5 January 2005
Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers' Party, says the United States should not even "dream" of North Korean disarmament while the two nations have hostile relations.
--"Do Not Dream of Unilateral "Disarmament': Rodong Sinmun," Korean Central News Agency, 5 January 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm "N. Korea Says U.S. Demand for Disarmament 'Nonsense'," Yonhap News Agency, 5 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

5 January 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei tells Reuters that the North Korean nuclear program poses the greatest proliferation threat to the world and is worsening.
--"N.K. Nuke Crisis Deepening: IAEA Chief," Korea Times, 7 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "IAEA Chief Says N. Korea's Nuclear Crisis Getting Worse," Chosun Ilbo, 7 January 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050106000195.

6 January 2005
White House spokesman Scott McClellan says at a press briefing that "it is in North Korea's interest" to resume the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible.
--"Press Briefing by Scott McClellan," Office of the Press Secretary, U.S. White House, 6 January 2004,http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2004/39460.htm; "U.S. Urges DPRK to Return to Six-Party Talks," Xinhua General News Service, 6 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

8 January 2005
U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), the ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee, visits Pyongyang to discuss the DPRK's nuclear program and human rights issues. Lantos sponsored the North Korea Human Rights Act of 2004.
--"U.S. Congressman Arrives in N. Korea for Four-day Trip," Yonhap News Agency, 8 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "U.S. Rights Act Sponsor Heads to North Korea," Korea Times, 8 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry on Issue of Six-Party Talks," Korean Central News Agency website, 8 January 2005, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm; North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-333), 18 October 2004, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, United States House of Representatives, http://www.internationalrelations.house.gov/nkhra.htm.

8 January 2005
A DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman says the United States, which has a "hostile policy" towards the DPRK, is wholly responsible for the nuclear issue deadlock.
--"Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry on Issue of Six-Party Talks," Korean Central News Agency, 8 January 2005, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm/; Yonhap News Agency, 9 January 2005, in "U.S. Policy Shift, Key to Resolve Nuclear Issue, Says North Korea," OSC Document ID KPP20050109000013; "North Calls on U.S. to Change Its Nuclear Stance," Asia Pulse, 10 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

11 January 2005
U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos returns from his visit to Pyongyang and says he told North Korean officials that it is in their country's interest to return to the Six-Party Talks. Included among the officials Lantos met with were Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan.
--"U.S Congressman Urges N. Korea to Return to 6-Way Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "U.S. Congressman Says He Discussed North Korea's Nuclear Program with Pyongyang Officials," Associated Press, 10 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; Jim Yardley, "World Briefing Asia: North Korea: Congressman "Optimistic'," New York Times, 12 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

13 January 2005
Japanese Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono meets with South Korean Minister of Defense Yun Kwang-ung and both reaffirm their commitments to continue to work towards resuming the Six-Party Talks at an early date.
--"Kim Hyung, "Japanese Defense Chief Visits S. Korea," Yonhap News Agency, 12 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Japan's Defense Chief Arrives in S. Korea for Two-day Visit," Japan Economic News, 12 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Japan, S. Korea Confirm Efforts to Resume 6-Way Talks," Jiji Press Ticker, 13 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

11-14 January 2005
A congressional delegation led by U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA), vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, visits Pyongyang to discuss North Korea's nuclear weapons program with the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yŏng-nam, Foreign Minister Paek Nam-Sun, and Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan. Weldon states that he and his delegation emphasized to the North Koreans the United States' commitment to a peaceful resolution of the nuclear crisis.
--"U.S. Lawmakers Arrive in Pyongyang: Report," Yonhap News Agency, 11 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Paek Nam Sun Meets U.S. Congress Delegation," Korean Central News Agency, 12 January 2005, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm/; "Kim Yong Nam Meets U.S. Congress Delegation," Korean Central News Agency, 13 January 2004, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm; Sang-hun Choe, "U.S. Congressional Delegation Tries to Get North Korea to Rejoin Talks on Nuclear Weapons Programs," Associated Press, 13 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Pyongyang Ready to Return to Nuclear Talks: Weldon," Korea Times, 15 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "N. Korea Will Return to Nuclear Discussions; Six-Party Talks May Resume Within Weeks, U.S. says," International Herald Tribune, 15 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

