Ban Sees Himself as a Pragmatist, but Some Critics Say He Is Too Pro-American By Colum Lynch Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, September 24, 2007; Page A14 UNITED NATIONS -- When U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon first approached President Bush at the White House in January to muster support for a U.N. climate-change initiative, the president's response was cool: An impatient Bush reminded Ban that he did not want to restrain U.S. industries, and that past accords unfairly exempted major polluters such as China and India. "He was not that favorably inclined," Ban conceded in an interview last week. But Ban kept at it, cajoling Bush in phone calls and meetings, urging him to at least attend a dinner with other world leaders to discuss the issue. Finally, Bush relented. "I'll be there, I'll be there," he reassured Ban in a phone conversation earlier this month. The dinner will be held Monday. [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS]
• Talks Held between WPK and Syrian Political Party
  Pyongyang, September 21 (KCNA) -- Talks were held between Choe Thae Bok, secretary of the C.C., the Workers' Party of Korea, and Saaeed Eleia Dawood, director of the Organizational Department of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party, on September 21. Present at the talks were officials concerned from the DPRK side and the director's party and the Syrian charge d'affaires ad interim here from the Syrian side. At the talks both sides informed each other of activities of their parties and exchanged views on the issue of boosting the friendly and cooperative ties between the two parties and a series of issues of bilateral interest. The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
• Diplomatic Ties at Ambassadorial Level Established between DPRK and United Arab Emirates
  Pyongyang, September 20 (KCNA) -- A joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic ties between the governments of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates was made public in New York on September 17. According to it, the governments of the two countries decided to establish diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level effective from the date of signing the joint communique, out of their desire to promote the mutual interests of their peoples and strengthen friendship and cooperation, on the basis of the principles and purpose of the United Nations Charter, especially the international law and treaties on the promotion of international peace and security, equality among nations, national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries and in conformity with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations dated April 18, 1961.
• Visits
  Pyongyang, September 20 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegation led by Choe Su Hon, vice-foreign minister, left here today to participate in the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly. Saaeed Eleia Dawood, director of the Organizational Department of of the Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party, and his party arrived here on the same day.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Delegation of Myanmar
  Pyongyang, September 17 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the delegation of the Foreign Ministry of Myanmar led by Vice-Minister U Kyaw Thu at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Monday.
• Kim Jong Il Congratulates Syrian President
  Pyongyang, September 10 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il Monday sent a congratulatory message to Bashar Al-Assad, regional secretary of the Baath Arab Socialist Party and President of Syria, on his 42nd birthday. The message said: Today the Syrian people under your leadership are striving hard to defend the sovereignty and dignity of the country and build a modern society, meeting all challenges and overcoming difficulties, and making a positive contribution to the fair and comprehensive settlement of the Mideast issue. Pleased to note that the excellent friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries are steadily growing stronger even under the complicated international situation, the message wished him good health and happiness and greater success in his responsible work.
• Message of Sympathy to Algerian President
  Pyongyang, September 8 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Saturday sent a message of sympathy to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in connection with the suicide bombing attack in Algeria that claimed dozens of casualties. In the message Kim extended deep sympathy and condolences to the Algerian president and, through him, to the victims and the bereaved families and reiterated the firm support and solidarity of the DPRK with the national reconciliation policy of the Algerian president and government for stability and unity of the country.
• Foreign Delegations Arrive
  Pyongyang, September 8 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the China Association for International Friendly Contact led by Vice-President Shen Weiping arrived here today by air to mark the 59th anniversary of the DPRK. On the same day a Qatar delegation of Al-Jazeera Satellite Television led by its Director General Wadah Khanfar came here.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Vietnamese Delegation
  Pyongyang, September 7 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a friendly talk with the delegation of the Central Committee of the Fatherland Front of Vietnam led by its President Pham The Duyet at the Mansudae Assembly Hall today. Present there were Kim Wan Su, director of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland, officials concerned and the Vietnamese charge d'affaires ad interim here.
