Voice of Revolution

U.S. Troops Out of Korea

Support Korean Reunification! Normalize Relations with the DPRK

Voice of Revolution salutes the determined efforts of the Korea people to achieve reunification. In early October the Second Inter-Korea Summit took place in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Building on the new period of cooperation and reconciliation ushered in by the June 15 Joint Declaration of 2000, this second summit further advanced the struggle for reunification. Many strides are being taken on all fronts, economic, social, cultural and militarily. Families, long separated by the division of the country imposed by U.S. imperialism, are visiting each other. Conferences and meetings are being held to advance the cause of national unity and independence.

The Declaration for Development of North-South Relations and Peace and Prosperity was released as a result of the summit, providing principles to guide the on-going work for reunification. In early November, inter-ministerial meetings were organized in Seoul, south Korea. All of these are significant steps expressing the vibrant desire of Koreans everywhere for reunification.

The success of the reunification process is directly linked to the tenacious efforts of the DPRK to successfully defend its sovereignty. It has stood up to every effort of the U.S. to block reunification. These include repeated U.S. threats to launch a nuclear strike against the DPRK, its stationing of battleships with guided missiles in south Korean waters, its 37,000 strong occupation force and efforts to expand its bases in south Korea, its insistence on keeping command control of the south Korean armed forces, its refusal to take up its responsibilities to disarm and normalize relations, and more. By defending its sovereignty and working step by step to bring about reunification on the basis of “by our nation itself,” the DPRK is allowing the Korean people to undertake this historic task in a manner that serves their national interest and no other.

The desire for reunification is readily apparent in south Korea. Numerous demonstrations and actions have taken place, denouncing U.S. interference and demanding that all U.S. troops get out of Korea now. The U.S. occupation is justly condemned as a major block to reunification and a source of tension and war, in Korea and the region. The U.S. military is also responsible for numerous rapes and killings of Korean civilians.

The Korean people north and south, by organizing to keep U.S. imperialism in check on the Korean peninsula, are strengthening the cause of world peace. The inter-Korea summit epitomizes the struggle of all those who are striving for peace, independence and self-determination, and for a world free of U.S. imperialist domination, colonialism and war.

U.S. imperialism has worked very hard to spread disinformation about the DPRK and the struggle for reunification. It paints the DPRK as a “terrorist” force and as the source of the nuclear danger, on the peninsula and in the world. Supposedly it is the DPRK that is spreading weapons of mass destruction worldwide, and not the U.S.! The U.S. is the world’s largest nuclear power and arms dealer. It is responsible for the fact that Israel has nuclear weapons. It is responsible for the fact that it has not abided by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that requires that the U.S. disarm its nuclear weapons and end all threats to use nuclear weapons. Not only has it refused, it is developing new nuclear weapons, for use against the Koreans and all others who resist imperialism.

For peace on the Korean peninsula and worldwide, the U.S. is duty-bound to disarm now. The most recent six-party talks also require it to take the DPRK off its “terrorism” list and normalize relations. We demand that the U.S. immediately take these actions! Normalizing relations with the DPRK and removing all U.S. troops and weapons from south Korea are the urgent actions needed.

Voice of Revolution salutes the successes achieved at the historic second Inter-Korean Summit and calls on all peace and justice loving people in the U.S. and worldwide to rally around the Korean people as they put into action the principles laid out in the Declaration for Development of North-South Relations and Peace and Prosperity. We vigorously oppose all attempts by the U.S. to undermine the Korean reunification movement and stand as one with the just struggle of the Korean people for self-determination, independence, reunification and peace!