14 January 2005
The DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency says North Korea will return to the Six-Party Talks if U.S. President George W. Bush pursues a more friendly policy towards the DPRK.
--"N.K to Treat U.S. as "Friend' If It Ceases to Intervene: KCNA," Yonhap News Agency, 14 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; Anthony Faiolo, "N. Korea Says It's Ready to Resume Nuclear Talks; In Meetings with U.S. Congressmen, Government Says U.S. Must Drop Its "Belligerent Manner'," Washington Post, 14 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

14 January 2005
U.S. Department of State spokesman Richard Boucher says the United States hopes that North Korea's recent statements about returning to the Six-Party Talks "do, indeed, presage a return to the talks."
--"Daily Press Briefing," U.S. Department of State, 14 January 2005, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2005/40954.htm; "U.S. Reacts Cautiously to Reported North Korean Overture," Agence France Presse, 14 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

18 January 2005
U.S. Congressman Curt Weldon reportedly says to Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda and Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi that North Korea will return to the Six-Party Talks in early February, provided that U.S. government leaders refrain from "inflammatory rhetoric."
--"N. Korea Could Return to Nuke Talks in Feb.: U.S. Lawmaker," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "N. Korea Has No Intent to Keep Nukes Forever: Weldon," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

18 January 2005
Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says the DPRK can receive multinational security assurances in exchange for abandoning its nuclear weapons.
--"N. Korea Can Get Multinational Security Guarantee for Nukes: Rice," Yonhap News Agency, 19 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Rice Urges N. Korea to Resume Talks, Promises No Attack," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

24 January 2005
According to Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun, China is encouraging the DPRK to admit the existence of its uranium enrichment activities for nuclear weapons development.
--Hiroshi Minegishi, "China Urges North Korea to Announce the Existence of Its HEU Plan, In An Effort to Promote Six-Party Talks," Nihon Keizai Shimbun, 24 January 2005, in "PRC Urges DPRK to Admit Existence of Highly-Enriched Uranium Plan," OSC ID JPP20050124000012.

26 January 2005
Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi (Mu'ammar al Qadhafi) urges North Korea and Iran to follow Libya's example and give up nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction programs.
--"N. Korea Should Give Up Nuclear Program: Gadhafi," Yonhap News Agency, 26 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "Libyan Leader Urges N. Korea to Give up Nuclear Ambitions," Japan Economic Newswire, 25 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

27 January 2005
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda says Japan "will make a strong appeal" to address the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals at the next round of the Six-Party Talks.
--"Japan Hits Back at N. Korea for "Unacceptable' Attitude," Japan Economic Newswire, 27 January 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/.

27 January 2005
Japan's TV Asahi airs part of an interview with Hwang Chang-yŏp, the highest ranking North Korean defector in South Korea. Hwang reportedly says that before leaving North Korea he heard from a senior official in the military industry department of the Korean Workers' Party Central Committee that North Korea had reached an agreement with another country to build nuclear weapons by producing enriched uranium.
--Tokyo TV Asahi, 27 January 2005 in "DPRK Defector Hwang Discusses Flow of Uranium Ore from DPRK to China on Japan TV," OSC Document ID JPP20050128000003.

28 January 2005
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko denies media reports that North Korea may have purchased nuclear weapons from states of the former Soviet Union.
--Interfax, 28 January 2005, in "Russia Denies North Korea Bought Nuclear Weapons from Former Soviet States," OSC Document ID CEP20050128000113.

2 February 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush says the United States is working "to convince North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions" during the State of the Union Address. The statement, which marks the beginning of his second term as president, is perceived to be less confrontational than previous statements.
--"State of the Union Address," Office of the Press Secretary, 2 February 2005, U.S. White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/02/20050202-11.html; "Bush Makes Terse Reference to North Korea in Key Address," Agence France Presse, 3 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Bush's Restraint Sends Silent Message to Pyongyang," Yonhap News Agency, 4 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2 February 2005
According to articles in the New York Times and Washington Post, scientific tests conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have led U.S. officials to conclude that nearly two tons of uranium hexafluoride sold to Libya, which can be enriched and used in a nuclear device, most likely originated from North Korea.
--David E. Sanger and William J. Broad, "Tests Said to Tie Deal on Uranium to North Korea," New York Times, 2 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Glenn Kessler, "North Korea May Have Sent Libya Nuclear Material, U.S. Tells Allies," Washington Post, 2 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

