With KPA Assets in Syria and Rumors of Moscow Trip, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik Remains PY Man of the Hour

KPA officers meet a man injured during the Syrian civil war at a hospital in Syria in 2012 (Photo: SANA/NKLW file photo)

Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on 3 June (Monday) that Arabic-speaking Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel are serving as military advisers on artillery tactics and providing logistical support to the Syrian Armed Forces, currently defending the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria’s ongoing civil war. Citing information from a pro-Assad militia,  Rami Abd-al-Rahman, director of the the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights,’ told Al-Sharq al-Awsat “that North Korean officers are taking part alongside the regular forces in the fighting in Aleppo” and that “the overall number of these officers is unknown but there are certainly between 11 and 15 North Korean officers and the majority of them speak Arabic. . .(they) are deployed at several fronts such as the defense factories southeast of Aleppo and at the regular forces’ bases inside the city itself.” He went on to point out that “these officers are not taking part in the field battles but offering logistical support in addition to drawing up the military operations maps. They are also supervising the regular army’s artillery shelling.”

The last observed, credible reports about DPRK military assistance to Syria during the unfolding civil war were in May 2012 and involved dedicated shipments of vehicle parts, munitions’ component parts and ordnance.  DPRK cargo vessel ODAI docked in the Syrian port cities of Latakiya and Tartus during 29 to 31 May 2012.  According to Haaretz, citing elements of the Syrian opposition, reported that “North Korea is also continuing to send arms to Syria. The shipments arrive by air and sea and they are being paid by a special slush fund that the Iranian government set up for this purpose.”   The DPRK has made several public demonstrations of support to its embattled ally including meetings between DPRK and Syrian officials in July 2012, DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Pak Kil-yo’n referring to Syria’s civil war in address to the United Nations General Assembly in October 2012 and a number of exchanges of gifts and congratulatory letters between President Assad and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n).  

The DPRK began contacts and exchanges with Syria in the early 1960′s and established former diplomatic relations in 1966.  Syria was the DPRK’s major conduit through which it provided military equipment, training and advisers to freedom fighter and radical Muslim groups in the Middle East and Africa from the 1960s on.  KPA assets assisted Syria during the October War (Yom Kippur War) in 1973 and provided support, at Syria’s behest and participated in the Lebanese Civil War.  In 1982, KPA advisers were present when Syrian forces quelled an uprising in Hama and later that year KPA forces were deployed to Syria and Lebanon during the 1982 Lebanon War.  Since the 1970s the DPRK and Syria have had an extensive military exchange relationship which has included numerous arms shipments and the deployment of KPA strategic and logistical advisers.  The DPRK Foreign Ministry and DPRK state media have also publicly defended Syria, including issuing official denials that the two countries were cooperating on nuclear weapons development after the Israeli Air Force bombed an alleged nuclear facility in Syria on 6 September 2007.

The Korean People’s Army General Staff, led by Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Graphic: Michael Madden/NK Leadership Watch)

One of the DPRK’s major players in its military relationship with Syria is current Chief of the KPA General Staff, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.  Gen. Kim served as a deputy military attache at the DPRK Embassy in Damascus for almost decade starting in 1971.  Gen. Kim managed a number of military cooperation projects with the Syrian Armed Forces, including rehabilitating Syrian military forces in the mid-1970s and coordinating shipments of multiple-launch rocket systems and other military support to various radical organizations.  With the DPRK and its core leadership providing both public and substantial support to Syria during the civil war, and given Gen. Kim’s experience and extensive ties to Damascus, it is likely his recent public profile and switching one senior KPA position for another after six months are partially linked to the DPRK’s continued support for Syria.

Gen. Kim Kyok Sik was also rumored to to have been selected to lead a senior DPRK delegation on a visit to Moscow.  Kyunghyang Shinmun reported “Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff Kim Kyuk Sik is being tapped as the (North Korean) envoy and the number of the North’s delegation is likely to be six or seven” and that Gen. Kim and the delegation would arrive on or around 7 June (Friday), timed to occur whilst US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping meet in California.  On 3 June, Interfax quoted an anonymous official in the Russian Foreign Ministry that “no high-level visits are being planned at the moment” between the DPRK and Russia.

Kim Jong Un Visits Ku’msusan and Attends Banquet to Mark KPA Anniversary

Kim Jong Un (8th L) and senior members of the DPRK’s national security community pay their respects to statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army.(Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) visited the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace of the Sun and attended a banquet on 25 April (Thursday), to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a rally and military “march-past” on Ku’msusan Plaza.  KJU first visited the preserved remains of his grandfather, late DPRK President and founder Kim Il Sung, and his father, late leader Kim Jong Il, at the Ku’msusan Memorial Palace.

Floral baskets (C) and honor guards representing (L, R) the KPA’s three conventional service branches at Kumsusan on 25 April 2013 (Photos: KCNA)

He was accompanied by Kim Yong Nam (Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President), Pak Pong Ju (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and KJU’s aunt), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Won Hong (Minister of State Security), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of the People’s Security), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the Ministry of State Security’s Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces Political Bureau) and “commanding officers of the WPK Central Military Commission, the National Defence Commission of the DPRK and the KPA.”

KJU and the KPA’s high command first visited a room containing statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.  Floral baskets from Kim Jong Un, the Party Central Committee the Party Central Military Commission and the NDC were placed in front of the statues.  KJU then visited the rooms containing the preserved remains of his grandfather and father where he “made bows. . .in the humblest reverence,” according to KCNA.

A banquet hosted by the DPRK National Defense Commission at Mokran House in central Pyongyang on 25 April 2013, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un also attended a banquet hosted by the NDC at Mokran (Moknan) House in central Pyongyang.  Attending the banquet were “senior party, army and state officials, members of the WPK Central Military Commission and the NDC of the DPRK, commanding officers of the KPA, officials of the party and armed forces organs, ministries and national institutions and service personnel of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces” and “diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and military attaches of foreign embassies here and their spouses.”  Before the banquet, the Moranbong Band gave a performance.

After the performance, a toast speech was delivered by Jang Song Taek (Chang So’ng-t’aek; Jang Song Thaek), Vice Chairman of the NDC, Director of the KWP Administration Department and Kim Jong Un’s uncle.  According to KCNA, during his speech, Mr. Jang “paid highest tribute to the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il who strengthened the KPA into the matchless revolutionary army and led it to the road of victory and glory, breathing with arms all their lives” and that “upon the authorization of Marshal Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of our party and people and supreme commander of the KPA, he warmly congratulated the service personnel defending the sky, land and seas of the country as firm as a rock and all the people dynamically struggling to build a thriving nation.”  Mr. Jang “noted that the revolutionary armed forces are ushering in the greatest heyday of their development as they are holding Kim Jong Un, who is identical to the Generalissimos, in high esteem as supreme commander” and he “stressed the need to steadily bolster nuclear force for self-defence both in quality and quantity and perform new miracles and feats in building a thriving socialist nation in the spirit of the historic March, 2013 Plenary Meeting of the Central Committee of the WPK.”

