DPRK Foreign Ministry Knocks UNSC Presidential Statement

Photo: KCNA-Yonhap

With reports that it retracted an invitation to the IAEA, the DPRK’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on 17 April (Tuesday) which defended its launch of the U’nha-3 rocket.  It also said the country would not “be bound” to the 29 February “Leap Day Deal” it made with the United States.   The statement was a direct response to a 16 April 2012 United Nations Security Council [UNSC] presidential statement which characterized the launch as a violation of existing UN sanctions.  Unlike other statements from the DPRK Foreign Ministry did not contain any overt threats and minimized nuclear and ballistic invocations.  KCNA reports:

The U.S. and its followers committed a hostile act of violating the DPRK’s right to satellite launch by abusing the United Nations Security Council again.

On April 16 the UNSC issued a statement of its chairman “condemning” the DPRK’s satellite launch for peaceful purposes.

The DPRK took steps to show the sincerity and transparency of the satellite launch for peaceful purposes to the maximum from A to Z as an exception and aroused sympathy of broad world public.

The U.S., finding it hard to conceal the truth, after hatching all sorts of dastardly trick to prevent the peaceful nature of the DPRK’s satellite launch from being confirmed objectively and persistently term it a long-range missile launch, imposed upon the UNSC its brigandish demand that the DPRK should not be allowed to launch even a satellite for peaceful purposes.

The UNSC has been abused under the pressure of high-handed and arbitrary practices of the U.S. and its catastrophic consequences have been felt still today in various parts of the world.

UNSC resolutions 1718 and 1874 which the hostile forces regard as the “ground” to take issue with the DPRK’s satellite launch are a product of their high-handed policy for antagonizing and oppressing the DPRK and the height of illegality they faked up at random, disregarding even universally accepted international law.

It is the brigandish essence of these resolutions that those countries which refuse to meekly obey the U.S. should not be allowed to develop their national defence capability and to this end they should be deprived of even their right to launch satellites for peaceful purposes.

Such unreasonable double standards are possible at the UNSC because such standards are in line with the interests of those countries keen to monopolize such cutting-edge technology as satellite launch.

The present developments clearly show that the principle of equality as regards sovereignty clarified in the UN Charter is a mere high-sounding word and justice should be protected by one’s own efforts.

The DPRK Foreign Ministry declares as follows in connection with the grave infringement upon the right of the sovereign state to launch satellites for peaceful purposes:

Firstly, we resolutely and totally reject the unreasonable behavior of the UNSC to violate the DPRK’s legitimate right to launch satellites.

It is the unshakable principle of the army and people of the DPRK not to tolerate even the slightest element to deride and encroach upon the dignity of the nation and the sovereignty of the country.

Secondly, we will continue exercising the independent right to use space recognized by the universally accepted international laws which are above the UNSC resolutions.

We will expand and strengthen space development institutions and continue launching a variety of working satellites needed for economic development of the country including geostationary satellites under the state plan for space development.

Nothing can stand in the way of the DPRK’s space development for peaceful purposes.

Thirdly, as the U.S. violated the Feb. 29 DPRK-U.S. agreement through its undisguised hostile acts, we will no longer be bound to it.

We have repeatedly clarified from the outset that we will sincerely implement the Feb. 29 agreement to the last and took practical steps to implement it as the satellite launch for peaceful purposes is an issue quite different from the agreement.

No sooner had the DPRK’s plan for satellite launch been announced than the U.S. suspended the process for the provision of food pursuant to the DPRK-U.S. agreement under that pretext. This time, the U.S. spearheaded the hostile act of encroaching upon the DPRK’s legitimate right to launch satellites by abusing the position as chairman of the UNSC.

The U.S. finally reneged on its promise that “it respects the sovereignty of the DPRK and has no hostile intent toward it” in practice, totally violating the Feb. 29 agreement.

We have thus become able to take necessary retaliatory measures, free from the agreement. The U.S. will be held wholly accountable for all the ensuing consequences.

Peace is very dear for us but the dignity of the nation and the sovereignty of the country are dearer for us.

The UNSC presidential statement said:

1. The Security Council strongly condemns the 13 April 2012 (local time) launch by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

2. The Security Council underscores that this satellite launch, as well as any launch that uses ballistic missile technology, even if characterized as a satellite launch or space launch vehicle, is a serious violation of Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

3. The Security Council deplores that such a launch has caused grave security concerns in the region.

4. The Security Council demands that the DPRK not proceed with any further launches using ballistic missile technology and comply with resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009) by suspending all activities related to its ballistic missile program and in this context reestablish its preexisting commitments to a moratorium on missile launches.