2-3 February 2005
Michael Green, U.S. Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, visits Seoul to meet with Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon, Deputy Foreign Minister Song Min-soon, and Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council Lee Jong-seok to discuss resuming the Six-Party Talks and the two tons of uranium hexafluoride believed to have been transferred from North Korea to Libya.
--"U.S. Official Arrives for Consultations on N.K. Nukes," Korea Times, 2 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S. National Security Official Arrives in Seoul," Yonhap News Agency, 2 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Joo Sang-Min, "Seoul, U.S. Officials Discuss Alleged N.K. Uranium Export," Korea Herald, 4 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

3 February 2005
The Washington Post reports that unnamed U.S. and IAEA officials say evidence linking North Korea to uranium sold to Libya is inconclusive and Pakistan instead may have been the real source of proliferation.
--Glenn Kessler and Dafna Linzer, "Nuclear Evidence Could Point to Pakistan," Washington Post, 3 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Pakistan May be the Source of Libya's Uranium Hexafluoride," Press Trust of India, 3 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

9 February 2005
Michael Green, U.S. Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, travels to Beijing and delivers a letter from U.S. President George W. Bush to Chinese President Hu Jintao that urges China to apply greater diplomatic pressure on North Korea to disarm its nuclear weapons program.
--David E. Sanger and William J. Broad, "U.S. Asking China to Increase Pressure on North Korea to End Its Nuclear Program," New York Times, 9 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "US Asks China to Press North Korea on Nuclear Issue: Report," Agence France Presse, 9 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 2005
A North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman announces that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons for "self-defense" and will be suspending its participation in the Six-Party Talks indefinitely due to the U.S. administration's hostile policy towards the DPRK. The spokesman specifically mentions U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's reference to the DPRK as an "outpost of tyranny" and President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address that includes the ultimate objective of "ending tyranny in our world."
--"DPRK FM on Its Stand to Suspend Its Participation in Six-Party Talks for Indefinite Period," Korean Central News Agency, 10 February 2005, http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm; James Brooke and David E. Sanger, "North Koreans Say They Hold Nuclear Arms," New York Times, 11 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "N.Korea Suspends Nuke Talks, Says it Produced Nukes," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 2005
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan urges North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks to resolve the nuclear issue.
--Kyodo News Service, "UN Chief Urges North Korea to Resume Six-Party Talks," in BBC Monitoring, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Kofi Annan Urges North Korea to Return to Talks," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 2005
U.S. Whitehouse Spokesman Scott McClellan says the United States will continue to pursue "a peaceful, diplomatic solution" to the nuclear crisis, and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urged North Korea to return to negotiations rather than risk "further international isolation."
--"U.S. Committed to Diplomatic Solution to N. Korea Nuke Row," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Anned Gearan, "Rice Warns that North Korea Should Avoid Confrontation with World over Nuclear Issue," Associated Press, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Rice Says Pullout From Six Party Talks to Only Deepen DPRK's Isolation," Xinhua News Service, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says he is disappointed with North Korea's announcement that it is suspending its participation in the Six-Part Party talks. Ban says he expects China to play a more "positive" role in persuading the DPRK back to the negotiating table.
--"S. Korea Minister Expects China to Take 'More Positive' Role," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

10 February 2005
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Yakovenko says Russia "regrets" the DPRK's decision to suspend the Six-Party Talks but still feels that the nuclear issue should be resolved through the six-way forum. --Ksenia Kaminskaya, "RF Hopes for Soonest Resumption of 6-Sided Talks on Korea," ITAR-TASS News Agency, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Russia Stands for Resolving Security Problem of DPRK through Negotiations," Xinhua News Service, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 February 2005
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says bringing North Korea back to the Six-Party Talks will still be first priority for Japan to deal with the nuclear crisis.
--"Japan Watching N. Korea's Intentions in Suspending Nuke Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 February 2005
North Korea's Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Han Sŏng-ryŏl says a U.S. decision to conduct direct bilateral negotiations with the DPRK would be perceived as "a signal that the United States is changing its hostile policy," giving North Korea the necessary impetus to rejoin the Six-Party Talks.
--Pak Ch'an-su, "North Korea 'The United States Should Directly Come to the Dialogue," Hankyoreh website, 12 February 2005, in "DPRK's UN. Envoy: "'Direct Dialogue' Signals Change in U.S. Hostile Policy' Toward DPRK," OSC Document ID KPP20050211000110; Sang-hun Choe, "Report: North Korea Demands Direct Dialogue with U.S. to Defuse Tension," Associated Press, 11 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

