Korean Peninsula Today, 01 June 2009

• North Korea may carry out another long-rage ballistic missile test sometime after 10 Jun

• Chinese fishing vessels are leaving the NLL

• North Korea fired another short-range missile on Friday, 29 May 2009, and threatened fresh steps if world powers impose sanctions for its nuclear test.

Japan, US compile draft UN resolution on North Korea

Following report from Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun:

Japan and the United States on Wednesday compiled a draft of a new U.N. Security Council resolution against North Korea in response to its nuclear test, including such measures as making cargo inspections of North Korean vessels mandatory and imposing financial sanctions.

The draft has been circulated among Britain, China, France and Russia--all permanent members of the Security Council--and South Korea.

According to diplomatic sources, the draft strengthens Resolution 1718, which was adopted in October 2006 after North Korea's first nuclear test. Based on a draft prepared by the United States, it also reflects proposals made by Japan, China, France and Russia, the sources said.

The seven countries will hold an ambassadorial-level meeting Thursday to discuss a new resolution based on the draft.

According to the sources, the draft includes five proposals made by the United States:

• Imposing a total arms embargo on North Korea.
  
• Making cargo inspections of North Korean vessels mandatory.
  
• Making respective countries report results of cargo inspections.
  
• Prohibiting banking transactions with North Korea.
  
• Imposing a ban on making loans or granting aid to the country, except for humanitarian reasons.
  

In addition, it also includes measures proposed by Japan and France such as the designation of North Korean organizations and individuals who should have their assets frozen or be banned from traveling outside the reclusive state.

North Korea reacts to South Korea's decision to fully participate in PSI: declares Korean War Armistice "null"

The following was carried as an unscheduled program, and is observed to be North Korea's first reaction to South Korea's decision to participate in PSI:

(Originally broadcasted by North Korea's Korean Central Broadcasting Station in Korean)

Statement P'anmunjo'm Mission of the Korean People's Army: 

Those Who Toy With Us Will Not Be Able To Avoid Merciless Punishment Beyond Imagination The unstable situation of our country -- which is neither at war nor in peace -- is dashing toward an extreme situation where war may break out at any time.

Such a situation is directly connected with the frenzied maneuver of the US imperialists -- who are frantically running amok with military isolation and crushing maneuvers against us, the other party of war, while totally turning a blind eye to the Armistice Agreement -- and the Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors, which are riding on them.

Its typical movement is none other than the Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors' reckless full participation maneuver in the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative, which was forced by the conspiracy and collusion of the master and its stooge.

Originally, the US attempt to drag in the puppets into this initiative, aimed at military blockade and sheer brigandish naval blockade against us, has been persistently pushed since the Bush administration.

While speaking paradoxically saying that there is the need to convert PSI as a permanent international system, even the incumbent US rulers, including Obama, instigated and draw South Korean puppets to this.

This is a violent infringement and a clear negation of not only the international law but also the Korean Armistice Agreement, which prohibits any kind of blockade against war counterpart.

In spite of that, Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors, who has become inveterate of flunkeyism and subservience, unhesitatingly committed the act of fully participating in PSI, blindly obeying the demands of their masters.

With this, the US imperialists and Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors drew the situation on the Korean peninsula to a state of war.

The P'anmunjo'm Mission of the Korean People's Army clarifies principled position of our revolutionary armed forces to cope with the situation created.

1. As has been already declared to the world, our revolutionary armed forces will regard the Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors' full participation in the PSI as a declaration of war against us.

Accordingly, we will brand hostile acts, such as interdictions and inspections, against our vessels having peaceful purposes - no matter how trivial they may be - as unpardonable violation of our Republic's sovereignty and will respond with immediate and strong military strikes.

2. The incumbent rulers of the United States are so crazed with the maneuver to crush the DPRK that they negated the Armistice Agreement itself, not to mention international law. Without being satisfied with this, the authorities recklessly abandoned even their responsibility as the very signer of the agreement and finally dragged the puppets into the PSI. In this situation, our army will not be bound by the Armistice Agreement any longer, either.

If the Armistice Agreement loses its binding force, the Korean peninsula will surely get back to the state of war in legal terms, and our revolutionary armed forces will proceed to military action corresponding to it.

3. At present, the KPA will not be able to guarantee the legal status of the South side's five islands -- Paengnyo'ng, Taech'o'ng, Soch'o'ng, Yo'np'yo'ng, and U Islands -- in the northwest territorial waters of our maritime Military Demarcation Line in the West Sea of Korea and the safe navigation of the vessels of the US imperialist forces of aggression and puppet Navy as well as general ships that move in the nearby waters.

Under a condition where the US imperialists and Lee Myung-bak gang of traitors have given up the just [kongjo'nghan] demands of international law and mutual agreement, it does not make sense if it's only us who implement them the demands and agreement.

There is no greater miscalculation than thinking that the US-style theory that the weak are the prey of the strong can work with us.

The South and the United States should correctly be aware that we also have mighty military strength and our-style striking method that can, if necessary, can enable DPRK to sit astride nearby objects at one stroke or strike the vital spot of the United States.

Those who toy with us will not be able to avoid merciless punishment beyond imagination.