• Promotion of Human Rights and Diversity of Culture Called for
  Teheran, September 4 (KCNA) -- The DPRK government and people will fulfill their responsibility and obligation to promote human rights and diversity of culture in the future, too and thus make a positive contribution to advancing the noble cause of the Non-Aligned Movement. Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, head of the DPRK delegation, said this when addressing the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on human rights and diversity of culture on September 3. Noting that the reality requires the member states of the NAM to get awakened and unite to reject the Western-style view on value detrimental to the independent development in the field of social culture including human rights and positively encourage and develop the diversity of culture, tradition and custom peculiar to each nation and state, he referred to the issues which require special attention. He said: Member states of the NAM should get united to stand firm against the politicization and selectivity of human rights and the application of double standards in dealing with them and disallow any attempt to use the "human rights protection" as a political lever for interfering in other country's internal affairs and trifling with the destiny of other nations. [Independent states]
• Iranian President on Need to Develop Relations with DPRK
  Pyongyang, September 5 (KCNA) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had talks with the DPRK delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Ui Chun participating in the ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on human rights and cultural diversity at the Tehran International Conference Center on Monday. He said that it is the steadfast stand of the Iranian government to develop the relations with the DPRK.
• Greetings to Turkish President
  Pyongyang, September 2 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, sent a message of greetings to Abdullah Gul on his election as President of Turkey on August 31. Expressing the belief that the bilateral friendly relations would further develop on good terms, Kim in the message wished him success in his work for progress and prosperity of the country.
• Visits
  Pyongyang, September 1 (KCNA) -- A DPRK delegation led by Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun left Pyongyang Saturday to participate in the ministerial meeting of the non-aligned movement on human rights and cultural diversity to be held in Tehran and to visit Iran. A friendship delegation of North Hwanghae Province led by Chairman of North Hwanghae Provincial People's Committee Ri Sang Gwan also left Pyongyang today to visit Mongolia. Arriving here on the same day was a delegation of the International Cultural and Educational Foundation of Nepal led by President Ek Nath Dhakal and a delegation of Loxley Pacific Company Limited of Thailand led by Jingjai Hanchanlash, executive vice-president of the Loxley Public Company Limited of Thailand, to participate in the 22nd meeting of the North�|East Asia Telephone and Telecommunications Co. LTD Directors' Board. [ICT]
• Greetings to Malaysian King
  Pyongyang, August 31 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, Friday sent a message of greetings to Malaysian King A1�|Wathiqu Billah Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni A1�|Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al�|Muktafi Billah Shah on the occasion of the 50th national day of Malaysia. Kim in his message expressed his belief that the good relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and Malaysia would grow stronger in the future.

• Rodong Sinmun Observes 47th Anniversary of Opening of Diplomatic Ties between DPRK and Cuba
  Pyongyang, August 29 (KCNA) -- Rodong Sinmun today in a signed article carried on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and Cuba says that the people of the DPRK send friendly greetings to the fraternal Cuban people and wish them greater success in their drive for building socialism.
• Pak Ui Chun Meets Foreign Ambassadors
  Pyongyang, August 27 (KCNA) -- DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun Monday separately met and conversed with new German Ambassador to the DPRK Thomas Schafer who paid a courtesy call on him and Vietnamese Ambassador to the DPRK Phan Trong Thai who paid a farewell call on him.
• Seoul names new chief of mission to U.N
    Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chon was named Tuesday as the chief of South Korea's mission to the United Nations in New York, the Foreign Ministry said. A graduate of the Columbia University in New York, the 48-year-old Kim led the country's negotiations with the United States for a free trade agreement that were concluded earlier in the year.
• Ban Meets N.Korea Envoy Over Summit
  United nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon invited North Korea's Ambassador to the UN Pak Gil-yon to his office in New York on Tuesday, two weeks ahead of the second inter-Korean summit. The two discussed the summit and international aid to North Korea, which is suffering from recent flood damage. [Ban Ki-moon]
• Iranian First Vice-President on Friendly Ties with DPRK
  Teheran, August 9 (KCNA) -- The traditional friendly relations between Iran and the DPRK are developing under the deep care of the leaders of the two countries. The Iranian people remember the Korean people who sincerely helped them in the hard period after the victory of the Islamic Revolution. Iranian First Vice-President Parviz Davudi said this Thursday when meeting and having a talk with the government economic delegation of the DPRK led by Minister of Foreign Trade Rim Kyong Man on a visit to Iran. The Iranian government attaches great importance to boosting the friendly ties based on justice with such anti-imperialist, anti-U.S. and revolutionary countries as the DPRK, he noted, adding that Iran hopes that the cooperation in various fields including economy would further expand and develop in the future, too, to be commensurate with a high level of political relations that exist between the two countries.