11 February 2005
U.S. White House Spokesman Scott McClellan states Washington will not negotiate bilaterally with North Korea but adds that "there's plenty of opportunity for North Korea to speak directly with us in the context of the Six-Party Talks."
--"Press Briefing," Office of the Press Secretary, 11 February 2005, U.S. White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/02/20050211-6.html#1; "U.S. Rejects Bilateral Talks with N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; George Gedda, "U.S. Rejects North Korea Appeal for One-on-one Nuclear Talks," Associated Press, 11 February 2005 in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

12 February 2005
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing tells U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice via telephone that Beijing will work with all relevant parties to resume the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible.
--Soo-Jeong Lee, "China Tells U.S. It Will Push to Revive Talks on North Korean Nuclear Standoff," Associated Press, 13 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Keith Bradsher and James Brooke, "China Calls on North Korea to Return to Regional Talks," New York Times, 13 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Tells U.S. It Will Push for Resumption of N. Korean Nuclear Talks," Agence France Presse, 13 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 February 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reaffirm their commitment to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis within the Six-Party Talks and to increase diplomatic efforts to bring North Korea back to the negotiations as soon as possible "without any preconditions."
--"S. Korea, U.S. Agree to Continue to Pursue Diplomatic (sic)," Yonhap News Agency, 14 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "S. Korea, U.S. Foreign Ministers Meet for Talks on N. Korea," Yonhap News Agency, 14 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., S. Korea Agree to Step Up Diplomatic Efforts on N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

14 February 2005
South Korean Unification Minister Chŏng Dong-yŏng says to the National Assembly that North Korea's 10 February statement of possession of nuclear weapons "does not make North Korea a nuclear armed state."
--"South Korea Says Engagement with North Korea Unshaken," Agence France Press, 14 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "S. Korea, U.S. Foreign Ministers Meet for Talks on N. Korea," Yonhap News Agency, 14 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

16 February 2005
A bipartisan six-member delegation of the U.S. Congress, which was led by Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA) to the January 2005 visit to Pyongyang, sends a letter to the DPRK Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yŏng-nam urging North Korea to reconsider its decision to suspend its participation in the Six-Party Talks.
--Yonhap News Agency, "Weltŏn Ŭiwŏn, Kimyŏngnam'e 'Hoedam Ch'amga' Ch'okku Sŏhan," in Hankyoreh Shinmun, 17 February 2005, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr; "U.S. Congressmen Urge Pyongyang to Abandon Its Nuclear Gambling," Yonhap News Agency, 16 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 February 2005
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura consult and agree that both countries should work together to convince North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks. Machimura says he expects "a significant role by China" to help bring North Korea back to the negotiations.
--"Japan Calls on China to Persuade N. Korea Into Talks," Jiji Press, 16 February 2005, in "Machimura Speaks to Li Zhaoxing, Asks PRC to Persuade DPRK to Rejoin Talks," OSC Document ID JPP20050216000110; "China, Japan Agree to Jointly Press N. Korea to Return to Talks," Agence France Presse, 16 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

17 February 2005
South Korean Ambassador to China Kim Ha-chung says that China has much greater leverage over North Korea than is currently employed or realized.
--Lee Yŏng-sŏp, "Kimhajung Chujungdaesa: 'Chung Taebuk Appakk'adŭ Hyŏndankyesŏn Anssŭl Kŏt'," Hankook Ilbo, 18 February 2005, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr; "Ambassador Says China's Role Bigger Than Expected," Korea Times, 19 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "China Could Twist North Korea's Arm: Envoy," Chosun Ilbo website, 18 February 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050217000180.