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Demand U.S. Troops Out, No Free Trade Agreement
South Koreans Fight for Reunification

The people of Korea are strengthening their fight for reunification. In south Korea recently, the group People for Achieving Peace and Reunification recently met. They are organizing to oppose the participation of troops from south Korea in the Iraq war and the continued U.S. occupation of south Korea, with 37,000 troops. In particular they are rejecting current U.S. efforts to insure the U.S. has “command and control” of south Korean armed forces as well as those of the United Nations, in the event of “wartime operations” in the region. The south Koreans brought out that this effort by the U.S. indicates its plans for war against Korea. They brought out that U.S. maneuvers, including command of south Korean forces, stationing of battleships armed with guided, possibly nuclear missiles in south Korean waters, and extending a so-called “nuclear umbrella” to south Korea, are all designed to keep the country divided and the south under U.S. occupation. They denounced the U.S. military as a threat to peace in Korea and the region, calling for U.S. troops to get out.

On November 11, an “All People’s Day of Action” was organized in Seoul to oppose imperialist war, reject the south Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and to defend the right to a livelihood by demanding an end to part-time jobs. Participants opposed the U.S. war against Iraq and demanded that south Korea end participation in the war. They denounced the south Korea-U.S. Free trade Agreement as one more way for the U.S. to repress and rob the people of Korea and keep the country divided. Demonstrators brought out that peace and reunification require that all of Korea be independent of the U.S. and that the U.S. military presence be eliminated. More than 20,000 people from all walks of life participated, despite efforts to block the demonstration. They organized a meeting and then marched on the U.S. Embassy. As a statement from the organizers brought out, the U.S. and south Korean security forces “might be able to ban the rally by force, but they will never be able to dampen the urgent demand of the people for democracy and their right to be.” A second national day of action is planned for December 1.

Students are also playing an important role in demanding reunification and calling for all U.S. troops to get out of Korea. These troops and military bases are seen as a main block to reunification. The students are working hard to strengthen cooperation and exchanges between Koreans south and north. This includes demonstrations against the “National Security Law” (NSL) in south Korea. Much as the U.S. government has used the claim of “security” to criminalize dissent here in the U.S., it has also imposed this same criminalization abroad. In south Korea, the NSL is used to brand north Koreans and organizations that work for reunification as “enemies.” On this basis, the south Korean Federation of University Student Councils (Hanchongryon) has been targeted as an “enemy,” with many students detained and interrogated. Hanchongryon and other organizations, like the People’s Solidarity for the Abolition of the NSL have continued to organize demonstrations in Seoul and elsewhere, rejecting criminalization and defending their rights. They emphasize that U.S. interference goes against the demands of all Koreans for reunification, represented in the many efforts for reconciliation, cooperation and exchange north and south. They opposed the U.S. moves to increase tensions and called instead for the U.S. to disarm, get out of Korea and adopt a policy in favor of reunification.

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Koreans Called On to Achieve Great National Unity

The people of Korea, north, south and abroad, are organizing to achieve reunification and national unity. They are working to achieve national unity on the basis of the principle of national independence and under the banner of “by our nation itself.” A recent article in the north Korea newspaper Rodong Sinmun elaborated on the need for independence.

“The principle of national independence represents a core issue in solving the national problem and a foundation for achieving the great unity of the whole nation,” the article said. “Koreans raise the issue of the great unity of the nation as the most urgent demand at present in order to establish national sovereignty throughout Korea and accomplish the cause of national reunification. This can be achieved by the concerted efforts of the nation itself.

“National independence guarantees the destiny and prosperity of the nation. It is senseless to talk about the unity and reunification of the nation without the principle of national independence. It is this principle of national independence that must remain vital and fully utilized.

“The Korean’s unanimous desire and will for reunification are a clear manifestation of their strong national self-esteem and patriotic character. It shows their desire to put an end to the tragedy of national division as soon as possible and to build a reunified and prosperous country. This struggle raises the dignity and honor of the Korean nation.

“The patriotic spirit and national disposition common to the Koreans should be regarded as an ideological and moral mainstay for achieving the unity of the nation. Only by doing so, can Koreans achieve the great unity of the entire nation irrespective of ideology, political view and religious belief and differing interests of classes and strata that exist among them.”

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First Round of Inter-Korean Premier Talks Opens
Korea Central News Agency (KCNA)

The first round of talks by the inter-Korean premiers opened in Seoul on Wednesday, November 14. Present from the north side were Premier of the Cabinet Kim Yong Il along with his delegation, and from the south side Prime Minister Han Tok Su and those concerned.