5. The Security Council agrees to adjust the measures imposed by paragraph 8 of resolution 1718 (2006), as modified by resolution 1874 (2009). The Security Council directs the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006) to undertake the following tasks and to report to the Security Council within fifteen days: a) Designate additional entities and items; b) Update the information contained on the Committee’s list of individuals, entities, and items (S/2009/205 and INFCIRC/254/Rev.9/Part.1), and update on an annual basis thereafter; c) Update the Committee’s annual work plan.

6. The Security Council further agrees that, if the Committee has not acted pursuant to the paragraph above within fifteen days, then the Security Council will complete action to adjust these measures within an additional five days.

7. The Security Council demands that the DPRK immediately comply fully with its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009), including that it: abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner; immediately cease all related activities; and not conduct any further launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any further provocation.

8. The Security Council calls upon all Member States to implement fully their obligations pursuant to resolutions 1718 (2006) and 1874 (2009).

9. The Security Council expresses its determination to take action accordingly in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test.

DPRK Media Comments on UNHRC Scuffle

KCNA English published a commentary on heated interaction between a group of South Korean elected officials and the DPRK Ambassador to the UN Mission in Geneva on 12 March at a session of the UN Human Right Council on 12 March.  This was not the first DPRK media mention of the incident;  Urminzokkiri (Urminjokkkiri) said in part that “it was a huge disgrace shown right in front of the world and an ugly political conduct by political gangsters and first-class rogues.”  KCNA commented:

Leopard never changes his spots. This exactly fits stooges of traitor Lee Myung Bak.

South Korean lawmakers who were represented at a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 12 behaved rudely to the DPRK ambassador at UN after he finished his speech.

Irony is that the puppets, who were taken into custody for throwing the conference hall into chaos, held a press conference after their release and protested the UN, demanding “apology.”

This reminds one of a thief crying “Stop the thief!”

They might have mistaken the international conference for National Assembly session in Seoul often locked in free-for-all.

It is well known to the world that south Korean lawmakers use their fists, feet and even their bodies against their rival lawmakers. Their rude behavior at the international meeting can be interpreted as a continuation of their habit.

What is ill-boding is that the puppets took the issue of illegal trespassers up for discussion at the international meeting, turning the conference hall into a theater of rowdyism.

This is part of the vicious anti-DPRK smear campaign and foolish provocation aimed to tarnish the dignity and international prestige of the DPRK.

Through this, the group of traitors intends to default even its master as well as the neighboring country, and make the evil cycle of confrontation and conflicts repeat on the Korean Peninsula and the region. But this is a last-ditch effort and a pie in the sky.

Much upset by the army and people of the DPRK dynamically advancing, rallied around their leader in single mind, the puppets are trying hard like a drowning man catching at a straw.

The Lee Myung Bak group has gone so wretched as to let even National Assemblymen orchestrate the free-for-all on the international arena.

The group had better mind its own fate at death-bed.

Inter-Korea Scuffle at UN Panel

Inter-Korean tensions found their way to the UN Mission in Geneva.  On 12 March (Monday) the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 19th regular session held “interactive dialogues” on Iran, Myanmar and the DPRK. (Report available here as PDF)  According to a rough transcript prepared by the UNHRC:

Marzuki Darusman, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said that there had been a significant deterioration in the human rights situation in the country and that more than six million people urgently required food assistance. A number of constitutional and legislative provisions had seriously endangered the impartiality and independence of the judiciary in the country, while as many as 20 executions were reported to have been carried out in 2011. No progress had been made in resolving the question of the abduction of foreign nationals, and the safety and protection of refugees and asylum-seekers was of deep concern. Mr. Darusman called on all States to adhere to their obligation of providing international protection to asylum-seekers and to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking as the concerned country, said it did not recognize the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country. This mandate was a product of political plot and confrontation by the United States, Japan, the European Union and other western countries in advocacy of a hostile policy. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea rejected the report of the Special Rapporteur and said that it was a document of political ploy full of unfounded and irrational allegations fabricated and spread by hostile forces.