Kim Jong Un Attends KPA Event at Kumsusan

Kim Jong Un (2nd R) points to something at an event held at the plaza in front of Ku’msusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang on 25 April 2013 to mark the KPA’s official 81st anniversary. KJU is seen talking to his uncle, Jang Song Taek (R), Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission and Director of the KWP Administration Department. Also in the image are Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (L) and VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) (Photo: KCTV-Yonhap)

DPRK state media reported on 25 April (Thursday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) attended a rally and “march-past” at Ku’msusan Plaza in Pyongyang to mark the official 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People’s Army [KPA].  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at a concert by the U’nhasu Orchestra, given on Sun’s Day (Day of the Sun; Kim Il Sung’s birth anniversary).  Joining Kim Jong Un on one platform were VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission [NDC]), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (Chief of the KPA General Staff), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (Minister of the People’s Armed Forces), Pak To Chun (Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the NDC and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department),VMar Ri Yong Mu (Vice Chairman of the NDC), Gen. O Kuk Ryol (Vice Chairman of the NDC), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (1st Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces and Director of the KPA General Logistics Department), Gen. Kim Wo’n-hong (Minister of State Security [MSS]), Ju Kyu Chang (Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department), Col. Gen. Kim Chang Sop (Director of the MSS Political Bureau), Col. Gen. Choe Pu Il (Minister of People’s Security [MPS]), Col Gen. Ri Pyong Sam (Director of the MPS Political Bureau), Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (Commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Command), Col. Gen. Kim Myong Sik (Commander of the KPA Navy) and Lt. Gen. Kim Rak Gyom (Commander of the KPA Strategic Rocket Force Command).

Watching the rally and demonstration from another platform were Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium President Kim Yong Nam, DPRK Cabinet Premier Pak Pong Ju, KWP Secretary and Kim Family head Kim Kyong Hui, KWP Secretary and Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department Kim Ki Nam, KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman Choe Tae Bok, SPA Presidium Vice President Yang Hyong Sop, DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier Kang Sok Ju, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon, KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department Kim Yong Il, KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres’ Affairs Kim P’yo’ng-hae, KWP Secretary and Director of Planning and Finance Kwak Pom Gi, 1st Vice (senior deputy) Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department Jo Yon Jun, along with “vice-premiers of the Cabinet, diplomatic envoys of foreign countries and members of the military attaches corps here.”  Watching the event were “officials of the party central leadership organ in Pyongyang, officials of the party and armed forces organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions, officers and men of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces, people from all walks of life, the chief of the Pyongyang mission of the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front and overseas Koreans.”

The anniversary event began with speakers, led off by VMar Choe Ryong Hae.  According to KCNA, Choe said “the 80 odd year-long history of the KPA is one of glory in which it has steadily grown stronger as the main force for accomplishing the revolutionary cause of Chuch’e under the care of the peerlessly great men of Mt. Paektu and one of victory and feats in which it met every vicious challenge and shattered war provocation moves of the enemies and reliably defended the party, the leader, country and people” and he “expressed the pledge of all the service personnel to carry to completion the revolutionary cause of Juche that was started with arms in the forests of Mt. Paektu by taking the lead in upholding the leadership of the Supreme Commander as instructed by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.”  KPA Navy Commander Kim Myong Sik said in his speech “even though the U.S. imperialist aggressors try to browbeat the DPRK with super-large carriers and nuclear-powered submarines, they will never evade the fate of the U.S. heavy cruiser Baltimore, which was buried at sea in waters off Jumunjin during the last Korean War, by the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK equipped ultra-modern strike means” and that “seamen waiting for the time of a dueling battle will send to the bottom of the sea all the pirate ships of aggressors, once ordered, and turn the South Sea of Korea into the burial sea of the enemies.”

KPA Air and Anti-Air Force Commander Ri Pyong Chol said “the men of his force are waiting for a final attack order to put an end to the enemies, with firm determination to devotedly safeguard the Party Central Committee headed by Kim Jong Un and the Ku’msusan Palace of the Sun” and that “the flying corps of a-match-for-a hundred stalwart pilots, once given a sortie order, will load nuclear bombs, instead of fuel for return, and storm enemy strongholds to blow them up.”  Strategic Rocket Force Commander Kim Rak Gyom said “the DPRK’s inter-continental ballistic missiles have already set the dens of the brigandish U.S. imperialists as their first target and officers and men of the Strategic Rocket Force are one click away from pushing the launch button.  If the U.S. imperialists and their followers dare make a preemptive attack, they will be made to keenly realize what a real nuclear war and real retaliatory blows are like and their stooges be made to feel the taste of horrible nuclear holocaust.”

Following the speeches, KPA units marched past Kim Jong Un.  According to KCNA KJU “saluted the columns marching past the tribune of honor in fine array.”  The event also included a fly-over by KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces jets.

 

Kim Jong Un Observes and Commands Flak Rocket and Drone Drill

Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (R), commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces, briefs Kim Jong Un (2nd R) about live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 20 March (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) observed and commanded a Korean People’s Army [KPA] live fire drill using flak rockets and drones.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance was in Pyongyang on 19 March (Tuesday) at a commemorative photo session with participants at a national meeting of light industry workers.  At the drills Kim Jong Un was joined by VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the KPA General Political Department), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (Staff member of the KPA Supreme Command) and Lt. Gen. Son Jong Nam.  Upon his arrival at the drill site, KJU was greeted by Gen. Ri Pyong Chol, commander of the KPA Air and Anti-Air Forces, was briefed about the drills and ordered them to begin.

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) observes anti-aircraft drills on 20 March 2013 through binoculars. Also seen in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) and Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (R) (Photo: KCNA)

The first phase of an anti-aircraft drill utilizing what DPRK state media identified as drones (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

What DPRK state media identified as drones (L) hit their targets (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) smiles after the first phase of live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCNA)

The first phase of the drills involved drones which took off toward “enemy positions” which KCNA reported “stormed the targets, destroying them with accuracy.”  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un said, “that the planes are very fast and have high target discerning ability.  The planes were assigned the flight route and time with the targets in south Korea in mind,” and “that they were was proved to be able to mount super precision attack on any enemy targets.”  DPRK state media has previously shown small unmanned aerial vehicles during military parades and at one of KJU’s inspections in 2012, but it is not clear if the KPA possesses a working drone.

Self-propelled anti-aircraft systems fire flak rockets in a live fire drill (Photos: KCNA)

An anti-aircraft flak rocket hits what DPRK state media described as a “target disguised as a Tomahawk missile” (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The next phase of the drill involved self-propelled anti-aircraft “flak rockets” aimed at “ a target disguised as Tomahawk cruise missile of the enemy.”  KCNA reported that “ an outburst of fire with roaring blast flew toward the missile, destroying it at a single shot.”  KJU was pleased with the anti-aircraft drill and “called for further raising the performance of drone and rocket which demonstrated their might in the drills and urged the soldiers to get fully ready to mount super precision strike at any target any time,” according to KCNA.  Kim Jong Un also said:

When the drills turn into a battle, the enemies will be made to drink a bitter cup, unable to raise their heads, in the face of retaliatory blows of the strong revolutionary  Mt. Paektu (Paektusan) army.  If the enemies, oblivious of the tremendous might of the KPA, make even the slightest movement, [I] will give an order to destroy not only the military installments and puppet reactionary ruling institutions in the operational theater in south Korea but the relevant facilities of countries following the U.S. war moves for invading the DPRK, and the military bases of the U.S. imperialist aggression forces in the operational theatre of the Pacific.  Time has gone when only words were made, stressing the need to destroy the enemies without mercy so that not a single man can survive to sign a document of surrender when a battle starts.

KCNA reported that KJU “stressed the need to have at command the coordinates of every enemy target in the operational theater of south Korea and input them in precision drone attack means of the Korean style so that they should make point attack on any target any moment” and “ set forth important tasks in making full combat preparations of the KPA as required by the prevailing situation.”  Before participating in a commemorative photograph session with participants in the drill, Kim Jong Un “called on all the service personnel of the KPA to maintain high alert posture and wait for his order for the grand advance for national reunification.”