At the talks Kim Yong Il brought out that what is important is for the north and the south to uphold and implement the June 15 joint declaration, to begin with, and hold fast to the principle of giving importance to the dignity and interests of the nation and making everything serve it. Having Koreans pool their will and efforts provides a sure guarantee for implementing the joint declaration, Kim said. He added that proceeding from this viewpoint, the north and the south should promptly take positive steps to put into practice the matters specified in the points of the declaration, including matters of commemorating June 15, refraining from interfering in each other’s internal affairs and adjusting the legal and institutional mechanisms in favor of national reunification.

The north and the south should positively reenergize and steadily expand and develop cooperation projects for the uniform development of the nation’s economy and for co-prosperity, on the principle of ensuring common prosperity and interests and mutual accommodation, as enshrined in the October 4 declaration, he explained. He referred to specific tasks for carrying out cooperation projects in economic, social, cultural, humanitarian and other fields and ways to do so.

If the October 4 declaration is to be successfully implemented, it is necessary for both sides to have a proper way of thinking, understanding and basic stand, among other things, and build, first of all, a new system and order as required by the new century and changed circumstances. He explained that inter-Korean cooperation can make smooth progress only when both sides respect each other’s systems, given the differing political, economic, social and cultural systems that exist in the north and the south. Cooperation projects can make dynamic progress to more rapidly achieve an era of peace and prosperity when the inter-Korean relations are turned into those of mutual respect and trust.

Kim Yong Il concluded that what is important now is for the north and the south to show their will to implement the declaration in practical deeds, not simply in words. He emphasized that the north would fulfill its mission and responsibility to implement the declaration.

The prime minister of the south side, addressing the talks, said that the publication of the June 15, 2000 Joint Declaration was a great historical event that ushered in the era of peace and co-existence between the south and the north.

Referring to the achievements made in developing the inter-Korean relations since the Joint Declaration was issued, he expressed hope that the talks would prove to be a constructive dialogue, resulting in bringing about a productive agreement. He clarified the stand of the south side for implementing the October 4 declaration.

The joint talks between the two delegations concluded November 16.

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UN General Assembly Hails Inter-Korean Summit
China Daily Online, November 1, 2007

The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution on October 31 that welcomes and supports the inter-Korean summit held in early October and the declaration signed by the top leaders of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and Republic of Korea (ROK).

The resolution, entitled “Peace, security and reunification on the Korean peninsula,” says that the summit and declaration represent “a major milestone in improving inter-Korean relations and in advancing peace and common prosperity on the Korean peninsula and in the wider region as well.”

The resolution encourages the DPRK and ROK to implement the declaration “fully and in good faith, thereby consolidating peace on the Korean peninsula and laying a solid foundation for peaceful reunification.”

It invites member states to “continue to support and assist, as appropriate, the process of inter-Korean dialogue, reconciliation and reunification so that it may contribute to peace and security not only on the Korean peninsula but also in northeast Asia and the world as a whole.”

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution. “I am convinced that the historic inter-Korean summit will pave the way for a permanent peace regime and eventual reunification. It will lead to increased inter-Korean reconciliation, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” Ban said in a statement. “I also believe it will act as a catalyst for continued progress in the six-party talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” he said. “It will now be of the utmost importance to implement fully the outcome of the summit.”

He called on all member states, “in particular those engaged in the six-party talks — to lend their valuable support in sustaining a favorable atmosphere and assisting in the implementation of the outcome.” [The six-party talks include the DPRK, ROK, China, Japan, Russia and the U.S.]

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and top leader of the DPRK Kim Jong Il signed the Declaration on the Advancement of South-North Korean Relations, Peace and Prosperity on Oct. 4 in Pyongyang, the DPRK capital.

