The National Committee on North Korea

June 19, 2009

NCNK has posted the written testimony from the June 18, 2009 Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing and the June 17, 2009 House Foreign Affairs Committee. Transcripts from these hearings are not yet available.

UNSC Adopts UNSCR 1874 (2009)

June 15, 2009

The UNSC announced the adoption of UNSCR 1874 on June 12. The US Department of State released a chart outlining the differences between UNSCR 1718 (2006) and the new resolution. The chart also provides a useful summary of the most significant measures in 1874.

The DPRK released its response on June 13 on KCNA:

Upon authorization, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK strongly condemns and rejects the UNSC "resolution 1874" and declares that it will take the following countermeasures at this early phase of all-out confrontation with the U.S. in order to defend the national dignity and the country's sovereignty.

First: The whole amount of the newly extracted plutonium will be weaponized.

More than one third of the spent fuel rods has been reprocessed to date.

Second: The process of uranium enrichment will be commenced.

Pursuant to the decision to build its own light-water reactor, enough success has been made in developing uranium enrichment technology to provide nuclear fuel to allow the experimental procedure.

Third: An attempted blockade of any kind by the U.S. and its followers will be regarded as an act of war and met with a decisive military response.

In the "Explanations of Position" released by the UN on June 12, Rosemary DiCarlo, speaking for the United States, called the measures "innovative, robust and unprecedented, and represented new tools to impair North Korea's ability to proliferate."

China's ambassador to the UN, Zhang Yesui, said the DPRK had violated Security Council resolutions and impaired the nuclear non-proliferation regime and that "China supported the balanced reaction of the Security Council." His statment continued

It should be stressed, however, that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate security concerns and development interests of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea should be respected. After its return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, that country would enjoy the right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as a State party. The Council's actions, meanwhile, should not adversely impact the country's development, or humanitarian assistance to it.

Yukio Takasu, Japan's Ambasador to the UN, "highlighted the importance of the Council's expansion of sanctions and its demand that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea not conduct any further nuclear tests or ballistic missile launches, that it cease all other prohibited nuclear activities and that it respond to the humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the abduction issue."

Vitaly Churchkin of the Russian Federation said that "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's actions had undermined international laws on non-proliferation; that demanded strong action that could bring the country back to the negotiating table," adding that "It was important for the sanctions to be able to be lifted, if the country embarked on the path of abiding by Council decisions."

The Republic of Korea's ambassador, Park In-Kook, said the ROK "strongly urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to return to the six-party talks and to abandon all of its nuclear weapons and missile programmes, once and for all. Hopefully, all Member States would make united efforts to duly implement the measures outlined in the present resolution."

Abdurrahman Mohamad Shalagham of Libyia, while noting that he "had joined the consensus to encourage the return to dialogue and because the measures in the resolution were targeted so as not to harm the Korean people," also commented that "His country had renounced its own programmes and was working for a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the international community had failed to take advantage of Libya's actions and reward it with development assistance in a way that would have helped further the case for non-proliferation."

Le Luong Minh, representing Vietnam, noted that as a party to the Treaty on the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, "Viet Nam was also a strong advocate of the establishment of such zones in every part of the world and, in that vein, had been strongly supporting the efforts towards denuclearization of the Korean peninsula." He concluded that he "had insisted in deliberations that, while intending to prevent proliferation and ballistic missile technology development, the measures adopted by the Council must avoid adversely affecting the normal life of the population, as well as the humanitarian, development and other legitimate economic activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

DPRK Conducts Second Nuclear Test

NCNK Members Available to Comment: Call 202 247 0442 for contact information.

For commentary, click here.

May 29, 2009

On May 25, 2009 North Korea announced that it had conducted a second nuclear test. According to a statement released by KCNA, "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea successfully conducted one more underground nuclear test on May 25 as part of the measures to bolster up its nuclear deterrent for self-defence in every way as requested by its scientists and technicians. The current nuclear test was safely conducted on a new higher level in terms of its explosive power and technology of its control and the results of the test helped satisfactorily settle the scientific and technological problems arising in further increasing the power of nuclear weapons and steadily developing nuclear technology."

The UN Security Council met in an emergency session later that day and issued a non-binding statement calling the test a "clear violation" of UN Resolution 1718 and promising work on a new resolution. The UNSC has continued to meet this week; in addition UN Ambassadors from the P5 and Japan and South Korea met in a closed door session.