• DPRK Government Will Strive for Peace
  Pyongyang, August 5 (KCNA) -- Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, who is leading a DPRK delegation to the ministerial meeting of the 14th ASEAN regional forum, said at the meeting that the DPRK government will continue to closely cooperate with the member states of the forum including ASEAN countries for the peace on the Korean Peninsula and the rest of the region in the idea of its external policy for independence, peace and friendship in the future, too. It is indispensable for the ASEAN regional forum to thoroughly keep the essential principles of respect of sovereignty, non-interference in other's internal affairs, peaceful co-existence and ban on the use of force in order to fulfill its mission as a unique forum for political dialogue in the region, Pak said, and continued: One of the main instable factors present in Asia is none other than Japan.
  The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is, in essence, the issue directly connected with the end of the U.S. hostile policy toward the DPRK and removal of nuclear threat to it. Recalling the adoption of the Feb. 13 agreement, Pak reaffirmed the DPRK government's firm will to honor its commitments under the agreement.
• Visits
  Pyongyang, August 4 (KCNA) -- A government economic delegation of the DPRK led by Minister of Foreign Trade Rim Kyong Man left here today to visit Iran and Syria. A delegation of the Workers' Party of Korea led by Cha Yong Myong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK, also left here today to visit Laos, Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Half Centenary of Meeting between Kim Il Sung and Ho Chi Minh Observed
  Pyongyang, August 3 (KCNA) -- A photo exhibition and film show took place at the People's Palace of Culture Thursday to commemorate the half centenary of the meeting between President Kim Il Sung and Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh. Speeches were made there. The participants in the functions looked round the photos showing Kim Il Sung meeting Vietnamese leaders including Ho Chi Minh and conducting external activities and photos dealing with the life and activities of Ho Chi Minh. Then they watched the Korean documentary film "The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung meets heads of state and prominent figures of foreign countries" Part 1. Present there were Acting Chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Mun Jae Chol
• Talks Held between Kim Yong Nam and Singaporean President
  Singapore, August 1 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, had talks with Singaporean President S. R. Nathan at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday. Recalling that the DPRK was one of the first countries to recognize the Republic of Singapore, the Singaporean president said his country was grateful for this. He stated that Singapore was deeply interested in boosting the relations with the DPRK, stressing that the two countries should maintain independence and tighten the bilateral ties as non-aligned countries. The two sides at the talks exchanged views on the issue of boosting the friendly relations between the two countries and matters of mutual concern. Present there were Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyong Jun, DPRK Ambassador to Singapore Ji Jae Suk, Second Permanent Secretary of the Singaporean Foreign Ministry Bilahari Kausikan and other officials concerned. Kim Yong Nam arrived in Singapore that day.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Goh Chok Tong
  Singapore, August 1 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, met and had a warm conversation with Goh Chok Tong, senior minister of Singapore, who paid a courtesy call on him on August 1. Present there were Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ji Jae Suk, DPRK ambassador to Singapore. Also present there were Bilahari Kausikan, second permanent secretary of the Singaporean foreign ministry, and officials concerned.
• Kim Yong Nam Returns Home
  Pyongyang, August 2 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, returned home Thursday after winding up his official goodwill visits to Mongolia, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia and Singapore. Also coming back home with him were Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade. They were greeted at the airport by Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop, Minister of Foreign Trade Rim Kyong Man, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Choe Su Hon, and diplomatic envoys of Egypt, Russia, Mongolia and China here. They left Singapore Thursday.
• North Korea's new foreign minister debuts in regional security forum
  The Associated Press Published: July 31, 2007
  MANILA, Philippines: North Korean diplomats have a well-earned reputation as glum technocrats who spout the reclusive communist country's official line and little else. Its new face to the world isn't any more likely to stray from policy and hasn't been any more forthcoming about North Korea's inner workings. But in his first appearance on an international stage, new Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun is showing that he knows how to smile and even recognizes a good photo opportunity. The 74-year-old Pak, making his first overseas trip since becoming North Korea's top diplomat in May, is in Manila to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum, Asia's largest security grouping. His visit comes amid renewed optimism that his country will eventually abandon its nuclear weapons program in return for economic aid and other political concessions.