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National Reunification
Historic Second Inter-Korean Summit

The historic Second Inter-Korean Summit was held in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on October 2-4, 2007. The first summit seven years ago was also hosted by the DPRK and produced the historic June 15 north-south agreement that led to a new era of relations between the two halves of the Korean nation. The intervening period has seen tremendous development of the work for Korean reunification with great strides being made through joint actions on the fronts of the economy, transport, culture and sports, including travel of dignitaries and family members separated by the division of Korea. Born of the success of the first summit, the Second Inter-Korean summit is an important milestone in the normalization of relations between north and south Koreans.

The success of the process is directly linked to the tenacious efforts of the DPRK to successfully defend its sovereignty. In doing so, it is protecting the reunification movement from U.S. imperialist interference, allowing the Korean people to undertake the historic task in a manner that serves their national interest and no other. In this context, the second summit has significance for all nations and peoples. By keeping U.S. imperialism in check on the Korean peninsula, the cause of world peace is strengthened. The summit epitomizes the struggle of all those who are striving for peace, independence and self-determination, and for a world free of U.S. imperialist domination, colonialism and war.

On October 2 President Roh Moo Hyun led a delegation of 300 south Koreans to the summit. Traveling by car to Pyongyang for the summit, he became the first south Korean head of state to travel overland to the DPRK. At the Demarcation Line established in 1953 as part of the armistice agreement dividing Korea into north and south, President Roh stepped out of his car and crossed the yellow line on foot, symbolizing the opening of a new era in north-south relations.

“After I return home, many more people will do likewise. Then this line of division will finally be erased and the barrier will break down,” remarked Roh, adding that his visit would “tear down the wall of division, ease national pain from the division and lead to the path of peace and reconciliation.”

Prior to his departure for Pyongyang, a televised statement by President Roh was broadcast in the south. In it, Roh vowed to put a new Korean Peninsula peace arrangement to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War at the top of his summit agenda.

“There will be various items on the agenda for discussion, but, among other things, I intend to concentrate on making substantive and concrete progress that will bring about a peace settlement together with economic development,” said the president. “I firmly believe that things will progress well. This is because the two Koreas are likely to remain on the same path if we take a far-sighted and broad stand,” Roh stressed.

Residents of Pyongyang from all walks of life lined up at the plaza in front of the April 25 House of Culture to greet the two heads of state. When Kim Jong Il appeared at the plaza, the crowd broke into thunderous cheers. Also present were Kim Yong Il, premier of the Cabinet, Kim Il Chol, minister of the People’s Armed Forces, Choe Thae Bok, chairman of the Supreme People’s Assembly, Yang Hyong Sop, vice-president of the SPA Presidium, Kim Ki Nam, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kang Sok Ju, first vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, Kim Yong Dae, chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Social Democratic Party, and leading officials of the party, armed forces and power organs, working people’s organizations, ministries and national institutions.

At noon, a limousine carrying Kim Yong Nam, president of the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium, and President Roh arrived at the plaza. Amidst the playing of the welcome music, the crowd welcomed Roh, waving bouquets. Kim Jong Il exchanged a handshake and greetings with Roh Moo Hyun.

Roh was accompanied by Minister of Finance and Economy Kwon O Gyu, Minister of Science and Technology Kim U Sik, Minister of Unification Ri Jae Jong, Minister of National Defense Kim Jang Su, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Im Sang Gyu, Minister of Health and Welfare Pyon Jae Jin, Director of the National Intelligence Service Kim Man Bok and other suite members and reporters.

At the plaza Kim Jong Il and Roh Moo Hyun reviewed the honor guard of the three branches of the Korean People’s Army. Women workers presented bouquets to Roh and his wife. The two leaders waved to the enthusiastic crowd.

While in the DPRK, the north and south delegations met for a series of bi-lateral meetings aimed at strengthening the growing relationship between both sides. President Roh also had extended meetings with Chairman Kim Jong Il of the DPRK National Defense Commission, for discussions to advance the political project of Korean unification.

As part of the summit, round-table talks were held among representatives in different fields in the north and the south on October 3. They included talks between politicians, businessmen, different industrialists and persons in the fields of culture, arts and science, figures of social organizations and media institutions, religious people and women. At the talks the representatives referred to the achievements made in the efforts to implement the June 15 joint declaration in the past.