International condemnation was swift and strong. The Chinese government issued a statement declaring "The DPRK ignored universal opposition of the international community and once more conducted the nuclear test. The Chinese government is resolutely opposed to it." President Obama said that "North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community. North Korea's behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia." The ROK, Japan, EU, Australia, India and other nations also condemned the test. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, in part "We cannot describe the North Korean move other than as a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 1718, which prohibits Pyongyang from carrying out nuclear tests." United Nations Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the test is "very serious and needs to have a strong response."

The DPRK, through the "New York Channel," warned the United States of the test less than an hour before it took place, according to Reuters. While initial data still needs to be verified, according to Russian analysis this test was larger than the one in 2006. Arms Control Wonk analyzes the test on their site.

North Korea also launched several short-range missiles on the 25th, the 26th and the 29th. Two of the missiles on the 25th were fired to warn U.S. intelligence planes trying to gather information from the test site, according to one report. On May 27th, the ROK announced that it would join the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a move they had considered prior to the April test launch. The DPRK called the South Korean decision to join PSI an "act of war"and declared that it "will deal a decisive and merciless retaliatory blow, no matter from which place, at any attempt to stop, check and inspect its vessels," according to KCNA.

NCNK Sanctions Report

April 28, 2009

This updated version of the NCNK report, "North Korea: Unilateral and Multilateral Economic Sanctions and U.S. Department of Treasury Actions 1955-April 2009" provides background and context for understanding the most recent UN sanctions on the DPRK. The report includes a chart of current US economic sanctions as well as a "Key Events" timeline. This version replaces the January, 2009 version of the report. An earlier and shorter version of this article appeared in the Spring 2008 volume of North Korean Review.

111th Congress Legislation on North Korea

April 28, 2009

Although the legislation introduced by Congress this spring relevant to the DPRK in all probability will not be passed by Congress (or even be marked up in Committee, for that matter) the following pieces of legislation provide a window into the concerns of some U.S. legislators:

S 837: North Korea Sanctions Act of 2009 (Introduced in Senate April 20, 2009)

HRES 309: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that North Korea should immediately stop any hostile rhetoric and activity towards the Republic of Korea and engage in mutual dialogue. (Introduced in House March 31, 2009)

H.R.1980: To continue restrictions against and prohibit diplomatic recognition of the Government of North Korea, and for other purposes. (Introduced in the House April 21, 2009.)

DPRK Rocket Launch

April 29, 2009

NCNK Members Available to Comment: Call 1202 247 0442 for contact information.

On April 29, 2009, KCNA (Korean Central News Agency of DPRK) reported that the DPRK had issued a statement responding to the new UN sanctions announced on April 24 (click here for more information on the sanctions).

Calling the sanctions an "illegal provocation" in response to "peaceful satellite launch," a Democratic People's Republic of Korea Foreign Ministry spokesman requested an apology from the UNSC. The statement concludes with the following: "In case the UNSC does not make an immediate apology, such actions will be taken as:

"Firstly, the DPRK will be compelled to take additional self-defensive measures in order to defend its supreme interests.

"The measures will include nuclear tests and test-firings of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

"Secondly, the DPRK will make a decision to build a light water reactor power plant and start the technological development for ensuring self-production of nuclear fuel as its first process without delay."

Click here for more information on the rocket launch, including links to analysis and opinion pieces.

For an NCNK report on US and Economic Sanctions on the DPRK, click here.

For updates on the implementation of UN Resolution 1718, click here.

FY 09 Supplemental Appropriations Request

April 13, 2009

Click here for an NCNK Issue Brief on the Obama Administration's request to Congress for funds for HFO, disarmament and disablement, compiled by HyoJung Jang. For the Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009, click here.

A DPRK Shangri-La

January 14, 2009

This new issue of the NCNK Newsletter, written by Victor Hsu and released January 2009, discusses a DPRK/World Vision International project bringing solar power to the DPRK.

Testimony: Confirmation of Secretary Clinton

January 13, 2009

This document is a compilation of testimony regarding the Democratic People's Republic of Korea during the confirmation of Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State. It includes excerpts from the hearing (full transcript available at the New York Times) and excerpts from the Questions for the Record submitted by Senator John Kerry (the complete Q&A are available at Foreign Policy Magazine) and Senator Richard Lugar (the complete Q&A are available at Senator Lugar's website).