• Foreign Minister George Yeo to visit North Korea next year
  By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 August 2007 2117 hrs
  MANILA: Singapore's Foreign Minister George Yeo has accepted an invitation to visit North Korea next year when Singapore chairs ASEAN and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). North Korea, a participant of the ARF, has extended the invitation during a bilateral meeting between Mr Yeo and his North Korean counterpart, Pak Ui-Chun, on the sidelines of the 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila.
• Talks between Kim Yong Nam and Ethiopian PM Held
  Addis Ababa, July 30 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, held talks with Meles Zenawi, prime minister of Ethiopia, in Addis Ababa on July 30. At the talks both sides exchanged views on the issue of boosting the friendly relations between the two countries and issues of mutual concern.
• Talks between DPRK Foreign Minister and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Held
  Pyongyang, July 31 (KCNA) -- Talks between DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Gatmaitan Romulo were held at the International Conference Center in Manila on July 29. Present there from the DPRK side were members of the DPRK delegation and from the Philippine side the deputy-secretary of Foreign Affairs and other officials concerned and the Philippine ambassador to the DPRK. On the same day the DPRK foreign minister paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia and was feted by the Philippine secretary of Foreign Affairs.

• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Addis Ababa
  Addis Ababa, July 27 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, arrived in Addis Ababa on July 27 to pay an official goodwill visit to Ethiopia. Arriving here together with him were Choe Chang Sik, minister of Public Health, Kim Hyong Jun, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Ri Myong San, vice-minister of Foreign Trade, and other suite members. He published a statement upon his arrival. Kim Yong Nam and his party were greeted at the airport by Asfaw Dingamo, minister of Water Resources, and others, DPRK Ambassador to Ethiopia O Ul Rok and his embassy officials. Prior to it, he and his party left Cairo by plane.
• Kim Yong Nam Meets Ethiopian President
  Addis Ababa, July 27 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, paid a courtesy call on Girma Wolde-Giorgis, President of Ethiopia, on July 27. Present there were Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hyong Jun, Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade Ri Myong San and DPRK Ambassador to Ethiopia O Ul Rok. Also present there were Minister of Water Resources Asfaw Dingamo, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nega Tsegaye and other officials concerned. Kim had a friendly talk with the Ethiopian president.
• NK Minister Attends ASEAN Forum
  Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, left, raises hand with North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chin during their bilateral meeting in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday, July 29, 2007. Pak is in the country to attend the 14th ASEAN regional forum, Asia's largest security forum, on Aug. 2. / AP-Yonhap SEOUL _ North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun left for Manila Saturday to attend an Asian regional forum, the country's media reported, amid international efforts to dismantle the communist country's nuclear weapons program. Foreign ministers and other top diplomats from 27 countries are scheduled to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Asia's largest security forum, that opens in the Philippine capital on August 2.  
• Talks between Kim Yong Nam and Algerian President Held
  Algiers, July 25 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Talks between Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria, were held at the Presidential Palace on July 25. At the talks both sides informed each other of their countries' situation and exchanged views on the issue of boosting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries in various fields and issues of mutual concern. The talks proceeded in a friendly atmosphere.
• Kim Yong Nam Arrives in Algiers
  Algiers, July 24 (KCNA Correspondent) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, arrived in Algiers on July 24 to pay an official goodwill visit to Algeria. The president and his party were greeted at the airport by the president of the Council of the Nation of Algeria, others and officials concerned and the DPRK ambassador to Algeria and staff members of the DPRK embassy.
• Kim Yong Nam Leaves for Foreign Countries
  Pyongyang, July 20 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, today left Pyongyang by a special plane to pay official good-will visits to Mongolia, Algeria and Ethiopia. Leaving together with him were Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun, Minister of Public Health Choe Chang Sik and other suite members.