Regional and United Nations Reactions to the North Korean Nuclear Test: The First 48-hours after the Test [10:00 AM, 25 May – 10:00 AM, 27 May (KST)]

Overview. At 9:54 AM (KST), 25 May, North Korea conducted its second nuclear test near the northeastern town of Kilchu (near the site of the North’s 2006 nuclear test).

In the open media, South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency first carried the news of the test at 11:49 AM (KST), reporting that “South Korea has detected an ‘artificial earthquake’ in North Korea.” At 12:00 PM (KST), North Korea’s KCBS broadcasted the KCNA communiqué of a “successful” nuclear test. At 1210 hours, the KCNA published its communiqué in English. Along with its nuclear test, North Korea also test-fired two short-range missiles on 25 May, and three short-range missiles on 26 May.  There are also indications of possible preparation for more missile launch.  

Reactions from countries in the region have included South Korea putting its military on alert and convening an emergency meeting of its National Security Council (NSC). On 26 May (KST), South Korea announced its decision to fully participate in the PSI. South Korea has also banned all visits to North Korea by South Korean nationals, with the exception of those traveling to the joint industrial complex in Kaesong. South Korea and US presidents agreed that the test was a “reckless violation of international law that compels action in response,” and agreed to “strongly punish” North Korea for its test.

Japan reacted angrily to the North Korean nuclear test, with Prime Minister Taro Aso saying, "It is a major challenge to the nuclear nonproliferation regime and is a clear violation of the UNSC resolution. It absolutely cannot be allowed." Aso also told reporters "The right way to proceed is to start with Security Council discussion." The Japanese government on 25 May (KST) began considering banning all exports to North Korea -- it already bars exports of luxury items and other goods to North Korea.

China stopped short of outright condemnation of North’s action, but did issue a statement that contained most direct criticism of North Korea since the Oct 06 nuclear test. Russia issued a statement condemning the North, but remained cautious. Both countries stated that they are opposed to the North Korean nuclear test and that the North should live up to its obligations of international agreements concerning denuclearization. Although both countries urged the international community to resolve the situation through talks and negotiations, they both acknowledged a new UNSC resolution, probably embedded with more sanctions, against North Korea seems to be inevitable.

Following the 25 May test, the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, the UN, the EU, NATO and others throughout the international community also condemned the North’s activity. On 25 May (EDT), the UNSC held an emergency session and issued a statement calling the test a “clear violation” of UNSC Resolution 1718, which bans North Korea from any ballistic missile and nuclear activity. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply disturbed" by North Korea's nuclear test and later issued a statement deploring it as a violation of UNSC resolutions. On 26 May (EDT) the UNSC’s five permanent members, along with Japan and the ROK, started a closed-door meeting to discuss the UNSC next course of action against North Korea.

North Korean Media Behavior. For the past 48hours, the North Korean media has behaved normally. There has been one follow-up reporabout the nuclear test in the past 48 hours –KCNA reported on 26 May (KST) that “a meeting of Pyongyangites was held at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium Tuesday to celebrate the second successful nuclear test.” There has been only one report in the past 48 hours that dealt directly with the international reactions to the nuclear test – a 26 May (KST) Chosun Sinbo article urged the US for a bilateral talks with North Korea to “cut off the escalating cycle of tension.” During the same time period, the North Korean media has released two reports justifying the nuclear test, missile launches, and continued weapons development (aside from the Chosun Sinbo report mentioned earlier).

South Korean (the ROK) Reactions. Following the North Korean nuclear test, the ROK government immediately convened an emergency meeting of the NSC meeting and placed its military on high alert. The ROK President Lee Myung-bak said he was disappointed with the North and ordered complete readiness to counter any additional provocations from the communist nation. At the end of the emergency NSC meeting, the ROK government issued a statement strongly denouncing North Korea's nuclear test as a "serious threat and challenge" to the international community.

The National Defense Committee of the ROK National Assembly adopted a resolution on 25 May (KST) urging governments around the world to take prompt and stern countermeasures against North Korea's latest nuclear test. The parliamentary committee said that Pyongyang must assume full responsibility for all incidents arising from its provoation.

The ROK government also banned its citizens from visiting North Korea, with the exception of those involved with the Kaesong Industrial Complex. The ban also applies to humanitarian aid workers, politicians and civic activists.

On 26 May (KST), the ROK government declared its decision to fully participate in the PSI. President Obama welcomed the decision during a telephone call with President Lee stating that South Korea’s membership is very important and that every other member state will welcome the decision as well.

To confirm that the North indeed detonated a nuclear device, the ROK military started to take air samples on 26 May (KST). A ROK defense ministry official said, “We expect it will be at least a few days before we can confirm that North Korea indeed detonated a nuclear device."

Japanese Reaction. Following the North’s test, the Japanese government set up a special task force at the emergency management center of Prime Minister Taro Aso's office.

In New York, Yukio Takasu, Japan's UN ambassador, met with the Russian ambassador and requested an emergency meeting of the UNSC.