18 February 2005
At a Korea University breakfast, U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill says China and the United States are in absolute agreement in the goal of bringing North Korea back to the Six-Party Talks.
--"U.S., China in Absolute Agreement on N. Korea: Envoy," Yonhap News Agency, 18 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http:/web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 February 2005
North Korean Ambassador to the United Nations Han Sŏng-ryŏl says the DPRK will return to the Six-Party Talks if Washington promises peaceful coexistence and noninterference in Pyongyang's internal affairs.
--"NKorean Diplomat Says Nuclear Talks Possible if US Drops Hostility: Report," Agence France Presse, 19 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Pyongyang's Top Envoy Urges Washington to Promise Coexistence," Yonhap News Agency, 19 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19 February 2005
Following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura and Japanese Defense Agency Chief Yoshinori Ono (also known as the "two plus two" talks), Rice says the group urges North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks to end its nuclear programs. Rice says North Korea should return to the talks "so that people don't have to contemplate other measures."
--"Japan, U.S Want N. Korea Back to Nuke Talks, Expect China Role," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Barry Schweid, "U.S., Japan Urge North Korea to Return to Six-Party Talks," Associated Press, 19 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "U.S., Japan Express 'Deep Concern' Over N. Korea," Xinhua News Service, 21 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

19-22 February 2005
China's special envoy to North Korea Ning Fukui and other officials travel to Pyongyang to discuss resuming the Six-Party Talks with the DPRK Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yŏng-nam and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il. North Korean officials say they will return to the Six-Party Talks if the United States shows "trustworthy sincerity."
--"Chinese Official Meets N.K. Leaders," Korea Times, 21 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Stephanie Hoo, "Chinese Envoy in Pyongyang Amid Flurry of Diplomatic Efforts on North Korean Nuclear Standoff," Associated Press, 21 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea Agrees to Conditional Return to Dialogue Table," Yonhap News Agency, 22 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Charles Whelan, "Roadblock Still Stands After Kim Jong-Il Climb Down: Analysts," Agence France Presse, 22 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

24 February 2005
South Korea's National Intelligence Service says in a report to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee that they believe North Korea does not possess any nuclear bombs made with highly enriched uranium (HEU), and that North Korea has not reached the stage of building a large-scale uranium enrichment plant.
--Chŏng Chae-kwŏn, "Puk, Uranyumnongch'uk Sŏnggong Mothantŭt/P'ŭllut'onyum Hwakporo Haek 1~2 Kae," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 25 February 2005, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr; "N. Korea Has Yet to Build HEU-Based Nuke Bombs: NIS Report," Yonhap News Agency, 24 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

26 February 2005
Top negotiators to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill of the United States, Kenichiro Sasae of Japan and Song Min-sun of South Korea meet in Seoul to discuss the resumption of negotiations and ways to urge North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks.
--"S. Korea, U.S., Japan Urge N. Korea to Return to Six-Way Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 26 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "Representatives of Japan, the United States and South Korea Agreed Saturday on the Need for North Korea to Return Promptly to the Stalled Six-Way Talks on its Nuclear Weapons Programs," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 26 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "S. Korea, U.S., Japan Struggle to Deal With N. Korea," Yonhap News Agency, 27 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

28 February 2005
The Kyodo News Service reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il gave four conditions for North Korea's return to the Six-Party Talks to the head of the Chinese Communist Party's International Department Wang Jiarui during the 19-22 February meeting in Pyongyang. The four conditions for the United States are a security guarantee, reasons for labeling North Korea an "outpost of tyranny," willingness to negotiate on an equal basis, and the ability to demonstrate trustworthiness through its actions.
--"N. Korea Sets 4 Conditions for Return to Six-Way Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; "N. Korea Lays Out Nuke Talk Conditions," United Press International, 28 February 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com.

1 March 2005
According to the Kyodo World Service North Korean leader Kim Jong-il tells Chinese Communist Party International Department head Wang Jiarui that the DPRK has produced nuclear weapons and that North Korea possessing them is "not something new that happened yesterday or today." The Chinese Foreign Ministry declines to comment on the matter.
--Kyodo World Service, 1 March 2005, in " 'Source' Says Kim Jong Il Told PRC Envoy Nuclear Weapons Not 'New'," OSC Document ID JPP20050301000009; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China website, 1 March 2005, in 'Transcript of PRC FM Spokesman News Conference on 1 March 2005, OSC Document ID CPP20050301000161.