Kim Jong Un evaluates and issues instructions after live fire anti-aircraft drills (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un (2nd L) greets participants in 20 March 2013 live fire anti-aircraft exercises prior whilst arriving at a commemorative photo session with the exercises’ participants (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

KPA officers and service members who participated in live fire exercises on 20 March 2013 greet Kim Jong Un prior to a commemorative photo session (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un poses for commemorative photographs with KPa commanders, officers and service members who participated in live fire exercises on 20 March 2013. Seen L of KJU is VMar Choe Ryong Hae and seen R of KJU is Gen. Ri Pyong Chol. (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un’s inspection and commanding of the anti-air drills occurred after the US B-52 bomber participated in training mission on 8 March and 19 March (Tuesday) as part of the joint US-ROK joint military exercises Foal Eagle.  During Tuesday’s training exercises flight the B-52 flew over South Korea’s [ROK] Kangwo’n Province.  As Kim Jong Un observed the anti-aircraft drills, a spokesman of the DPRK Foreign Ministry protested  the use of the B-52 as “an unpardonable provocation against the DPRK to sound out its strongest will that the U.S. is introducing a strategic nuclear strike means into the Korean Peninsula at a time when its situation is inching close to the brink of war.”  According to the Foreign Ministry’s spokesman:

The U.S. reportedly let its B-52 deployed on Guam make sortie to the Korean Peninsula on Mar. 19 in the wake of its sortie made on Mar. 8.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defence Carter visited south Korea on March 18, where he was closeted with south Korean puppet Minister of Defence Kim Kwan Jin over “south Korea-U.S. joint reaction” to the DPRK’s threat. There Carter said that B-52 would be involved in the U.S.-south Korea joint military drills on Mar. 19 to demonstrate the U.S. will to defend south Korea and that such sorties would continue in the future.

It is an unpardonable provocation against the DPRK to sound out its strongest will that the U.S. is introducing a strategic nuclear strike means into the Korean Peninsula at a time when its situation is inching close to the brink of war.

The DPRK is now closely watching the move of B-52, and the hostile forces will never escape its strong military counteraction, should the strategic bomber make such sortie to the peninsula again.

CMC Meetings Shown in DPRK Documentary on Kim Jong Un’s Military Activities

On 5 March DPRK state media released a documentary film which compiled film footage of Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) inspecting Korean People’s Army [KPA] units, observing training exercises and visiting construction projects utilizing KPA personnel from his accession in January 2012 to live fire exercises in 2013.  Loosely translated as Unleashing a New Heyday of the Formidable Forces of Mt. Paektu, the 80 minute film consists mainly of footage that has previously appeared in short documentaries about KJU’s activities.  Aside from a few new, brief scenes of KJU talking with note taking senior officials, the films includes footage of the expanded meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party Central Military Commission [CMC] meeting held late in the afternoon on 3 February 2013.  The meeting was a key event preceding the DPRK’s third nuclear test on 12 February 2013.  The CMC meeting ended with Kim Jong Un, assisted by Chief of the KPA General Staff Hyon Yong Chol, giving meeting participants handguns in presentation boxes.  

External establishing shot showing the KWP flag over the KWP #1 Office Building in Pyongyang (L); The 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meeting (C); Kim Jong Un chairing the meeting (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un chairing the 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meeting (top) and 3rd generation KPA commanders and officials (middle and bottom) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC Members attended the 3 February 2013 meeting (L-R) Jang Song Taek; Pak To Chun; VMar Kim Yong Chun; Gen. Kim Won Hong; and Gen. Ri Myong Su (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC Members and senior officials attending the 3 February 2013 meeting. In this image are VMar Kim Jong Gak (front row, R), Ju Kyu Chang (front row, 2nd R), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (front row, 3rd R) and Gen. Pak Jae Gyong (2nd row, R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members applaud during the meeting. Among those in the front row in this image are Jang Song Taek (L), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (2nd L), Pak To Chun (3rd L) and VMar Kim Yong Chun (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation boxes (L) containing an autographed message from Kim Jong Un (C) of handguns (R) presented to meeting participants (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation ceremony of handguns at the end of the 3 February 2013 expanded CMC meetings. Among those presented with these guns were: VMar Choe Ryong Hae (1.), Jang Song Taek (2.), Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3.), Pak To Chun (4.), VMar Kim Yong Chun (5.), VMar Hyon Chol Hae (6.), Gen. Kim Won Hong (7.) and Gen. Kim Yong Chol (8.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Over view of presentation ceremony at the end of the expanded CMC meeting (L) Gen. Hyon Yong Chol handing a presentation box to Kim Jong Un (C) and meeting participants applauding at the conclusion of the meeting (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The film also included footage of another expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission, held between February and March 2012.  This would have been a key event preceding the 13 April 2012 launch of the U’nha-3 rocket, which crashed shortly after it was launched.  Unlike the February 2013 CMC meeting, KWP civilian officials are attired in KPA dress uniforms.  Based on the protocol from the February ’13 meeting, it is likely then-Chief of the KPA General Staff, VMar Ri Yong Ho, participated in the handgun presentation ceremony at the meeting’s conclusion, however VMar Ri is not shown in this film.

Overview of expanded CMC meeting held in February or March 2012 (L), Kim Jong Un chairing the meeting (C) and a view of CMC members and meeting participants (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members attending the 2012 meeting. In the front row are Ju Kyu Chang (L), Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L) Pak To Chun (3rd L) and Kim Jong Gak (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members standing at the 2012 meeting: Choe Ryong Hae (L), Pak To Chun (C) and Kim Jong Gak (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members stand during the meeting in 2012. In the front row are: Gen. Kim Kyong Ok (L), Gen. Kim Won Hong (2nd L), Gen. Jong Myong Do (3rd L) and Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members stand during the 2012 meeting. In the front row in this image are VMar Kim Yong Chun (R), Jang Song Taek (2nd R), VMar Kim Jong Gak (3rd R), Pak To Chun (4th R), Choe Ryong Hae (5th R) and Ju Kyu Chang (6th R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

CMC members and senior security officials stand during the 2012 meeting. In this image in the front row are: Gen. Ri Myong Su (L) Hyon Chol Hae (2nd L), Choe Kyong Song (3rd L), and Gen. Yun Jong Rin (4th L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Overview of an expanded Party Central Military Commission meeting held in February or March 2012 with images of Kim Jong Un speaking, and 3rd generation KPA commanders and security officials (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation box of a handgun (L) presented to participants at the 2012 CMC meeting. The grip contains KJU’s autograph (R) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presentation ceremony of handguns at the end of an expanded CMC meeting held in early 2012. Among those presented with handguns are: VMar Kim Yong Chun (1.), Jang Song Taek (2.), VMar Kim Jong Gak (3.), Choe Ryong Hae (4.), Ju Kyu Chang (5.), Kim Kyong Ok (6.), Gen. Kim Won Hong (7.) and Gen. Jong Myong Do (8.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Presented with handguns at the conclusion of the expanded CMC meeting in early 2012 were: Gen. Ri Pyong Chol (1.), Gen. Choe Pu Il (2.), Gen. Yun Jong Rin (3.), Gen. Ri Myong Su (4.), Col. Gen. Jo Kyong Chol (5.), Gen. Pak Jae Gyong (6.), Lt. Gen. Pak Jong Chon (7.) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un (L) concludes an expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission (R) held in early 2012 (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

DPRK Premier Visits Sites in Kangwon Province

Choe Yong Rim visits the Sep’o Tableland project in Kangwo’n Province (Photo: KCNA)

DPRK state media reported on 16 March (Saturday) that DPRK Cabinet Premier Choe Yong Rim visited the Munp’yo’ng Smeltery, the Sep’o Tableland (grasslands) and several cooperative farms in Kangwo’n Province.  Choe visited the Sep’o Tableland, a project of Korean People’s Army [KPA] personnel.  He toured several area of the tableland project “to encourage the service persons and members of shock brigade in their drive for carrying out the great nature-transforming project.”  He held a meeting with managers and employees of the project, a grasslands reclamation project for livestock.  According to KCNA Choe “recalled that the dear respected Marshal Kim Jong Un unrolled a gigantic plan to reclaim the Sepho tableland for providing better living conditions to the people and is wisely leading this drive with deep loving care” and he “underlined the need for all officials, service persons and members of shock brigade to finish the reclamation project in the spirit of “At one go” and took measures for settling issues arising in the project.”