• UN's Ban Meets with Bush
  United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon held talks with U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House Tuesday. In a joint news conference after the meeting, Ban said he appreciated the U.S. government's "initiative and flexibility in promoting development" of the North Korean nuclear issue. "I'm encouraged and I welcome the recent development of the situation," Ban said. "I hope that the parties concerned, including (North Korea), will take necessary measures to implement this joint statement to realize the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula as soon as possible." [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS]
• Diplomatic Relations between DPRK and Montenegro Established
  Pyongyang, July 18 (KCNA) -- The DPRK and the Republic of Montenegro agreed to establish diplomatic ties at ambassadorial level on July 16 on the basis of the UN Charter and the principles of the universally recognized international law. The report on establishing diplomatic ties between the two countries was made public here on July 17. The opening of diplomatic ties will provide favorable conditions for boosting the bilateral ties in political, economic, cultural and various other fields on the principles of respecting each other's independence, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and equality.
• It is time for Ban Ki-moon to speak up and speak out
  After six months in the job, the UN secretary general should be taking the lead, but his record so far is underwhelming Jonathan Steele Friday July 13, 2007 The Guardian The United Nations has long had a public relations problem. Its detractors are loud and passionate, its supporters low-key and reasonable. Around the world the numbers of people who wish the organisation well far exceed those who see it as a nuisance, yet they barely make their voices heard. As a result, the UN is always on the defensive. Never more than now, six months after Ban Ki-moon's installation as the eighth secretary general. Foreign minister in the South Korean government which sent troops to Iraq after the US invasion, he was the Bush administration's favourite among the five contestants for the job. His country is totally dependent on the US for its defence. He had little experience of the UN or large parts of the world. He was described as a cautious, even faceless bureaucrat, and a man of little vision. [Ban Ki-moon]
• Kim Yong Nam to Visit Mongolia, Algeria and Ethiopia
  Pyongyang, July 12 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly, will soon pay an official good-will visit to Mongolia at the invitation of its President Nambariin Enkhbayar. He will also make similar visits to Algeria and Ethiopia.
• Great King of Cambodia Sends Big Floral Basket to DPRK Embassy
  Pyongyang, July 10 (KCNA) -- Norodom Sihanouk, Great King of Cambodia, sent a big floral basket to the DPRK embassy in Phnom Penh on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of demise of President Kim Il Sung. Written on the ribbon of the floral basket were letters "Highest tribute to HE Generalissimo Kim Il Sung, president of the DPRK. Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia". A delegation of the Ministry of the Royal Palace of the Cambodian government led by Kong Sam Ol, deputy prime minister in charge of the Royal Palace, on July 6 visited the DPRK embassy and laid the floral basket before the portrait of Kim Il Sung and paid homage, authorized by the great king.
• Ban Ki-Moon's Role of UN Secretary General
  [Part 2] Impact of press on actions of the UN head     Ronda Hauben (netizen2)
  Published 2007-07-04 12:26 (KST)     June 30, 2007 marks the first six months that Ban Ki-moon has held the position as Secretary-General of the United Nations. The following two-part article is an effort to look at the role of Secretary General and some of the challenges he faces.   You can find part 1 of this article here. How has the role of the press affected the actions of the new Secretary General? There is an important example that has developed which helps to demonstrate the impact that the press has had on Ban Ki-moon.
