Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), December 1, 2003.

Pyongyang, December 1 (KCNA) — The denucleariation of the Korean peninsula must be realized not by action to words but by action to action according to the proposal for a package solution based on the principle of simultaneous action. This is the essential principle and method of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the stand and attitude the DPRK and the U.S. should take at the six-way talks. Rodong Sinmun today says this in a signed commentary, the gist of which reads:

The DPRK’s proposal for a package solution based on the principle of simultaneous action elaborates on the blueprint of a package solution and the order of simultaneous action to comprehensively and fairly settle the nuclear issue including the U.S. switchover in its hostile policy toward the DPRK, the DPRK’s renunciation of its nuclear program and opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula cropped up when the U.S. shipped nuclear weapons into south Korea. The U.S., a possessor of nuclear weapons, compelled the DPRK to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by failing to honor its commitments and obligations as regards the fundamental settlement of the nuclear issue between it and the DPRK and infringing upon the dignity and sovereignty of the DPRK. The self-defensive measure was taken by the DPRK as the U.S. totally scrapped the DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework.

To shun the package solution based on the principle of simultaneous action means adherence to the demand for “renouncing the nuclear program first” and to the scheme to stifle the DPRK. This is, to all intents and purposes, opposition to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The U.S. demand that the DPRK drop “the nuclear program first” means that the DPRK should lay down arms and work for the U.S. as a servant. The DPRK can never accept it. It would rather die than having peace in exchange for slavery.

The DPRK’s blueprint of a package solution is simple, clear-cut and fair. It is the DPRK’s stand that both sides should lay down arms at the same time and co-exist in peace.

The U.S. should make the bold political decision to accept the proposal for a package solution based on the principle of simultaneous action at an early date.