Choe also visited the Namchang Cooperative Farm, the Pisan Cooperative Farm and the Anbyon Potash Fertilizer Factory.  According to KCNA Choe “called on all farms to increase the production of quality organic compound fertilizer, while boosting the production of livestock products through the introduction of cyclic production system and on the fertilizer factories to radically lift the production for the purpose of attaining the grain production goal this year without fail.”

Choe Yong Rim visits a cooperative farm in Anbyo’n County, Kwangwo’n Province (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (R) talks with light industry workers participating in a national meeting, whilst visiting their Pyongyang accommodations (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

On 14 March, DPRK state media reported that Choe visited the Pyongyang accommodations of participants in a national meeting of light industry workers.

Choe visit to Kangwo’n Province occurred as South Korean (ROK) media reported that strategic rocket units under Wo’nsan Corps test launched two KN-02 short-range missiles “into the East Sea.”  It was not clear when or where the KN-02 launches took place, however KN-02 testing has occurred or was planned at test sites in and around Anbyo’n County, where Choe was reported to be present.  Given the Sep’o Tableland project labor has been supplied by the KPA, it is likely Choe inspected other KPA activities in the area and observed the KN-02 test launches.  Choe may also have inspected preparations for upcoming large-scale joint military exercises by the KPA, which will reportedly be staged from Kangwo’n Province, along the DPRK’s East Coast.

Overview of areas in Kangwon Province visited by DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim, including the possibility he observed test launches of KN-02 short-range missiles (Photo: Google image)

Kim Jong Un Attends Live Fire Artillery Exercises in West Sea

Kim Jong Un (foreground, 4th R) observes live fire artillery exercises in the West (Yellow Sea). Also seen in attendance is Gen. Kim Yong Chol (L), Gen. Hyon Yong Chol (2nd R) and Gen. Kim Kyok Sik (3rd R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 13 March (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) supervised and observed live fire artillery exercises by Korean People’s Army [KPA] island defense units.  The exercises occurred in the West (Yellow) Sea.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance of a concert by the art propaganda squad of KPA Unit #531.  Attending the live fire exercises with KJU were VMar Choe Ryong Hae, Gen. Hyon Yong Chol, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik, Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary Pak To Chun, Lt. Gen. Ri Yong Gil, Col. Gen. Son Chol Ju, Gen. Kim Yong Chol and other members of the KPA command.

After arriving at the observation site, KJU was briefed about the deployment of the artillery units and the planning for the live exercises.  KCNA reported that “shells intensively hit the imaginary targets of the enemy while the roar of the artillery pieces rocked heaven and earth” and that “whenever artillerymen hit the targets, he [KJU] was greatly satisfied to watch them.”  As he observed the exercises conducted by the Mu Islet Hero Defense Detachment and Jangjae Islet Defense Attachment, Kim Jong Un said “The Jangjae Islet Defence Detachment and the Mu Islet Hero Defence Detachment are the best and the hero artillery pieces of the Mu Islet Defence Detachment are matchless. The artillerymen could hit the targets as they have undergone highly intense trainings while thinking of the day to fight,” according to KCNA which described KJU’s remarks as “the highest appraisal from the Supreme Commander for their success in the drill.”

View of live fire exercises in the West (Yellow) Sea conducted by two KPa island defense units (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

(Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

(Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

(Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

Kim Jong Un (C, seated) poses for a commemorative photograph with KPA service members and officers from island defense units who participated in live fire exercises in the West (Yellow) Sea on 13 March 2013 (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

KCNA reported that KJU “recalled that he specified the order of precision strike and density of fire on targets while inspecting forefront posts in the southwestern sector and western sector of the front, adding that through the live shell firing drill the artillerymen of the Fourth Army Corps proved themselves that they are ready to throw the enemies on Taeyonphyong and Paekryong Islands into flames” and said “As I always stressed, a modern war is an artillery war and preparations for an artillery battle mean the preparations of the KPA and they are an important factor of deciding a victory in the great war for national reunification.”  After the exercises Kim Jong Un poses for commemorative photographs with service members and officers of the Mu Islet and Jangjae Islet defense units, who “were highly praised for their successes in the live shell firing drill.”

UNSC Approves New Sanctions for DPRK’s 3rd Nuclear Test (updated 8 March)

An animation of an experimental nuclear detonation included in a short video released by Urminzokkiri, a DPRK state media outlet, on 17 February 2013 (Photos: Urminzokkiri screengrabs)

The United Nations Security Council [UNSC] unanimously approved UNSCR # 2094 (2013 during a meeting  on 7 March (Thursday), in response to the DPRK’s third detonation of a nuclear device on 12 February 2013.  The text of the preamble and sanctions of UNSC #2094 (2013) is as follows [PDF available here]:

The Security Council today passed unanimously a resolution strengthening and expanding the scope of United Nations sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea by targeting the illicit activities of diplomatic personnel, transfers of bulk cash, and the country’s banking relationships, in response to that country’s third nuclear test on 12 February.

Acting under the Charter’s Chapter VII, through resolution 2094 (2013), the Council strongly condemned the test and maintained the sanctions it first imposed on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in 2006 under resolution 1718, deciding that some of those, along with additional restrictions, would apply to the individuals and entities listed in two annexes of today’s text.

In that connection, a travel ban and asset freeze were imposed on the Chief and Deputy Chief of a mining trading company it deemed “the primary arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons”, as well as on an official of a company designated by the Sanctions Committee to be the main financial entity for sales of conventional arms, ballistic missiles and goods related to assembly and manufacture.

The Council also froze the assets of a national-level organization responsible for the research and development of advanced weapons systems, and a conglomerate, designated by the Sanctions Committee in 2009, to be specializing in acquisition for the country’s defence industries and support to related sales.  Further, it added to the list of prohibited equipment and technologies, and included a list of luxury goods that cannot be imported.

States are directed under the resolution to enhance their vigilance over the diplomatic personnel of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, in a provision aimed at halting any activities that could contribute to the country’s weapons programme, or which would violate any prohibited activities.

More specifically, States are directed to prevent the provision of financial services or the transfer of any financial or other assets or resources, including “bulk cash”, which might be used to evade the sanctions.  They are also called on to prohibit in their territories the opening of new branches or offices of “DPRK” banks and to prohibit such banks from establishing new joint ventures.

Moreover, in the effort to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to or from the Democratic People’s Republic or Korea or its nationals of any banned items, States are authorized to inspect all cargo within or transiting through their territory that has originated in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or that is destined for that country.  They are to deny permission to any aircraft to take off from, land in or overfly their territory, if they have reasonable grounds to believe the aircraft contains prohibited items.