  In the interview with Hankyoreh before he took office,(1) Ban described how he would act to support a solution to the problem of relations between North Korea and the Northeast Asia region, and the disarmament of the Korean peninsula. On January 19, 2007, just a few weeks after Ban became Secretary General, there were news reports of a breakthrough in negotiations between the Christopher Hill for the U.S. and Kim Kye-gwan for North Korea.(2) The International Herald Tribune reported (3): "The movement toward a possible breakthrough came during the talks in Berlin between Hill and Kim, Chosun Ilbo reported, citing unidentified officials in Seoul and Beijing." Timed, it appeared, to coincide with the breakthrough, however, was the publication in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) of an article "United Nations Dictator's Program" by Melanie Kirkpatrick. A similar article was published by Fox News. These articles alleged that North Korea was manipulating funds from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in North Korea. These press accounts reported that UNDP funds were being used by Kim Jong-il, for whatever he wanted, including "his weapons program." (4) No proof was provided for this accusation. The articles included other unsupported allegations. While most of the press reports in the U.S. just repeated or exaggerated the original allegations, a few Korean publications provided a different perspective. The Korean newspaper Voice of the People pointed out that the allegations of UNDP mismanagement appeared just as the North Korean and U.S. representatives had had productive negotiations in Berlin.(5) The Voice of the People asked why the U.S. Mission to the U.N. was raising these issues "at this time."   "Despite the totally unfounded allegation by the hawks," the editors write, "it has a political effect for freezing (the) bilateral relationship between Washington and Pyongyang."(6) Ban Ki-moon's response to the WSJ and Fox news articles was to call immediately for an audit of all UN programs. The audit was to start with an audit of all programs in North Korea. A few days later the call for an audit of all UN programs was dropped. The audit was to be of North Korea's UNDP program.(7)   [UNDP] [Toolkit] [Ban Ki-moon]
• Ban Ki-Moon's Role of UN Secretary General
  [Part 1] Ronda Hauben asks if there is a guiding vision in the organization
    Ronda Hauben (netizen2)
  Published 2007-06-30 16:43 (KST)     June 30, 2007 marks the first six months that Ban Ki-moon has held the position as Secretary-General of the United Nations. The following two-part article is an effort to look at the role of Secretary General and some of the challenges he faces.   Introduction Ban Ki-moon's nomination by the Security Council to be the 8th Secretary General of the United Nations was sent to the General Assembly on Oct. 13, 2006. Ban succeeded in winning the nomination after a difficult and contested campaign.(1) But his trial by fire was only just beginning. Ban had succeeded in winning the votes of China and of the U.S. His achievement winning the votes of these two nations, who are permanent members of the Security Council, was seen by a number of commentators as the critical step needed to win the nomination for Secretary General.(2) [Ban Ki-moon] [UN]

• Philippine FM Feted
  Pyongyang, June 20 (KCNA) -- The government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea hosted a reception for the visiting Philippine secretary of Foreign Affairs and his entourage at the Mansudae Assembly Hall on Tuesday.  
• Rodong Sinmun Calls for Boosting South-South Cooperation
  Pyongyang, June 22 (KCNA) -- South-South cooperation provides a sure guarantee for achieving national prosperity and economic progress. Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed article. If the developing countries pool their efforts to stand on their own feet without depending on the developed countries, they can certainly achieve national prosperity and economic progress, the article notes, and goes on: It is the most correct way of solving any problem to develop the South-South cooperation on the principle of collective self-reliance. [Juche] [Globalisation]
• Top NKorea official holds talks in Tehran
  Thu May 10, 1:20 PM ET TEHRAN (AFP) - Iran's Vice President Parviz Davoudi said there was "no limit" to expanding ties with Pyongyang after holding talks with North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il. "Tehran sees no limit in expanding ties and cooperation with Pyongyang," Davoudi was quoted as saying by the student ISNA news agency.

• N.Korea Slams U.S., Japan, S.Korea
  By JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press Thursday, May 24, 2007; 6:29 AM MANILA, Philippines -- Reclusive North Korea accused the U.S., Japan and South Korea of being Asia's biggest security threats and pledged to give up its nuclear weapons if they dismantle missiles aimed at it, according to a North Korean document seen Thursday. North Korea painted a bleak picture of Asia's security in the defense paper it presented to the ASEAN Regional Forum in a closed meeting, but welcomed six-way talks aimed at denuclearizing the Korean peninsula as a crucial first step toward peace. "The denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is in essence not the question of unilateral disbandment of the (North Korean) nuclear program only," said the report, seen by The Associated Press. It said the denuclearization also depended on the removal "of more than one thousand nuclear weapons deployed in and around North Korea under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and termination of the U.S. hostile policy toward (North Korea) and its nuclear threat as well." [Denuclearisation] [NK US policy]
• Nicaragua Re-Establishes N. Korea Ties