2 March 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says during his weekly press briefing that if North Korea returns to the Six-Party Talks, the DPRK will be able to negotiate one-on-one with the United States within the framework of the multilateral discussions.
--N. Korea Will Be Granted Direct Talks with U.S.: FM," Yonhap News Agency, 2 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 March 2005
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issues a rare memorandum outlining the DPRK's position on the Six-Party Talks. The memorandum explains why North Korea feels that currently there are "no grounds whatsoever to sit face to face with the United States, whether it is at the Six-Party Talks or DPRK-U.S. bilateral talks." The memorandum outlines what the United States must do in order to resume the multilateral negotiations over North Korea's nuclear issue. A spokesperson for the DPRK says that North Korea "will go to the talks any time if the U.S. takes a trustworthy sincere attitude and moves to provide conditions and justification for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks."
--The United States Will Pay a Due Price for Rupturing the Resolution of the Nuclear Issue Between the DPRK and the United States," Foreign Ministry Memorandum, 2 March 2005, in "DPRK Issues Rare Foreign Ministry 'Memorandum' on 6-Party Talks," OSC Feature 4 March 2005, ID FEA20050303001661 ;"DPRK's Stand on Six-Party Talks Reclarified (sic)," Korean Central News Agency, 2 March 2005, < http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm>; "Pyongyang Reaffirms Its Willingness to Return to Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 2 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Clarifies Stance on Rejoining 6-Way Talks: Xinhua," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 March 2005
Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf says that former nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan "may have given some centrifuges or know-how [to North Korea] but they developed their nuclear programs from Western technology."
--Musharraf Acknowledges Nuclear Know-How Transfer to N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 March 2005
Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing says that while China remains committed to the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula it also believes that "the legitimate concerns of the DPRK should be addressed." Li also says that the North Korean leadership has stated that they are "ready and willing to continue to participate in the Six-Party Talks." Li remains noncommittal on China's stance towards the existence of a secret North Korean uranium enrichment program, only saying to reporters "I don't know anything more than you do."
-- Xinhua Domestic Service, 6 March 2005, in "Comparison--Text of FM Li Zhaoxing's News Conference 6 March During NPC Session," OSC Document ID CPP20050306000157; "China Calls for Attention to N. Korean Concerns in Nuclear Talks," Xinhua Financial Network News, 7 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joe McDonald, "China Says North Korea Willing to Return to Nuclear Talks," The Associated Press, 6 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Hong Kong AFP, 6 March 2005, in "PRC FM Li Zhaoxing Comments on DPRK Uranium Program Situation," OSC Document ID CPP20050306000092; Joseph Kahn, "China Doubts U.S. Data on North Korean Nuclear Work," New York Times, 7 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7 March 2005
An article in the Asahi Shimbun cites unnamed Japanese government officials who say that the United States handed over to the Japanese government significant test result evidence that allegedly proves North Korea exported uranium hexafluoride to Libya. The article also says that during his meeting with Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hosoda Hiroyuki and other officials that the U.S. National Security Council's Asia director Michael Green revealed that North Korea had exported the uranium to Libya through Pakistan's A.Q. Khan nuclear black market.
--Proof Libya Got North's Uranium," Asahi Shimbun, 7 March 2005, in "Japan: High-Level Sources Say U.S. Has 'Solid Evidence' of Nuclear Black Market," OSC Document ID JPP20050307000048.

8 March 2005
White House Spokesman Scott McClellan reiterates the U.S. position that Washington will not have bilateral negotiations with North Korea outside of the Six-Party Talks framework.
--U.S. Rejects Calls for Direct Talks with N. Korea," Chosun Ilbo website, 9 March 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050308000905.