They exchanged views on boosting the cooperation in order to contribute to achieving reconciliation, unity and prosperity common to the nation and accomplishing the cause of reunification utilizing the stand of “By our nation itself.”

Also on October 3, President Roh hosted a banquet at the People’s Palace of Culture with various dignitaries from north and south attending, where he made a speech. He said that he would never forget the cordial hospitality accorded to him by fellow countrymen in the north. He extended thanks to Chairman of the National Defense Commission Kim Jong Il for enabling him and his party to have a pleasant stay in Pyongyang. The publication of the June 15 Joint Declaration marked an epochal turning point in placing the inter-Korean relations on the path of reconciliation and cooperation, he stressed. Changes hardly imaginable even a decade ago have become a reality, he said, calling on the south and the north to pool efforts to usher in an era of prosperity. He extended best wishes for the good health of Kim Jong Il.

Kim Yong Nam spoke next. He pointed out that the exciting news that Kim Jong Il greeted and met Roh Moo Hyun upon the latter’s arrival in Pyongyang is evoking a lively response at home and abroad. “We have the June 15 Joint Declaration, a great program for reunification and the idea of ‘By our nation itself,’ a mental mainstay common to the nation,” he added. He called for implementing the joint declaration and thus opening the future of a reunified nation. He called on the north and the south to pool efforts to meet all challenges and independently pave the way for the nation.

Later that day members of both delegations attended the grand gymnastic and artistic performance “Arirang,” depicting the Korean nation’s past, full of ordeals, and the present reality of the DPRK witnessing prosperity and development and the aspiration of the Koreans to achieve the independent and peaceful reunification and prosperity of the whole nation.

At the end of the summit, a joint Declaration for Development of North-South Relations and Peace and Prosperity was signed by Chairman Kim Jong Il and President Roh. The declaration further strengthens the spirit and principles of the historic June 15 Joint Declaration signed in Pyongyang in 2000, between Chairman Kim Jong Il and then south Korean President Kim Dae-Jung which ushered in a new era in modern Korean history — the era of Korean Reunification. It calls on Koreans north, south and overseas to unite as one people to achieve national re-unification peacefully and through their own efforts.

The declaration lays out practical measures that will be taken up by both sides in the coming period to advance bi-lateral interests for the benefit of the Korean people. One of the principle points made in the declaration is for both sides to work toward replacing the Armistice Agreement signed on July 27, 1953 to end the fighting in the Korean War with a permanent peace treaty by involving other parties involved in the signing of the Armistice. This will contribute to easing tensions not only between north and south Korea, but also in the region.

As well, it re-affirms the commitment of the government of the DPRK and the government of the Republic of Korea to work in a co-operative manner and solve disputes respectfully and through negotiations without interfering in each other’s affairs. The principles laid out are another nail in the coffin of U.S. imperialist plans to meddle in the internal affairs of the Korean nation and to undermine the Korean people’s just struggle for self-determination, independence and reunification.

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Declaration for Development of North-South Relations
and Peace and Prosperity

The following is the text of the declaration for the development of north-south relation, peace and prosperity, released in Pyongyang, October 4, 2007.

* * *

President Roh Moo Hyun visited Pyongyang October 2-4, 2007 under an agreement reached between Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission, and Roh Moo Hyun, president of the Republic of Korea. Historic meetings and talks were held during the visit.

The meetings and talks reaffirmed the spirit of the June 15 Joint Declaration and discussed frankly all issues related to boosting the north-south relations, achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula, prosperity common to the nation and reunification. Expressing the belief that the nation can open up the era of national prosperity, the new era of independent reunification, when it pools intention and strength, both sides declare as follows to boost the north-south relations on the basis of the June 15 joint declaration:

1. The north and the south shall uphold and positively implement the June 15 Joint Declaration.

The north and the south agreed to independently solve the reunification issue in the spirit of “By our nation itself”, put the dignity and interests of the nation above all, and orient everything to this objective. The north and the south agreed to push ahead with the matter of commemorating June 15 — reflecting the will to invariably implement the joint declaration.