In Hanoi, the Japanese Foreign Minister Nakasone sought China's support for Japan’s push to produce a UNSC resolution, and gained the ROK Foreign Minister’s agreement that the two countries “"call for the U.N. Security Council to convene an emergency meeting on the issue as early as possible."

During a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Aso and President Obama, the two leaders agreed that the UNSC must swiftly adopt a new resolution to impose “additional sanctions” on North Korea. Two leaders also agreed to encourage China and Russia to cooperate in adopting a new, fresh UNSC resolution.

On 26 May (KST), the Japanese House of Representatives unanimously endorsed a resolution at a plenary session condemning North Korea’s nuclear test, slamming it as an “act of violence.” The Japanese ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, the New Komeito Party, issued a joint statement calling on the Japanese government to put forth efforts in seeking the passage of a new UNSC resolution and to impose additional unilateral sanctions on North Korea. The Diet resolution claims that “repeated nuclear tests by North Korea are a grave challenge to the international nonproliferation regime and are entirely unacceptable.” The House of Councilors is expected to adopt a similar resolution soon.

In an effort to confirm the North’s claim of its nuclear test, the Japanese Defense Ministry reportedly dispatched aircraft to take air samples from the sky over Japan.

Chinese Reaction. The Chinese government remained fairly muted about the North’s reported nuclear test; however, in contrast to the 05 Apr rocket launch, it released an official statement via its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 25 May (KST) expressing its dismay about the latest North Korean action. The statement stopped short of an outright condemnation, but it was the harshest and most direct criticism of North Korea since the nuclear test in Oct 06. In the statement, China stated that it is in “resolute opposition” to the test, and that it “strongly demands that North Korea abide by the non-nuclearization commitments, stop related actions that may lead to further deterioration of the situation.” The statement also urged “all parties concerned to respond calmly.”

On 26 May (KST), the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that China has directly “conveyed its position” to North Korea and that “China has been maintaining contact throughout with all relevant parties.” At a press briefing, a Chinese foreign ministry official stated that China will demand that North Korea fulfill the obligations it assumed during the Six-Party Talks on its nuclear program. The official stated that the Chinese side hopes that all the parties will work with China on “solving this problem by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation.” These comments reiterated the Chinese foreign ministry’s official statement released a day earlier.

Russian Reaction. Reacting to the reported nuclear test, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on 25 May (KST) that North Korea has violated the UNSC Resolution 1718 and that the North’s nuclear tests have dealt a serious blow to the international efforts to strengthen the Nuclear NPT. The Russian State Duma deputies told Interfax on 25 May (KST) that the UNSC should apply economic sanctions against North Korea. The Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee stated, however, that the security issue with North Korea should only be handled through talks. Along the same line, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Itar-Tass that Russia has urged other countries “not to go off into hysterics” or “overreact” in connection with the nuclear test.

On 26 May (KST), the Russian Foreign Ministry told Itar-Tass that Russia believes a new UN resolution on North Korea should not envisage an international isolation or blockade of North Korea. On the same day, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Borodavkin said Russia will not use “unilateral sanctions of any kind” against North Korea. He also stated that Russia believes that there is still a chance for North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks. The Russian President’s Office, on the other hand, issued a statement on 26 May (KST) condemning the North’s nuclear test.

United Nations Reaction. Over the past 48 hours, the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, the EU, NATO, and others throughout the international community also condemned the North's activity. On 25 May (EDT), the UNSC held an emergency session and issued a statement calling the test a “clear violation" of UNSC Resolution 1718, which bans North Korea from any ballistic missile and nuclear activity. The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply disturbed" by North Korea's nuclear test and later issued a statement deploring it as a violation of UNSC resolutions. On 26 May (EDT) the UNSC’s five permanent members, along with Japan and the ROK (dubbed P5+2), started a closed-door meeting to discuss the UNSC course of action against North Korea. As of the time of this report’s publication, the UNSC P5+2 had concluded its first meeting and the US UN Ambassador Susan Rice said the P5+2 had “very good, productive, initial talks” on the draft resolution against North Korea. The Japanese UN Ambassador Takasu told the reporters after the meeting that “there is a strong understanding” that the 15-nation council will send “a strong message” to North Korea.

North Korea Conducts Second Nuclear Test

At 1200 PM (noon), 25 May (Korea Standard Time), North Korea's Korean Central Broadcasting Station (KCBS) ran the following Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) communique declaring a "successful" underground nuclear test.

Full translated English text below:

At the demand of our scientists and technicians, another round of underground nuclear testing was successfully conducted on 25 May 2009, Chuch'e 98, as part of the measures to enhance the Republic's self-defensive nuclear deterrent in all directions.

The nuclear test at this time was safely conducted at a new high level in terms of explosive power and control technology, and the test result enabled the smooth resolution of scientific and technical issues for further increasing the power of nuclear weapons and incessantly developing nuclear technology.

The success of the nuclear test at this time is greatly encouraging our army and people who have risen up as one in the 150-day battle, vigorously igniting the flame of new great revolutionary upswing for opening the gate to a powerful state.

With the power of military-first, the nuclear test will contribute to safeguard the sovereignty of the country and the nation and socialism, and guarantee peace and security on the Korean peninsula and its neighboring regions.