9 March 2005
According to newly appointed South Korean ambassador to the United States, Hong Seok-hyon, U.S. President George W. Bush said in a meeting with Hong that Washington would like to see China take on a larger role in resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear crisis because the PRC has "lots of leverage" with which to persuade North Korea. Hong says that Bush also indicated a willingness on the part of the United States to reach a "give and take" deal with North Korea.
--U.S. Ready for Serious Negotiations with N. Korea: Envoy," Yonhap News Agency, 9 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 March 2005
Newly appointed U.S Assistant Secretary of State and lead U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill says during a policy discussion at the National Strategy Institute in Seoul that North Korea will have to make a fundamental decision between giving up its nuclear weapons or facing international isolation. Hill states that the United States will not negotiate bilaterally with North Korea outside the Six-Party Talks framework, but should the DPRK return to the discussions that Washington will engage Pyongyang's concerns with "passion and creativity." Hill also says that the Six-Party Talks could serve as the basis for a multilateral relationship between the Northeast Asian countries once the nuclear issue has been resolved.
-- "No Halfway House for North Korea: Hill," Chosun Ilbo website, 10 March 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050309000114; "Hill Negative on N.K. Demand Outside Nuke Talks," Korea Times, 10 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Lee Joo-hee, "Hill Says 6-Party Talks Should Grow into Multilateral Asia, U.S. Meetings," Korea Herald, 10 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 March 2005
The European Union (EU) Parliament passes a resolution calling on the EU to be included as a seventh member in the Six-Party Talks.
--Kyodo World Service, 10 March 2005, in "EU Parliament Calls for EU's Entry to 6-Way Talks on N. Korea," in OSC Document ID JPP20050310000115, "EU Lawmakers Seek European Role in North Korea Talks," Paris AFP, 10 March 2005, in "European Parliament Wants EU Participation in North Korean Proliferation Talks, OSC Document ID EUP20050310000175.

11 March 2005
In response to the European Union's 10 March resolution to join the Six-Party Framework, an unnamed government source tells the Yonhap News Agency that both the South Korean and U.S. governments have reservations about EU participation in the talks.
--S. Korea Reserved About Greater EU Role in N. Korean Nuke Issue," Yonhap News Agency, 11 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 March 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says in an interview with Reuters news service that North Korea is "throwing up smoke screens" in reference to North Korea's decision to stall returning to the Six-Party Talks until Washington gives up its "hostile policy" towards Pyongyang. Rice says in an interview with the Washington Times that the United States has to be careful about "front-loading incentives" with North Korea since Pyongyang "took the carrots... and started breaking their obligations," under the 1994 Agreed Framework.
--Nicholas Kralev, "Rice Vows No Apology to North Korea," Washington Times, 12 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Rice Says U.S. Not to Give Incentives to DPRK," Xinhua General News Service, 12 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 March 2005
A spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Seoul says that Russian Atomic Energy deputy head Sergei Antipov 10 March statements about North Korea not possessing nuclear weapons is Antipov's personal opinion and does not reflect Russia's official position. However the spokesperson did not go so far as to say that Russia believes that the DPRK possesses nuclear weapons.
--Russian Embassy Rebuffs Remark on North Korea's Nuclear Capability," Korea Times, 12 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>: Yonhap News Agency, 10 March 2005, in "North Korea Has No Nuclear Weapons: Russian Official," in OSC Document ID KPP20050310000121.

15 March 2005
A spokesperson for the DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that North Korea will bolster its nuclear arsenal in response to the "hostile" joint U.S.-ROK military exercises planned for the weekend.
-- "DPRK FM Spokesman Denounces U.S.-S. Korea Joint War Exercises," Korean Central News Agency, 15 March 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm >; "N. Korea Blasts S. Korea-U.S. Joint Military Exercise," Yonhap News Agency, 15 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "DPRK Blasts U.S.- S. Korean Plan for War Games," Xinhua General News Service, 15 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Soo-Jeong Lee, "North Korea Denounces U.S.-South Korean Military Exercises, Says It Will Bolster Nuclear Arsenal," Associated Press, 15 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Threatens to Build More A-Bombs to Deter War Drills," Agence France Presse, 15 March 2005, in <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