  The Associated Press Thursday, May 17, 2007; 8:45 PM MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- The leftist administration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has re-established formal diplomatic relations with North Korea and rejected criticism of the Asian country's nuclear weapons program, the government said Thursday. Relations between the two countries had been suspended since 1990, when Violeta Barrios de Chamorro defeated Ortega in presidential elections and ended 11 years of rule by Ortega's Sandinista Front. As a former Marxist revolutionary and socialist president, Ortega fought a 10-year war with the U.S.-backed Contra rebels. But Ortega returned to office in January, and on Wednesday he revived relations when he received the credentials of North Korean Ambassador Jae Myong So, the Ministry of Communication said. "It isn't right, it isn't fair" that some countries "that arm themselves then want to prohibit others from arming themselves in self-defense," Ortega said in an apparent reference to the United States. [Double standards]

• N.Korea and Burma Resume Diplomatic Ties
  North Korea and Burma agreed Thursday to restore diplomatic relations after a break of 24 years. Burma severed ties with North Korea in 1983, accusing Pyongyang of a deadly bomb attack at Aung San Cemetery in a failed assassination attempt on South Korea's then President Chun Doo-hwan. Following a meeting with North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il on Thursday, Burma's Deputy Foreign Minister Kyaw Thu said, "This morning we signed an agreement to restore diplomatic ties," AP and other foreign news services reported. No further details of the agreement were given. A North Korean delegation led by Kim has been on a three-day visit to Burma since Wednesday. The delegation is also expected to meet with Burma's military leaders. The two nations have over the past few years worked to restore diplomatic relations through routine talks at regional meetings, and Burma has reportedly been purchasing weapons from North Korea, AP said. Both countries have been branded "outposts of tyranny" by the U.S. Quoting diplomatic experts, AFP said, "The two nations may have felt drawn together in recent years due to a shared perception they have a common foe in the U.S. and the West more broadly. There is an arms embargo on the Burmese military, so maybe the Burmese military is looking for (North Korean) arms systems using Burmese resources - like rice."
• Joint Communique on Reestablishment of Diplomatic Relations between DPRK and Union of Myanmar Released
  Pyongyang, April 26 (KCNA) -- A Joint communique on the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and the Union of Myanmar was released in Yangon on April 26. According to the joint communique, the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the government of the Union of Myanmar, desirous of developing friendly relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries and peoples, based on the principles of respect for each other's sovereignty, non-interference in their internal affairs, and equality and mutual benefit, as well as the norms of international law and the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter, have agreed to reestablish the diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 18th April 1961.
• Myanmar, North Korea Re-Establish Ties
  The Associated Press Thursday, April 26, 2007; 4:26 AM YANGON, Myanmar -- Myanmar and North Korea, two of Asia's most repressive regimes, signed an agreement Thursday to resume diplomatic ties during a visit to Myanmar by the North Korean vice foreign minister, an official said. Myanmar severed diplomatic relations with North Korea in 1983, following a fatal bombing blamed on North Korean commandos during a visit to Yangon by former South Korean President Chun Doo-hwan.
  The two countries have been quietly working to normalize relations for the past few years. The two governments routinely meet at regional meetings, and Myanmar has reportedly bought weapons from North Korea. Myanmar's deputy foreign minister, Kyaw Thu, told reporters the agreement to restore ties was signed Thursday morning on the second day of the three-day visit by North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il, whose trip had been cloaked in secrecy. It is now up to Pyongyang whether it will open diplomatic offices in Myanmar, Kyan Thu said. [Terrorism]
• DPRK Foreign Ministry Delegation Leaves
  Pyongyang, April 19 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry led by Vice-Minister Kim Yong Il left here on April 19 to visit Asian countries. It was seen off at the airport by officials concerned and diplomatic envoys of Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Iran.
• North Korea, Myanmar Mull Resuming Ties: Report
  By REUTERS Published: April 8, 2007 Filed at 0:22 a.m. ET Skip to next paragraph TOKYO (Reuters) - A senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official is expected to visit Myanmar late this month to discuss resumption of diplomatic ties, Japan's Kyodo news agency reported, citing diplomatic sources in Yangon. The sources said the official would visit Myanmar's new administrative capital, Nay Pyi Taw, around April 24. The official was believed to be Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il, who has been involved in normalization talks with Myanmar, Kyodo said. The two reclusive governments have been at odds since North Korean agents said to have direct links with current leader Kim Jong-il carried out a bomb attack on a South Korean government delegation to Yangon in 1983. More than 20 people were killed and at least twice that number wounded in the attack. The agents were said to have been targeting then South Korean President Chun Doo Hwan during an official visit to Yangon. [Terrorism]
• Congratulations to Regional Secretary of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party
  Pyongyang, April 6 (KCNA) -- General Secretary Kim Jong Il Friday sent a congratulatory message to Bashar al�|Assad, regional secretary of Syria's Baath Arab Socialist Party, on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. The message says: I extend warm congratulations to you and, through you, to the leadership and all the members of the Baath Arab Socialist Party on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.