The New Administration and the New Congress

February 23, 2009

This December 23, 2008 issue brief provides a short analysis of possible leadership structures and a chart of the administration and congressional positions that will be influential in shaping and implementing the new administration's DPRK policy. The chart was last updated on February 23; it is in an easier to use format created by Heeyoung Sohn. It will continue to be updated as positions are filled. Other Issue Briefs are available here.

Track Two and The DPRK

November 6, 2008

A new NCNK Newsletter describes Track II exchanges with the DPRK. To read the new website, click here. To read previous NCNK Newsletters on exchanges with the DPRK, click here.

North Korea Removed from Terrorism List

October 11, 2008

On October 11, 2008, the United States announced that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea would be removed from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. In response, the DPRK said it would resume dismantling its nuclear facilities. On Monday, October 13, IAEA inspectors (International Atomic Energy Agency) returned to Yongbyon.

NCNK Announces Leadership Changes

September 15, 2008

The National Committee on North Korea is pleased to announce its first two Honorary Co-Chairs, representing our dual commitment to both humanitarian and security concerns in the DPRK: Honorary Co-Chair for Security, Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard and Honorary Co-Chair for Human Security, Ambassador Tony P. Hall.

We would like to thank Ambassador Charles (Jack) Pritchard for over three years of energetic and inspired leadership as NCNK's Co-Chair for Security. Ambassador Pritchard has led the NCNK with a rare combination of political astuteness and dedication to good management. We are grateful that he filled this position with such commitment and enthusiasm, and pleased that he will remain on the Steering Committee.

We are excited that Robert (Bob) Carlin will join the Steering Committee and become the new Co-Chair for Security. He will join Co-Chair Nancy Lindborg in addressing the day-to-day concerns and management of the NCNK. Bob Carlin brings tremendous experience and expertise to the position, and we look forward to his tenure.

Please join us in thanking Ambassador Pritchard for his service and welcoming our new leadership team: Ambassador Thomas C. Hubbard, Ambassador Tony P. Hall, Robert Carlin and Nancy Lindborg.

Yours sincerely,

The NCNK Steering Committee

Dr. Charles Armstrong, Gordon Flake, Karin J. Lee, Nancy Lindborg, Ambassador Charles (Jack) Pritchard, James Schoff, Scott Snyder, Dr. Robert E. Springs, Jr., Philip Yun

AFSC's DPRK Agricultural Program: Newsletter Number 5

September 9, 2008

In Number 5 of the NCNK Newsletter, Wu Na, the American Friends Service Committee Country Director for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the People's Republic of China, describes how exchanges are an integral part of the AFSC's DPRK agricultural program.

For earlier issues of the NCNK newsletter, on musical exchanges with the DPRK, the Asia Foundation's Books in Asia program, the DPRK Taekwondo's Demonstration Team's visit to the US and "Dark Horse," click here.

Third Shipment of USAID Food Aid arrives in the DPRK

August 18, 2008

A third shipment of USAID Food Aid arrived in the DPRK the week of August 18^th, this one consisting of corn. The 32,500 metric tons (MT)is part of the 500,000 MT to be provided by the United States and distributed by the World Food Programme and five U.S. NGOS. Wheat has also been shipped.

For more humanitarian news, click here.

Senate Armed Services Committee Hearing on Six Party Process

July 31, 2008

On July 31, the Senate Armed Service Committee received testimony from Christopher R. Hill, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Department of State and William H. Tobey, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy. Ambassador Hill's written testimony touched on six-party cooperation, the 420,000 MT of heavy fuel oil that has been delivered out of the promised 950,000 MTs, humanitarian assistance, human rights and funding requirements. Amb. Hill also stressed that President Bush, in his June 26 notification to Congress of "his intent to rescind designation of the DPRK as a State Sponsor of Terrorism" had made clear that the United States "would use this 45-day [notification] period to assess the DPRK's cooperation, including on reaching agreement on a verification protocol, and respond accordingly." Mr. Tobey's written testimony detailed the role played by the Department of Energy to date in implementing the February 13, 2007 agreement, and went into a bit more detail about funding requirements. Mr Tobey explained that total costs "could amount to an additional $34 million in fiscal year 2008 and over $360 million in fiscal year 2009. The bulk of these costs relate to packaging and disposition of separated plutonium and spent fuel at Yongbyon, but they also cover implementation of critical measures necessary to verify North Korea's nuclear declaration and ensure our teams on the ground have adequate protective equipment and health physics support."