In the ensuing debate, speakers noted with regret and concern the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the plight of refugees and asylum seekers. Countries called on the neighbouring States to deal with them in a humane manner and with respect for the principle of non-refoulement. The Government needed to resolve the question of separated families and abductees, repeal the death penalty and urgently address the flaws in the food production system that had led to the current food shortage. The new leadership might represent an opportunity to engage with the international community with a view to addressing all questions and concerns related to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had been on the agenda of the Human Rights Council for far too long, some speakers said, adding that the Universal Periodic Review allowed examining human rights situation in States on an equal footing and in a cooperative manner.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were the European Union, Japan, Republic of Korea, United States, China, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Slovakia, Cuba, Syria, Ecuador, Spain, Canada, Viet Nam, Australia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, and France. Also taking the floor were Human Rights Watch and United Nations Watch.

After DPRK Ambassador to the UN Mission Geneva, So Se Pyong, delivered the country’s official response (one of Ri Chol’s old jobs), he attempted to leave the meeting.  On his way out, a small delegation of South Korean elected officials and activists attempted to talk to So, which was followed by a bit of a commotion.  AFP reports:

A scuffle broke out Monday in the UN Human Rights Council and a man was detained by security after a North Korean diplomat said a critical report by an independent expert had been fabricated.

North Korea said it “roundly rejects this useless interpretation” which it said was “fabricated by hostile elements” and it called on the council not to renew the mandate of the special rapporteur on human rights Marzuki Darusman.

As the North Korean delegate was leaving the hall a scuffle ensued and a man was held by UN security officials before being later released.

The dispute erupted when council members took note of a report by Darusman, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea.

The report covers the period from September 2011 to January 2012, when the situation “continued to deteriorate” said Darusman’s report.

After the report was presented, several representatives took the floor, led by North Korea, followed by the European Union and Japan.

While the Japanese representative was about to finish his speech, the North Korean diplomat stood up to leave and the scuffle broke out.

The report said the human rights and humanitarian situation in North Korea has deteriorated in recent months, while adding that the leadership transition following Kim Jong-Il’s death in December was an opportunity for reform.

“The current transition may be a window of opportunity for the country to adopt a reform process and address all questions and concerns in relation to human rights,” said Darusman.

Kim Jong-Un took over as leader of the North Korean regime after his father Kim Jong-Il’s death on December 17 from a heart attack at the age of 69.

DPRK Ambassador Appointed Presidency of UN Conference on Disarmament

So' Se-p'yo'ng (So Se Pyong)

DPRK Ambassador So’ Se-p’yo’ng [So Se Pyong] was appointed to the rotating presidency of UN Conference on Disarmament during its regular plenary meeting on 28 June [Tuesday].  So’ concurrently serves as the DPRK Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN Mission Geneva, in addition to holding several nonresident ambassadorial positions.  Upon his appointment, So remarked that:

He planned to devote discussions under his presidency to the revitalization and strengthening of the Conference on Disarmament and he would consult will all interested delegations who had ideas on the programme of work. He believed that the Conference on Disarmament had the capacity to deliver concrete results when political will and concerted efforts were demonstrated by members to negotiate multilateral disarmament treaties. He was very much committed to the Conference and during his presidency he welcomed any sort of constructive proposals that strengthened the work and credibility of the Conference on Disarmament. He was ready to work closely with all members to provide the grounds for strengthening their work. As president, he would be guided by the Rules of Procedure and take into account the position of each delegation to find common ground on substantive issues and procedural matters as well. With their support and cooperation, he would do everything in his capacity to move the Conference on Disarmament forward.

So’ was congratulated on his appointment by the representatives of several countries including PRC (China), Nigeria and Myanmar (Burma).  In farewell remarks,  shis predecessor, Marcus Grinius  talked about his prior experience traveling to the DPRK.  However the foreign minister of Grinius’ home country of Canada, John Baird, expressed his disapproval.  According to a blog on National Post :

“The fact that it gets a turn chairing a United Nations committee focused on disarmament is unacceptable, given the North Korean regime’s efforts in the exact opposite direction,” Baird said in a statement.

“We call on North Korea to pass the chair on to a credible country that will advance the disarmament agenda within the UN.”

Baird said Canada will be “reviewing” its participation on the committee, but his admonishment was in sharp contrast to the warm words Canada’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva had for his Korean counterpart — raising questions about whether the minister’s position on the appointment had emerged as an afterthought.

Delivering his farewell address to the disarmament conference on Tuesday, Marius Grinius not only followed protocol by “welcoming” his North Korean counterpart’s appointment, but spoke fondly of his recollections of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.

“It is appropriate that my last statement in open plenary take place under your presidency,” Grinius said.