• DPRK Women's Delegation Leaves for Venezuela
  Pyongyang, March 29 (KCNA) -- A delegation of the Korean Democratic Women's Union led by Vice-chairperson of its central committee Kim Kyong Ok left here today to participate in the 14th Congress of the Women's International Democratic Federation to be held in Venezuela. It was seen off at Pyongyang Railway Station by officials concerned and the staff members of the Cuban embassy here.
• Solidarity Bulletin March 2007
  Bulletin of the Korean Committee for Solidarity with the World People, Pyongyang
• DPRK Foreign Ministry Hails Establishment of Unified National Government of Palestine
  Pyongyang, March 22 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave the following answer to the question put by KCNA on Mar. 22 as regards the establishment of the unified national government in Palestine. Some days ago, the unified national government was set up according to an agreement between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement and the Palestine National Liberation Movement.

• UN Secretary-General Ban "Bound to Fail" - Report
  Although UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is aggressively trying to resolve international disputes and reform the United Nations, he is likely to fail, according to the March 5 edition of U.S. magazine Newsweek. The analytic article "Bound to Fail" by Sebastian Mallaby, a director with a U.S. think-tank, says that Ban's efforts are "mission impossible" and that "everything about the United Nations conspires against him." Newsweek attributes Ban's likely failure to the election process and his career. Although Ban ascended to the top position of the UN after 36 years of diplomacy work, "his selection was the result of backroom deals rather than a merit-based contest." As a diplomat of South Korea caught between superpower nations, Ban was "consensual" and "a listener" rather than a "charismatic statesman," Newsweek says. The article adds that "no U.N. chief executive would be likely to succeed at the United Nations as it is today, for the secretary-general is less the leader of the international system than its prisoner." [Ban Ki-moon] [UNUS]
• Bound to Fail
  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has taken on 'mission impossible.' Everything about The United Nations conspires against him.
  By Sebastian Mallaby Newsweek International March 5, 2007 issue - On a celebrated Thursday in April 1953, the first secretary-general of the United Nations greeted his successor as he arrived at New York's Idlewild airport, now JFK. You are about to inherit "the most impossible job in the world," he told him. Half a century on, that warning still overshadows the heirs to the U.N. throne. Ban Ki-moon, the South Korean diplomat who stepped into the job in January, jokes that he has taken on "Mission: Impossible." This is the humor of the gallows.
  When he suggested that, lacking Security Council authorization, the U.S. invasion of Iraq was "illegal," he unleashed a firestorm of recriminations from the Bush administration. And yet, by the end of his tenure, developing countries tended to view Annan as the stooge of Washington.
  The U.N. secretary-general, no matter how skilled, is caught between big powers that refuse to make the institution fair and small powers that refuse to make it more efficient.
• Challenges and Proposals for U.N. Reformer
  Ban Ki-moon and basic methods to handle the G77 and the U.S.
  [Analysis] Jae Young Lee (ohmyjoshua) Published 2007-02-20 16:16 (KST)   In the face of the long-held criticism of the U.N.'s ineffectiveness and lack of capability as the world guardian, Ban Ki-moon, as the new Secretary General of the U.N., stepped into the position on Jan. 1, 2007 on which great political pressure is imposed to reform the U.N. Could he successfully deal with obstacles ahead in undertaking the U.N. reform from now on? As for the reform, there is wide concern about his leadership, as he seems to have fallen short of aggressively fulfilling the expected reform. He was described as "the kind of a person, more secretary than general" and "pretty faceless and no much charisma"(1) The greatest challenges facing Ban are: the volatile conflict between the developing countries and the western developed countries and the United States' unilateralist behaviors that placed its own interest above those of the U.N. They have had a tendency of leading the U.N. operation into disruption. [Ban Ki-moon]