States were also asked to supply any information on non-compliance and to report to the Council within 90 days, and thereafter, at the Committee’s request, on measures they have taken to implement the text.  The Sanctions Committee is directed to respond to violations and is authorized to add to the list.  The expert panel, under the Committee’s auspices, was extended until 7 April 2014.

The Council promised to keep the situation under continuous review and stated it was “prepared to strengthen, modify, suspend or lift the measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK’scompliance”, or to “take further significant measures in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test”.

The meeting began at 10:11 a.m. and ended at 10:14 a.m.

Resolution

The full text of Security Council resolution 2094 (2013) reads as follows:

“The Security Council,

“Recalling its previous relevant resolutions, including resolution 825 (1993), resolution 1540 (2004), resolution 1695 (2006), resolution 1718 (2006), resolution 1874 (2009), resolution 1887 (2009) and resolution 2087 (2013), as well as the statements of its President of 6 October 2006 (S/PRST/2006/41), 13 April 2009 (S/PRST/2009/7) and 16 April 2012 (S/PRST/2012/13),

“Reaffirming that proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security,

“Underlining once again the importance that the DPRK respond to other security and humanitarian concerns of the international community,

“Expressing the gravest concern at the nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (“the DPRK”) on 12 February 2013 (local time) in violation of resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009) and resolution 2087 (2013), and at the challenge such a test constitutes to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (“the NPT”) and to international efforts aimed at strengthening the global regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the danger it poses to peace and stability in the region and beyond,

“Concerned that the DPRK is abusing the privileges and immunities accorded under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations,

“Welcoming the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) new Recommendation 7 on targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation, and urging Member States to apply FATF’s Interpretative Note to Recommendation 7 and related guidance papers for effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions related to proliferation,

“Expressing its gravest concern that the DPRK’s ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile­related activities have further generated increased tension in the region and beyond, and determining that there continues to exist a clear threat to international peace and security,

“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and taking measures under its Article 41,

“1.   Condemns in the strongest terms the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on 12 February 2013 (local time) in violation and flagrant disregard of the Council’s relevant resolutions;

“2.   Decides that the DPRK shall not conduct any further launches that use ballistic missile technology, nuclear tests or any other provocation;

“3.   Demands that the DPRK immediately retract its announcement of withdrawal from the NPT;

“4.   Demands further that the DPRK return at an early date to the NPT and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, bearing in mind the rights and obligations of States parties to the NPT, and underlines the need for all States parties to the NPT to continue to comply with their Treaty obligations;

“5.   Condemns all the DPRK’s ongoing nuclear activities, including its uranium enrichment, notes that all such activities are in violation of resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009) and 2087 (2013),reaffirms its decision that the DPRK shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes, in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner and immediately cease all related activities and shall act strictly in accordance with the obligations applicable to parties under the NPT and the terms and conditions of the IAEA Safeguards Agreement (IAEA INFCIRC/403);

“6.   Reaffirms its decision that the DPRK shall abandon all other existing weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programmes in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner;

“7.   Reaffirms that the measures imposed in paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1718 (2006) apply to items prohibited by paragraphs 8 (a) (i), 8 (a) (ii) of resolution 1718 (2006) and paragraphs 9 and 10 of resolution 1874 (2009), decides that the measures imposed in paragraph 8 (c) of resolution 1718 (2006) also apply to paragraphs 20 and 22 of this resolution, and notes that these measures apply also to brokering or other intermediary services, including when arranging for the provision, maintenance or use of prohibited items in other States or the supply, sale or transfer to or exports from other States;

“8.   Decides further that measures specified in paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall apply also to the individuals and entities listed in annexes I and II of this resolution and to any individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, and to entities owned or controlled by them, including through illicit means, and decides further that the measures specified in paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall apply to any individuals or entities acting on the behalf or at the direction of the individuals and entities that have already been designated, to entities owned or controlled by them, including through illicit means;

“9.   Decides that the measures specified in paragraph 8 (e) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall also apply to the individuals listed in annex I of this resolution and to individuals acting on their behalf or at their direction;

“10.  Decides that the measures specified in paragraph 8 (e) of resolution 1718 (2006) and the exemptions set forth in paragraph 10 of resolution 1718 (2006) shall also apply to any individual whom a State determines is working on behalf or at the direction of a designated individual or entity or individuals assisting the evasion of sanctions or violating the provisions of resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, and further decides that, if such an individual is a DPRK national, then States shall expel the individual from their territories for the purpose of repatriation to the DPRK consistent with applicable national and international law, unless the presence of an individual is required for fulfilment of a judicial process or exclusively for medical, safety or other humanitarian purposes, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall impede the transit of representatives of the Government of the DPRK to the United Nations Headquarters to conduct United Nations business;

“11.  Decides that Member States shall, in addition to implementing their obligations pursuant to paragraphs 8 (d) and (e) of resolution 1718 (2006), prevent the provision of financial services or the transfer to, through, or from their territory, or to or by their nationals or entities organized under their laws (including branches abroad), or persons or financial institutions in their territory, of any financial or other assets or resources, including bulk cash, that could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, including by freezing any financial or other assets or resources on their territories or that hereafter come within their territories, or that are subject to their jurisdiction or that hereafter become subject to their jurisdiction, that are associated with such programmes or activities and applying enhanced monitoring to prevent all such transactions in accordance with their national authorities and legislation;

“12.  Calls upon States to take appropriate measures to prohibit in their territories the opening of new branches, subsidiaries, or representative offices of DPRK banks, and also calls upon States to prohibit DPRK banks from establishing new joint ventures and from taking an ownership interest in or establishing or maintaining correspondent relationships with banks in their jurisdiction to prevent the provision of financial services if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that these activities could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“13.  Calls upon States to take appropriate measures to prohibit financial institutions within their territories or under their jurisdiction from opening representative offices or subsidiaries or banking accounts in the DPRK if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that such financial services could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, and other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution;

“14.  Expresses concern that transfers to the DPRK of bulk cash may be used to evade the measures imposed in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, andclarifies that all States shall apply the measures set forth in paragraph 11 of this resolution to the transfers of cash, including through cash couriers, transiting to and from the DPRK so as to ensure such transfers of bulk cash do not contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“15.  Decides that all Member States shall not provide public financial support for trade with the DPRK (including the granting of export credits, guarantees or insurance to their nationals or entities involved in such trade) where such financial support could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“16.  Decides that all States shall inspect all cargo within or transiting through their territory that has originated in the DPRK, or that is destined for the DPRK, or has been brokered or facilitated by the DPRK or its nationals, or by individuals or entities acting on their behalf, if the State concerned has credible information that provides reasonable grounds to believe the cargo contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, for the purpose of ensuring strict implementation of those provisions;

“17.  Decides that, if any vessel has refused to allow an inspection after such an inspection has been authorized by the vessel’s flag State, or if any DPRK-flagged vessel has refused to be inspected pursuant to paragraph 12 of resolution 1874 (2009), all States shall deny such a vessel entry to their ports, unless entry is required for the purpose of an inspection, in the case of emergency or in the case of return to its port of origination, and decides further that any State that has been refused by a vessel to allow an inspection shall promptly report the incident to the Committee;

“18.  Calls upon States to deny permission to any aircraft to take off from, land in or overfly their territory, if they have information that provides reasonable grounds to believe that the aircraft contains items the supply, sale, transfer or export of which is prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, except in the case of an emergency landing;