“Prior to Geneva, I had the privilege of being the ambassador to the Republic of Korea with concurrent cross-accreditation to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In Pyongyang, I was fortunate to have various opportunities to exchange views with high-level government officials, senior military representatives, party cadres and academics.”

That said, he also noted the conference had become ineffectual in recent years and suggested it was on the verge of disbanding altogether.

So Se Pyong was named president of the Geneva-based group dedicated to promoting global nuclear disarmament earlier this week.

The position is allocated on a rotating basis to all 65 member states, but critics have said the rules need to change to prevent countries with records that are so diametrically opposed to the group’s mission from assuming the leadership.

DPRK Media Reports on FMD

A view of Rihyon-ri in Pyongyang, where the DPRK media reported its first outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) occurred "late last year" (Photo: GoogleEarth)

The DPRK media externally reported the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease [FMD] in the country on 10 February [Thursday].  KCNA reported that the first case was found in Rihyon-ri in Pyongyang.    ROK media reported on the possibility of FMD affecting DPRK livestock on 18 January.

Suffering the severest damage among the FMD-stricken regions are Pyongyang, North Hwanghae Province, and Kangwon Province.

Type O FMD is inflicting damage on the livestock at cooperative farms and milk cow and pig farms in these regions.

As of now, around one million heads of draught oxen, milk cows, and pigs have been infected with the FMD virus, and thousands of them have died.

The State Veterinary Epidemic Prevention Committee headed by Vice Cabinet Premier Kim Rak Hui has been organized, and emergency quarantine measures have been declared.

Yonhap, citing RFA, reported that a team from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization would be traveling to the country:

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the U.N. will dispatch “three to five experts, including a veterinarian,” to North Korea to determine what sort of assistance North Koreans will need in light of the FMD outbreak, the RFA reported. Citing an anonymous FAO official, the report said the agency held an emergency meeting immediately after North Korea requested aid earlier this week.

“We’re very pleased that North Korea informed us of its FMD outbreak and officially asked for help,” the official was quoted as saying.

4th UN Command-KPA Meeting

Photo: Yonhap

The 4th round of colonel-level talks at Panmunjom between the UN Command and the KPA concluded.  A 5th round of of these working-level field grade talks was deemed necessary before general-level talks are convened.

Officials from the United Nations Command and North Korea, who have met four times to plan for talks among generals from both sides regarding the March sinking of a South Korean warship, will need at least one more session to work out an agenda and protocols, a UNC spokesman said Tuesday.The colonels at a meeting Tuesday in Panmunjom did not discuss the barrage of artillery the North fired Monday into the Yellow Sea, which Koreans call the West Sea, as the South completed a naval exercise in the waters.

“That was not the purpose of the meeting,” said UNC spokesman David Oten, adding that both sides followed the previously set agenda for the meeting.

3rd Round of UN Command-KPA Meeting Held Friday

USS Tuscon (SSN 770) transits the Pacific Ocean while leading a 13-ship formation July 26 ,2010. The Republic of Korea and the United States are conducting the combined alliance maritime and air readiness exercise “Invincible Spirit” in the seas east of the Korean peninsula from July 25-28, 2010. This is the first in a series of joint military exercises that will occur over the coming months in waters surrounding Korea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Adam K. Thomas)

The third colonel-level meeting between the UN Command and the Korean People’s Army occurred on Friday (30 July) in Panmunjom.  After a two hour meeting, a 4th round was scheduled for 9 August, possibly to arrange a general-level session.

The American-led United Nations Command (UNC) and North Korea agreed to hold another working-level meeting early next month to arrange general-level dialogue on the sinking of a South Korean warship, an official for the UNC said.

The agreement was reached at the end of the third round of working-level military talks attended by colonels from the UNC and North Korea on Friday, the official said, adding that the meeting was held for about two hours at the border truce village of Panmunjom.

Meanwhile, there are rumors in the ROK of a recent cyber attack by the DPRK, which may or may not be related to the recent declaration of “sacred war”:

The presidential office is on alert against a cyberattack by North Korea after receiving intelligence reports, the Blue House said yesterday.

“The National Cyber Security Center [NCSC] obtained intelligence on a possible cyberattack from North Korea,” Blue House spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung told reporters. A relevant team at the Blue House is on emergency alert footing from Tuesday in cooperation with the NCSC, she added.

The possible cyberattack seems to be associated with the North’s threat of a “sacred war” to retaliate against the large-scale joint naval drills between South Korea and the United States in the East Sea, which ended yesterday, she added.