The Open Session of the Hearing was followed by a Closed Session at which Ambassador Joseph R. DeTrani, Mission Manager for North Korea and Mr. Vann H. Van Diepen, National Intelligence Officer for Weapons of Mass Destruction and Proliferation, both from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, also testified.

Spring/Summer 2008 Legislative Update

June 30, 2008

In an updated issue brief, NCNK reviews legislation relevant to the DPRK introduced or considered in spring/summer 2008. It includes language from the Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by the President on June 30, 2008. Highlights include up to $53,000,000 for energy-related assistance for North Korea in support of the goals of the Six-Party Talks Agreement; the bill notes that "Prior to the obligation of assistance for North Korea, the Secretary of State is directed to report to the Committees on Appropriations that North Korea is continuing to fulfill its commitments under the Six-Party Talks Agreement." (The bill also notes that this is "in addition to the $53,000,000 appropriated in division J of Public Law 110-161, which is the same as the total amount requested.") The bill also appropriates $15,000,000 under Economic Support Fund appropriations "for critical health, economic, and security needs" and includes a waiver of the Glenn Amendment. This brief will be updated as necessary; please check the Library of Congress website for the status of any bill in the interim.

DPRK Submits Nuclear Declaration; US Responds

June 26, 2008

On June 10, 2008 the DPRK issued a statement "opposing all forms of terrorism and any support of it." On June 26, President George W. Bush announced that North Korea has submitted a declaration of their nuclear programs to the Chinese government, which chairs the six-party talks. He stated that he is notifying Congress of his intent to rescind North Korea's designation as a state sponsor of terror in 45 days. He also proclaimed the termination of the exercise of the Authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act provisions, to go into affect at 12:01 AM on June 27; the proclamation states that the exercise of TWEA authorities "is no longer in the national interest of the United States." (See the State Department Fact Sheet here.)

President Bush's full remarks touch on range of issues such as verification, nuclear proliferation and testing, human rights, and the proliferation of ballistic missiles.

Bush had already issued an Executive Order maintaining some restrictions. The order states that "the current existence and risk of the proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. . . [therefore] it is necessary to continue certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that would otherwise be lifted pursuant to a forthcoming proclamation that will terminate the exercise of authorities under the Trading With the Enemy Act." The order maintains previously existing laws, such as the block "on all property and interests in property of North Korea or a North Korean national" existing prior to June 16, 2000 (this block was also maintained by President Clinton when he partially lifted sanctions in June 2000; see Federal Register June 19, Volume 65, Number 118 Pages 38147-38164) and the April 2006 Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)/Department of Treasury regulation banning U.S. persons from owning or leasing North Korean-flagged vessels.

In "Diplomacy is Working," a Wall Street Journal Op-Ed, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice provides further information regarding the administration's actions.

Key Accusations against UNDP Without Merit

June 3, 2008

On June 1 an Independent Investigative Review Panel, headed by former Hungarian Prime Minister Miklos Nemeth, released its report of its investigation into allegations of the diversion of UNDP resources in the DPRK, among other accusations. Although the Panel made recommendations to the UNDP, such as suggesting the UNDP explore ways to imrove its application of complex "dual use" export control laws, it exonarated the UNDP of mismangement or diversion of funds.

Who We Are

The National Committee is a non-partisan coalition of individuals with extensive and complementary knowledge of and direct experience related to the society, economy, government, and history of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

We are a diverse group. A number of members served as diplomats in some of the landmark U.S.-DPRK negotiations. Some have authored major books on the history, society, and security of the Korean Peninsula. Other members have worked in virtually all parts of North Korea, and on issues related to the country's current economic, humanitarian, refugee, and medical crises. Some of our experience reaches back to the era of the Korean War. Most have extensive contacts in the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, and Russia related to the Korean Peninsula. While the National Committee on North Korea is non-governmental, several of the members have worked in official positions and have ongoing ties with current or past administrations and with the United States Congress.

The idea to form a National Committee on North Korea originated during The Musgrove III Conference held in mid-May 2004, which was attended by many of the founding committee members. The first NCNK meeting was held on November 4, 2004.