NAPSNet Daily Report Thursday, July 26, 2007
- 1. ASEAN on DPRK
2. DPRK on US Nuclear Plan
3. Japan on Pakistan-DPRK Nuclear Cooperation
4. Inter-Korean Military Talks
5. ROK Hostages in Afghanistan
6. Japan Defense
7. Japan Elections
8. PRC Anti-Corruption Measures
I. NAPSNet
1. ASEAN on DPRK
Associated Press (“ASIA SECURITY FORUM TO PRAISE NORTH KOREA’S NUCLEAR SHUTDOWN, CALL FOR HUMANITARIAN ACTION”, 2007-07-25) reported that a draft statement to be issued at the end of the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting on Aug. 2, seen by The Associated Press on Thursday, welcomed Pyongyang’s shutdown of its Yongbyon reactor this month and its commitments to declare all its nuclear programs and disable all its nuclear facilities. The statement also stressed the importance of addressing the issue of humanitarian concerns of the international community but did not spell out the concerns or steps to be taken.
2. DPRK on US Nuclear Plan
AHN (“NORTH KOREA SLAMS NEW U.S. NUCLEAR MISSILE PRODUCTION”, 2007-07-25) reported that the DPRK denounced Washington’s plan to develop a new type of nuclear warhead and accused the U.S. of maintaining a dangerous double standard on nuclear issues. Pyongyang made the remark after the Los Alamos Nuclear Institute in the U.S. announced it has started large-scale production of a new type of nuclear warhead. The effort comes as the U.S. tries to maintain a sizable arsenal of nuclear weapons, but also cut back on Cold War-era stockpiles.
3. Japan on Pakistan-DPRK Nuclear Cooperation
Daily Times (Pakistan) (“JAPAN ASKS PAKISTAN TO END MISSILE COOPERATION WITH NORTH KOREA”, 2007-07-26) reported that Japan insisted Pakistan should refrain from cooperating with the DPRK on missile technology. During the one-day Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Japan also insisted on Pakistan’s full compliance with the UN resolution 1718, which bars the DPRK from conducting any further nuclear test or launching a ballistic missile.
4. Inter-Korean Military Talks
Voice of America (“NORTH KOREA ABANDONS ‘FRUITLESS’ MILITARY TALKS WITH SOUTH”, 2007-07-26) reported that inter-Korean talks ended over the ROK’s refusal that an internationally recognized maritime border be redrawn to Pyongyang’s preferences. With no handshake and no date set for further meetings, the DPRK delegates marched out of the meeting room. The North’s Kim said his country had “no need for these fruitless talks.” The South’s Jung called the breakdown of the talks “regrettable.”
5. ROK Hostages in Afghanistan
Chosun Ilbo (“KOREAN HOSTAGE CONFIRMED DEAD IN AFGHANISTAN”, 2007-07-26) reported that the ROK’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that one of the 23 Koreans taken hostage in Afghanistan has been killed. But the whereabouts of the eight ROK hostages who were earlier reported released are unknown. The Afghan government and Taliban say they are still in captivity.
(return to top) Korea Herald (“22 HOSTAGES STILL HELD IN AFGHANISTAN: OFFICIAL”, 2007-07-26) reported that the ROK presidential spokesman says Seoul believes 22 hostages still being held in Afghanistan, according to the Associated Press. Chun’s comments followed conflicting reports from Western and Afghan officials that possibly eight of the hostages had been released. Hours after killing one hostage on Wednesday, the Islamic militants had set what they called a “final” deadline for a prisoner swap, but a spokesman said no others had been slain. (return to top)
6. Japan Defense
Japan Times (“JAPAN SUGGESTS U.S. F-22A EXPORT BAN TO AFFECT NEW FIGHTER CHOICE”, 2007-07-26) reported that Japan’s top government spokesman indicated that a US House of Representatives panel’s decision to maintain a ban on the export of F-22A Raptor stealth fighter jets would affect Tokyo’s selection of successor aircraft to the aging F-4EJ fighter fleet. While declining to comment directly on the Appropriations Committee’s decision, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki told a regular news conference, “For Japan’s own national security, it is necessary that our nation further our considerations and choose the best answer from within the conditions we are given.”
7. Japan Elections
The New York Times (“JAPAN’S LEADER ATTACKED BY HIS OWN PARTY”, 2007-07-26) reported that with Mr. Abe’s future as prime minister hanging by a thread, it is not surprising that he has become the target of criticism in campaigns across Japan for Sunday’s election for the upper house of Parliament. But what is surprising is that the attacks are coming from his own Liberal Democratic Party, from politicians like Mr. Tamura, who are distancing themselves from Mr. Abe for their own survival.
8. PRC Anti-Corruption Measures
The Associated Press (“EX-SHANGHAI BOSS KICKED OUT OF PARTY “, 2007-07-26) reported that the former party boss of Shanghai has been kicked out of the Communist Party, moving him one step closer to standing trial on corruption charges, state media reported. Chen Liangyu — the highest-level party official to be dismissed in a decade — was also removed from all his government positions, state television said. The moves formalize the end of an investigation into Chen’s involvement in a high-profile pension scandal in Shanghai that saw dozens of people arrested.