2. The north and the south agreed to definitely convert the north-south relations into those of mutual respect and confidence irrespective of differing ideologies and systems. They agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of the other side but solve problems related to the north-south relations in favor of promoting reconciliation, cooperation and reunification. They agreed to adjust their legal and institutional mechanisms with a view to developing the north-south relations to meet the purpose of reunification.

They agreed to positively promote dialogues and contacts in all fields including parliaments of both sides to solve all the issues related to boosting the inter-Korean relations in line with the desire of the nation.

3. The north and the south agreed to closely cooperate with each other in the efforts to put an end to the hostile military relations and ensure detente and peace on the Korean Peninsula. They agreed not to antagonize each other but to ease the military tension and settle disputes through dialogues and negotiations. They agreed to oppose any war on the peninsula and faithfully honor the commitment of non-aggression.

The north and the south agreed to hold the talks between the minister of the People’s Armed Forces of the north side and the minister of National Defense of the south side in Pyongyang in November this year with a view to discussing measures for building military confidence including the proposal for fixing waters for joint fishing in order to prevent clashes stemming from accidental incidents in the West Sea, turning them instead into incidents resolved peacefully. The ministers also discussed the issue of providing the military guarantees for various forms of cooperation undertakings.

4. The north and the south shared the understanding about the need to put an end to the existing armistice mechanism and build a lasting peace mechanism and agreed to cooperate with each other in the efforts to push forward the issue of arranging the meeting of the heads of state of three or four parties directly concerned on the Korean Peninsula and declaring an end to a war. They agreed to make joint efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of “September 19 joint statement” and “February 13 agreement” made at the six-party talks for the solution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

5. The north and the south agreed to reenergize economic cooperation and make its sustained development on the principles of ensuring common interests and co-prosperity and meeting each other’s need with a view to ensuring balanced development of national economy and achieving common prosperity. The north and the south agreed to encourage investments for economic cooperation and energetically push forward the construction of economic infrastructure and development of resources and grant various kinds of preferential treatment and special privilege to suit the peculiarities of cooperation undertakings between compatriots.

The north and the south agreed to establish “special area for peace and cooperation in West Sea” covering Haeju area and waters off its surrounding areas and positively push forward undertakings including the issue of setting waters for joint fishing and those for peace, construction of special economic zone, active use of Haeju Port, direct passage of civilian vessels through Haeju Port and joint use of the estuary of the River Rimjin.

The north and the south agreed to complete the construction of the first-phase project of the Kaesong Industrial Zone at an early date, start its second-phase development, begin the railway freight transport between Munsan and Pongdong and rapidly take all the measures for institutional guarantees including the issues of passage, communications and customs clearance.

They agreed to discuss and push forward the issue of reconstructing and repairing the railways between Kaesong and Sinuiju and the motorway between Kaesong and Pyongyang in order to jointly use them. They agreed to build zones for cooperation in shipbuilding in Anbyon and Nampho and conduct cooperation undertakings in different fields including agriculture, healthcare and environmental protection.

They agreed to upgrade the present “North-South Committee for the Promotion of Economic Cooperation” to the “joint committee for inter-Korean economic cooperation” at vice-premier’s level for the satisfactory promotion of inter-Korean economic cooperation.

6. The north and the south agreed to develop the exchange and cooperation in the social and cultural fields such as history, language, education, science and technology, culture and arts and sports to add shine to the time-honored history and fine culture of the Korean nation. They agreed to start the tour of Mt. Paektu and inaugurate the Mt. Paektu-Seoul direct flight to this end. They agreed to let the cheering groups of the north and the south participate in the 2008 Beijing Olympics by using the train to run on the west coastal railroad for the first time.

7. The north and the south agreed to positively push forward the humanitarian cooperation undertakings. They agreed to expand the meeting of separated families and relatives and go ahead with the work to exchange video correspondence. To this end, the north and the south agreed to permanently post representatives of both sides at the reunion center at Mt. Kumgang resort when completed with a view to putting the reunion of separated families and relatives on a regular basis. They agreed to positively cooperate with each other in case of calamities including natural disaster on the principle of compatriotism, humanitarianism and mutual support and assistance.