“19.  Requests all States to communicate to the Committee any information available on transfers of DPRK aircraft or vessels to other companies that may have been undertaken in order to evade the sanctions or in violating the provisions of resolution 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, including renaming or re-registering of aircraft, vessels or ships, and requests the Committee to make that information widely available;

“20.  Decides that the measures imposed in paragraphs 8 (a) and 8 (b) of resolution 1718 (2006) shall also apply to the items, materials, equipment, goods and technology listed in annex III of this resolution;

“21.  Directs the Committee to review and update the items contained in the lists specified in paragraph 5 (b) of resolution 2087 (2013) no later than 12 months from the adoption of this resolution and on an annual basis thereafter, and decides that, if the Committee has not acted to update this information by then, the Security Council will complete action to update within an additional 30 days;

“22.  Calls upon and allows all States to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to or from the DPRK or its nationals, through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their territories of any item if the State determines that such item could contribute to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, anddirects the Committee to issue an Implementation Assistance Notice regarding the proper implementation of this provision;

“23.  Reaffirms the measures imposed in paragraph 8 (a) (iii) of resolution 1718 (2006) regarding luxury goods, and clarifies that the term “luxury goods” includes, but is not limited to, the items specified in annex IV of this resolution;

“24.  Calls upon States to exercise enhanced vigilance over DPRK diplomatic personnel so as to prevent such individuals from contributing to the DPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“25.  Calls upon all States to report to the Security Council within 90 days of the adoption of this resolution, and thereafter upon request by the Committee, on concrete measures they have taken in order to implement effectively the provisions of this resolution, and requests the Panel of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1874 (2009), in cooperation with other UN sanctions monitoring groups, to continue its efforts to assist States in preparing and submitting such reports in a timely manner;

“26.  Calls upon all States to supply information at their disposal regarding non-compliance with the measures imposed in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“27.  Directs the Committee to respond effectively to violations of the measures decided in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, directs the Committee to designate additional individuals and entities to be subject to the measures imposed in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), and this resolution, and decides that the Committee may designate any individuals for measures under paragraphs 8 (d) and 8 (e) of resolution 1718 (2006) and entities for measures under paragraph 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) that have contributed to theDPRK’s nuclear or ballistic missile programmes, or other activities prohibited by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or to the evasion of measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution;

“28.  Decides that the mandate of the Committee, as set out in paragraph 12 of resolution 1718 (2006), shall apply with respect to the measures imposed in resolution 1874 (2009) and this resolution;

“29.  Recalls the creation, pursuant to paragraph 26 of resolution 1874 (2009), of a Panel of Experts, under the direction of the Committee, to carry out the tasks provided for by that paragraph,decides to extend until 7 April 2014 the Panel’s mandate, as renewed by resolution 2050 (2012), decides further that this mandate shall apply with respect to the measures imposed in this resolution,expresses its intent to review the mandate and take appropriate action regarding further extension no later than twelve months from the adoption of this resolution, requests the Secretary-General to create a group of up to eight experts and to take the necessary administrative measures to this effect, and requests the Committee, in consultation with the Panel, to adjust the Panel’s schedule of reporting;

“30.  Emphasizes the importance of all States, including the DPRK, taking the necessary measures to ensure that no claim shall lie at the instance of the DPRK, or of any person or entity in the DPRK, or of persons or entities designated for measures set forth in resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013), or this resolution, or any person claiming through or for the benefit of any such person or entity, in connection with any contract or other transaction where its performance was prevented by reason of the measures imposed by this resolution or previous resolutions;

“31.  Underlines that measures imposed by resolutions 1718 (2006), 1874 (2009), 2087 (2013) and this resolution are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of the DPRK;

“32.  Emphasizes that all Member States should comply with the provisions of paragraphs 8 (a) (iii) and 8 (d) of resolution 1718 (2006) without prejudice to the activities of diplomatic missions in the DPRK pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations;

“33.  Expresses its commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation and welcomes efforts by Council members as well as other States to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue and to refrain from any actions that might aggravate tensions;

“34.  Reaffirms its support to the Six-Party Talks, calls for their resumption, urges all the participants to intensify their efforts on the full and expeditious implementation of the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement issued by China, the DPRK, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States, with a view to achieving the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in north-east Asia;

“35.  Reiterates the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in north-east Asia at large;

“36.  Affirms that it shall keep the DPRK’s actions under continuous review and is prepared to strengthen, modify, suspend or lift the measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK’scompliance, and, in this regard, expresses its determination to take further significant measures in the event of a further DPRK launch or nuclear test;

“37.  Decides to remain seized of the matter.”

Annex I

Travel ban/asset freeze

1.    YO’N CHO’NG NAM

(a)   Description: Chief Representative for the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID).  The KOMID was designated by the Committee in April 2009 and is the DPRK’s primary arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

2.    KO CH’O’L-CHAE

(a)   Description: Deputy Chief Representative for the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation (KOMID).  The KOMID was designated by the Committee in April 2009 and is the DPRK’sprimary arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons.

3.    MUN CHO’NG-CH’O’L

(a)   Description: Mun Cho’ng-Ch’o’l is a TCB official.  In this capacity he has facilitated transactions for TCB.  Tanchon was designated by the Committee in April 2009 and is the main DPRK financial entity for sales of conventional arms, ballistic missiles, and goods related to the assembly and manufacture of such weapons.

Annex II

Asset freeze

1.    SECOND ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES

(a)   Description: The Second Academy of Natural Sciences is a national-level organization responsible for research and development of the DPRK’s advanced weapons systems, including missiles and probably nuclear weapons.  The Second Academy of Natural Sciences uses a number of subordinate organizations to obtain technology, equipment, and information from overseas, including Tangun Trading Corporation, for use in the DPRK’s missile and probably nuclear weapons programmes.  Tangun Trading Corporation was designated by the Committee in July 2009 and is primarily responsible for the procurement of commodities and technologies to support DPRK’s defence research and development programmes, including, but not limited to, weapons of mass destruction and delivery system programmes and procurement, including materials that are controlled or prohibited under relevant multilateral control regimes.

(b)   AKA:  2ND ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES; CHE 2 CHAYON KWAHAKWON; ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES; CHAYON KWAHAK-WON; NATIONAL DEFENSE ACADEMY; KUKPANG KWAHAK-WON; SECOND ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE; SANSRI

(c)   Location: Pyongyang, DPRK

2.    KOREA COMPLEX EQUIPMENT IMPORT CORPORATION

(a)   Description: Korea Ryonbong General Corporation is the parent company of Korea Complex Equipment Import Corporation.  Korea Ryonbong General Corporation was designated by the Committee in April 2009 and is a defence conglomerate specializing in acquisition for DPRK defence industries and support to that country’s military-related sales.

(b)   Location: Rakwon-dong, Pothonggang District, Pyongyang, DPRK

Annex III

Items, materials, equipment, goods and technology

Nuclear items

1.    Perfluorinated Lubricants

They can be used for lubricating vacuum pump and compressor bearings. They have a low vapour pressure, are resistant to uranium hexafluoride (UF6), the gaseous uranium compound used in the gas centrifuge process, and are used for pumping fluorine.

2.    UF6 Corrosion Resistant Bellow-sealed Valves

They can be used in uranium enrichment facilities (such as gas centrifuge and gaseous diffusion plants), in facilities that produce uranium hexafluoride (UF6), the gaseous uranium compound used in the gas centrifuge process, in fuel fabrication facilities and in facilities handling tritium.