8. The north and the south agreed to strengthen the cooperation in the efforts to meet the interests of the nation and rights and interests of overseas Koreans on the international arena. The north and the south agreed to hold the talks between the premier of the north and the prime minister of the south for the implementation of this declaration and decided to hold its first meeting in Seoul in November this year. The north and the south reached an agreement on ensuring that the top leaders of both sides meet from time to time to discuss pending issues for the purpose of developing the inter-Korean relations.

October 4, 2007 Pyongyang
Roh Moo Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea
Kim Jong Il , Chairman of the DPRK National Defense Commission

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Joint Statement of Six-Party Talks

A joint document, entitled “Second-Phase Actions for the Implementation of the Joint Statement,” was released October 3 in Beijing after a two-day recess of the second session of the sixth round of the Six-Party Talks. The full text is as follows.

* * *

The Second Session of the Sixth Round of the Six-Party Talks was held in Beijing among the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the United States of America from 27 to 30 September 2007. [Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Security and various cabinet-level secretaries were present from all six countries]

The Parties listened to and endorsed the reports of the five Working Groups, confirmed the implementation of the initial actions provided for in the February 13 agreement, agreed to push forward the Six-Party Talks process in accordance with the consensus reached at the meetings of the Working Groups and reached agreement on second-phase actions for the implementation of the Joint Statement of September 19, 2005, the goal of which is the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner.

I. On Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula

1. The DPRK agreed to disable all existing nuclear facilities subject to abandonment under the September 2005 Joint Statement and the February 13 agreement.

The disablement of the five megawatt Experimental Reactor at Yongbyon, the Reprocessing Plant (Radiochemical Laboratory) at Yongbyon and the Nuclear Fuel Rod Fabrication Facility at Yongbyon will be completed by December 31, 2007. Specific measures recommended by the expert group will be adopted by heads of delegation in line with the principles of being acceptable to all Parties, scientific, safe, verifiable, and consistent with international standards. At the request of the other Parties, the United States will lead disablement activities and provide the initial funding for those activities. As a first step, the U.S. will lead the expert group to the DPRK within the next two weeks to prepare for disablement.

2. The DPRK agreed to provide a complete and correct declaration of all its nuclear programs in accordance with the February 13 agreement by December 31, 2007.

3. The DPRK reaffirmed its commitment not to transfer nuclear materials, technology, or know-how.

II. On Normalization of Relations between Relevant Countries

1. The DPRK and the United States remain committed to improving their bilateral relations and moving towards a full diplomatic relationship. The two sides will increase bilateral exchanges and enhance mutual trust. Recalling the commitments to begin the process of removing the designation of the DPRK as a state sponsor of terrorism and advance the process of terminating the application of the Trading with the Enemy Act with respect to the DPRK, the United States will fulfill its commitments to the DPRK in parallel with the DPRK’s actions based on consensus reached at the meetings of the Working Group on Normalization of DPRK-U.S. Relations.

2. The DPRK and Japan will make sincere efforts to normalize their relations expeditiously in accordance with the Pyongyang Declaration, on the basis of the settlement of the unfortunate past and the outstanding issues of concern. The DPRK and Japan committed themselves to taking specific actions toward this end through intensive consultations between them.

III. On Economic and Energy Assistance to the DPRK

In accordance with the February 13 agreement, economic, energy and humanitarian assistance up to the equivalent of one million tons of heavy fuel oil (HFO) will be provided to the DPRK (inclusive of the 100,000 tons of HFO already delivered). Specific modalities will be finalized through discussion by the Working Group on Economy and Energy Cooperation.

IV. On the Six-Party Ministerial Meeting

The Parties reiterated that the Six-Party Ministerial Meeting will be held in Beijing at an appropriate time. The Parties agreed to hold a heads of delegation meeting prior to the Ministerial Meeting to discuss the agenda for the Meeting.