Missile items

1.    Special corrosion resistant steels — limited to steels resistant to Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid (IRFNA) or nitric acid, such as nitrogen stabilized duplex stainless steel (N-DSS).

2.    Ultra high-temperature ceramic composite materials in solid form (i.e. blocks, cylinders, tubes or ingots) in any of the following form factors:

(a)   Cylinders having a diameter of 120 mm or greater and a length of 50 mm or greater;

(b)   Tubes having an inner diameter of 65 mm or greater and a wall thickness of 25 mm or greater and a length of 50 mm or greater; or

(c)   Blocks having a size of 120 mm x 120 mm x 50 mm or greater.

3.    Pyrotechnically Actuated Valves.

4.    Measurement and control equipment usable for wind tunnels (balance, thermal stream measurement, flow control).

5.    Sodium Perchlorate.

Chemical weapons list

1.    Vacuum pumps with a manufacturer’s specified maximum flow-rate greater than 1 m3/h (under standard temperature and pressure conditions), casings (pump bodies), preformed casing-liners, impellers, rotors, and jet pump nozzles designed for such pumps, in which all surfaces that come into direct contact with the chemicals being processed are made from controlled materials.

Annex IV

Luxury goods

1.    Jewelry:

(a)   Jewelry with pearls;

(b)   Gems;

(c)   Precious and semi-precious stones (including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds);

(d)   Jewelry of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal.

2.    Transportation items, as follows:

(a)   Yachts;

(b)   Luxury automobiles (and motor vehicles): automobiles and other motor vehicles to transport people (other than public transport), including station wagons;

(c)   Racing cars.

The United States [US] Mission to the UN Mission in New York provided a gist of the UNSCR #2094.  According to a news release from the United Nations:

Following its strong condemnation of the nuclear test conducted last month by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United Nations Security Council today tightened sanctions on the country’s trade and banking, as well as travel by targeted officials.

Detailing the new sanctions through a resolution adopted unanimously by the 15-member body, the Council demanded that the country retract its announcement of withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and reaffirmed its decision that “the DPRK shall abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes, in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.”

Toward that goal, an existing ban on DPRK trade in items related to the nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and officials involved in it was specified as applying to a raft of items detailed in the resolution’s annexes, ranging from “pyrotechnically actuated valves,” to luxury goods such as jewelry with pearls and race cars.

The travel ban and asset freeze was extended to additional individuals and companies, including those involved in the trade of arms-related material and to the Second Academy of Natural Sciences in Pyongyang.

Welcoming the adoption of the resolution, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called its measures “effective and credible,” adding that “the Security Council has sent an unequivocal message to the DPRK that the international community will not tolerate its pursuit of nuclear weapons and related acts,” according to a statement released by his spokesperson.

Mr. Ban called on DPRK and all other Member States to fully comply with the resolution, reaffirming his commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula through dialogue.

The statement noted the Secretary-General’s deep concern over heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula, and urged DPRK to refrain from any further destabilizing steps or “bellicose rhetoric.”

“At a time of new political leadership throughout the region, the Secretary-General urges Pyongyang to reverse course and build confidence with the country’s neighbours,” it stated.

Sanctions were first imposed on DPRK by the Council following nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009, including a ban on the import of nuclear and missile technology. The sanctions were further tightened in January 2013 after the country reportedly launched a long-range Unha-3 rocket from its west coast.

Views of an army-people solidarity rally in Kim Il Sung Square on 7 March 2013 (Photos: KCNA)

In advance of the sanctions passage, the DPRK staged a mass Army-People solidarity rally in Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang on 7 March, ostensibly to support a recent statement of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] Supreme Command.  On the platform (reviewing stand) for the rally were a number of DPRK senior officials including Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium), Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission), Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Secretary Pak To Chun, KWP Secretary Choe Tae Bok, KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon, Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department Ju Kyu Chang and DPRK Cabinet Vice Premier and State Planning Commission (Gosplan) Chairman Ro Tu Chol along with “other senor party and state, officials of the party, armed forces and power organs, working people’s organizations, ministries, national institutions and scientific, educational, literary and art, public health and media fields, service persons of the KPA and the Korean People’s Internal Security Forces and officials and working people of institutions, industrial establishments and farms at all levels and teachers and students of universities and colleges here, more than 100 000 in all.”

Vice Minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Gen. Kang Pyo Yong, read the rally’s keynote statement.  The statement and the rally’s speakers “amounts to a declaration of the will of all service personnel and people to win a sure victory by ending at an early date the final decisive battle with the brigandish U.S. imperialists who are working hard to usurp the dignity and sovereignty of the DPRK,” “warned that the U.S. imperialists and the south Korean warmongers should clearly understand who is their rival and what miserable fate awaits them and be fully aware that the right to preemptive nuclear attack is not their monopoly” and that “if the U.S. and puppet war-like forces bring the dark clouds of a nuclear war to hang over this land, the army and people of the DPRK will never miss the opportunity but sweep away the aggressors from the earth and glorify this year which marks the 60th anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation War as a historic year of national reunification.”

On 6 March (Wednesday) Rodong Sinmun published an editorial for internal dissemination, of the conventional, official political mood in the DPRK:

Respected and beloved Comrade Kim Jong Un stated the following. “Our cause is just, and the final victory is ours.”

The invincible mettle of our entire army and people, who have heard the Korean People’s Army [KPA] Supreme Command spokesman’s statement, awesomely shakes this land and this sky. The unchanging faith and unyielding position of military-first Korea is that it absolutely cannot miss a precious opportunity to clearly show before history and the world what kind of power the great Mt Paektu state has, which the world does not yet know nor imagine.

This is how KPA General Jong Hyon Il expresses his soaring anger at the brigandish US imperialists and lackey forces such as the South Korean puppets.

“Clearly know that the US imperialists and lackey forces such as the South Korean puppets.”

The Worker-Peasant Red Guards [WPRG] and Young Red Guards [YRG], as well as all the services and branches of the KPA beginning with our front-line army groups, are in the status of having entered a war of all-out confrontation in accordance with the operations plan finally signed by the respected and beloved comrade Supreme Commander.  Our army never makes empty talk.  It is the mettle of the revolutionary strong army of Mt Paektu to mean what it says.

If the US imperialists brandish nuclear weapons, we — in complete contrast to former times — will by means of diversified, precision nuclear strike in our own style turn not just Seoul, but even Washington, into a sea of fire.

We are fully prepared to strike at will any target, at any time, with no limitation.

The unchanging position of our army and the Mt Paektu-style of response is that if the enemies pull out a knife, we knock it away with a long sword; if they show a gun, we shatter it with a missile; and if they threaten us with nuclear weapons, we meet them with a means of precision nuclear strike in our style, which is yet unknown to the world.

All of our people’s army officers and men regard the KPA Supreme Command spokesman’s statement as the cannon-roar of victory, and they wait only for the comrade Supreme Commander’s order.

Metals Industry Minister Han Hyo Yon said that the serious measures that were made clear to everyone through the KPA Supreme Command spokesman’s statement are the will of our people and a declaration of annihilation, and he spoke out as follows.

“For nearly 60 years, from the time the armistice agreement was signed until today, we have lived preparing for the final decisive battle with the US imperialists.

Every portion of metal our working class put in during that time was turned straightway into tanks and rocket launchers, and into strategic rockets and nuclear weapons.

We have everything for completely eliminating the sworn enemies from the face of the earth.”  The “Key Resolve” and “Foal Eagle” combined military exercises the US imperialists and South Korean puppets are conducting now are clearly offensive exercises for northward aggression and a nuclear test war against our Republic.

It seems that the enemies still do not understand very well how powerful our war deterrent and nuclear deterrent is.  Our people will embrace the spirit of annihilating the enemy and completely wipe out the US imperialist aggressors and the South Korean puppet warmongers through a war of all-out decisive confrontation and struggle by all the people.

With the US imperialists, who regard the law of the jungle as the law of survival, one has to resolve things only through the gun barrel, not by words.

We do not make empty talk. Beginning from the forthcoming day of 11 March, there is no such thing as an armistice agreement.

There can be no such thing as a second armistice agreement, either; there can only be a document of surrender from the US imperialists.

Kim Il Sung Socialist Youth League Central Committee Chairman Jon Yong Nam remarked that he is boiling over with conviction of victory and the will to annihilate the enemy after hearing about the KPA Supreme Command spokesman’s statement, and he and stated the following.

“Today’s grave situation, in which the anti-Republic ‘sanctions’ maneuver of the US imperialists and South Korean puppets is proceeding toward military provocation, calls our youth to a patriotic holy war of justice.”

The national defense spirit of the 1950s’ young heroes who entered on the path of decisive war knowing that, although it is a single life for the only fatherland one has, there is no valuable life, no beautiful hope, and no great joy like that of sacrificing youthful days is beating powerfully in the heart of each of our youth.

The KPA Supreme Command spokesman’s statement saying that [the DPRK] will smash the US imperialists and South Korean puppet warmongers, who dare to come at us wielding the nuclear club and saying they will harm us, with means of a diversified precision nuclear strike in our own style, has put all of our youth, waiting only for the order, into the highest state of excitement.

Our youth, who have a never-changing faith that we will win without fail if only the respected and beloved Marshal Kim Jong Un is there, solemnly pledge that they will become 5 million gun barrels and 10 million bombs for the party, leader, fatherland, and people, fill the first-line trenches and be the first to dash forward to annihilate and wipe out the enemies, and fly the Supreme Commander’s flag that shines the marshal’s starlight and the flag of the Republic high on the ridge of Jeju Island’s Mt Hanna.

Kang Ji Yong, director of the Secretariat of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, noted that the Supreme Command spokesman’s statement is a firm statement of the revolutionary strong army of Mt Paektu for the final victory in the great DPRK-US confrontation that has continued across a century.

The reckless behavior of the puppet army warmongers, who are unchangingly rushing about now saying they will join in with their US master’s plot for a war of northward aggression and make a “first strike” on us, is truly absurd.

The unlimited, powerful strength of our revolutionary armed force, which has entered on an all- war of confrontation according to the operations plan finally signed by the respected and beloved comrade Supreme Commander, is exploding awesomely.

The South Korean puppets, who are utterly destroying North-South relations as the colonial lackeys of the US imperialists and even bringing the calamity of nuclear war to this land without hesitation, will come to clearly know how bitter is the price for being the puppet of outside forces and betraying the nation.

For the diabolical anti-reunification traitors who cruelly mutilated the brethrens’ earnest yearning for reunification, there can be not a shred of mercy.

Get ready, puppet Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jeong Seung-jo , the traitors who are desperately running about to harm fellow countrymen with the backing of outside forces.

The traitors will have to pay a hundred-fold and thousand-fold price for viciously opposing the nation’s reconciliation, unity, and reunification up to now and engaging in confrontation racket.

Kim Jong Un Attends Commemorative Photo-op With Nuclear Test Personnel (updated)

Kim Jong Un poses for a commemorative photograph with personnel involved in the DPRK’s nuclear test held on 12 February 2013. The photo was taken in front of the KWP Central Committee #1 Office Building in central Pyongyang. (Photo: Rodong Sinmun)

DPRK state media reported on 27 February (Wednesday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim Cho’ng-u’n) and members of the core political leadership attended a commemorative photo session with personnel involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test.  KJU’s last reported public appearance was his attendance at the concert “Korea Does What It is Determined to Do” by the State Merited Chorus (Merited State Choir).  Scientists, technicians, logistics and construction workers, and functionaries involved in the DPRK’s third nuclear test have been visiting Pyongyang since 20 February and attended a number of concerts and celebratory banquets, however this was the first reported event they attended at which Kim Jong Un was present.

Kim Jong Un arrives for the commemorative photo session at the Party Central Committee #1 Buildiing. In the image on the right he congratulates the leading civilian (2nd R) and military officials (3rd R) involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test. Also in attendance is Kim Yong Nam (L) (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

Scientists, technicians, construction personnel, KPA service members and administrative staff involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test greet Kim Jong Un (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Members of the DPRK’s core leadership applaud prior to commemorative photo session with personnel involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test. Seen in attendance is Kim Kyong Hui (L), Pak To Chun (2nd L) Jang Song Taek (3rd L), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (4th L) and DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim (5th L) (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Attending the photo-op with KJU were Kim Yong Nam (President of the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium), Choe Yong Rim (DPRK Cabinet Premier), VMar Choe Ryong Hae (Director of the Korean People’s Army [KPA] General Political Department), Jang Song Taek (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission and Director of the Korean Workers’ Party [KWP] Administration Department), Kim Kyong Hui (KWP Secretary and Department Director, and KJU’s aunt), Choe Tae Bok (KWP Secretary and SPA Chairman), Pak To Chun (KWP Secretary for Machine-Building Industry), VMar Kim Yong Chun (Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission and Director of the KWP Civil Defense Department), Kim Yang Gon (KWP Secretary and Director of the United Front Department), Kim Yong Il (KWP Secretary and Director of the International Affairs Department), Kim P’yo’ng-hae (KWP Secretary and Director of Cadres Affairs), Kwak Pom Gi (KWP Secretary and Director of Finance and Planning), Mun Kyong Dok (Chief Secretary of the Pyongyang City [municipal] KWP Committee), Jo Yon Jun (Senior Deputy [1st Vice] Director of the KWP Organization Guidance Department) and Hong Sung Mu (Deputy [vice] Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department).

Kim Jong Un (4th L) sits for a commemorative photograph with personnel involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear test (Photo: KCTV screengrab)

Kim Jong Un (L) applauds after a commemorative photo session with personnel involved in the DPRK’s third nuclear weapons test (R) (Photo: KCTV screengrabs)

Kim Jong Un applauds during after a commemorative photo session with nuclear test personnel. Seen in attendance is Hong Sung Mu (behind KJU 2nd R), Deputy Director of the KWP Machine-Building Industry Department and Pak To Chun (R), KWP Secretary for Machine-Building (Military) Industry (Photo: KCTV screngrab)

Personnel involved in the 12 February 2013 nuclear weapons test (L) applaud prior to Kim Jong Un’s departure (R) after the commemorative photo session (Photos: KCTV screengrabs)

The commemorative photograph was taken in front of the Party Central Committee #1 Office Building (a.k.a., “Building of the WPK Central Committee” or Kim Jong Il’s former headquarters/executive office).  According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un “highly praised those who successfully conducted the underground nuclear test as part of the practical countermeasure to defend the security and sovereignty of the country, thus fully demonstrating once again that Korea does what it is determined to do and instilling faith in sure victory and optimism into the army and people of the DPRK.”  When KJU sat for the photographs, the nuclear test’s leading KPA and civilian officials sat to his immediate left and right. During the photo session, KJU expressed “expectation and conviction that they would achieve greater successes in their scientific researches to further bolster up the nuclear deterrent for self-defence by waging a dynamic drive for breaking through cutting-edge science and technology with the same vim and vigor with which they succeeded in the nuclear test.”