17 March 2005
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Director, Vice Admiral Lowell Jacoby, tells a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that the DIA has assessed that the DPRK is not likely to surrender all of his nuclear weapon capabilities.
--N. Korea Unlikely to Give Up All Nuclear Capabilities: Pentagon," Japan Economic Newswire, 17 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18-21 March 2005
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice goes on a tour of Northeast Asia to coordinate efforts to resume the Six-Party Talks with Japan, South Korea and China. While in Tokyo, Rice meets with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura where the two top diplomats agree on the need for China to play a greater role in persuading North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. While in Seoul Rice meets with ROK Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and Unification Minister Chung Dong-young. Ban praises Rice's description of North Korea as a "sovereign state" and her assurance that the United States has no intention to attack the DPRK, saying that he believes those statements are "good in creating an atmosphere for resuming the Six-Party Talks." In a joint news conference with Ban, Rice reiterates the U.S. position that North Korea can talk directly with the United States within the framework of the multilateral negotiations. In Beijing, Rice meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Hu emphasizes China's firm commitment to solving the nuclear issue. Rice expresses to Hu the importance of China's role for making progress on the negotiations. At a press conference in Beijing at the end of her Asia tour, Rice says that the U.S. will use "other means" for pressing North Korea to disarm its nuclear weapons should the Six-Party Talks fail.
--U.S. Wants N. Korea Back at Talks, China to Embrace Democracy," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Ann Gearan, "Rice Insists Coalition Unifies to Stop North Korean Nukes," The Associated Press, 19 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/> "Rice Presses N. Korea to Return to Talks, China to Embrace Democracy," Agence France Presse, 19 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Wang Mian, "Roundup: Rice's S. Korean Trip Focuses on Nuclear Issue," Xinhua General News Service, 20 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis.com/>; "Direct Talks with DPRK in Six-Party Talks Possible: Rice," Xinhua General News Service, 20 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/> :"U.S. Has No Intention to Attack DPRK: Rice," Xinhua News Service, 20 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S., S. Korea Urge N. Korea to Return to 6-Party Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 20 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; U.S. Secretary of State's Talks in China Dominated by N. Korea, Taiwan," Xinhua Financial Network News, 21 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. to Find 'Other Means' if N. Korea. Nuke Talks Fail: Rice," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Ann Gearan, "Rice Raises Stakes Over North Korean Arms Talks," The Associated Press, 21 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

20 March 2005
An article in the Washington Post rebuts the 2 February news story that cited U.S. intelligence officials claiming that North Korea had sold uranium hexafluoride to Libya. The news article says that it was Pakistan not North Korea who directly sold the uranium to Libya. The article further alleges that U.S. officials misled South Korea, Japan and China about North Korea's role in the transaction in an effort to get those countries to step up their pressure on the DPRK.
--Dafna Linzer, "U.S. Misled Allies About Nuclear Export; North Korea Sent Material to Pakistan, Not to Libya," Washington Post, 20 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Sridhar Krishnaswami, "U.S. Hid Pakistan Role in Nuclear Deals," The Hindu, 21 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 March 2005
Despite increasing domestic political pressure to impose sanctions on North Korea due to the DPRK's lack of cooperation on the abductee issue, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says he will hold off on imposing sanctions on Pyongyang because he believes North Korea will come back to the Six-Party Talks.
--Kyodo World Service, 23 March 2005, in "Further on Koizumi's Comments on DPRK, Other Issues," OSC Document ID JPP20050323000086; Shingo Ito, "Japan's Koizumi Says No Sanctions Now on DPRK, Sees Six-Party Talks Resuming," Hong Kong AFP, 23 March 2005, in OSC Document ID JPP20050323000083.

22-27 March 2005
North Korean Premier Pak Pong-ju travels to China for six days where he meets with top Chinese officials including President Hu Jintao, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and Jia Qinglin, Politburo member and chairman of the People's Political Consultative Conference. On the first day of his visit Pak tells Wen that the DPRK has never opposed nor abandoned the Six-Party Talks and that North Korea will return when the conditions are right. Wen encourages North Korea to rejoin the talks, calling it "the realistic choice" for resolving the current standoff.
--North Korean Premier in Beijing Amid Renewed Nuclear Threats," Agence France Presse, 22 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N.K. Premier Delivers Kim Jong-Il's Letter to China's President," Yonhap News Agency, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Hu Commits to China's Role for Resuming Six-Party Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korea Tells China It Has Not Given Up on Nuclear Talks," Xinhua Financial Network News, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Chinese President Hu Meets N. Korean Premier Pak," Japan Economic Newswire, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joe McDonald, "Chinese Leader Steps Up Pressure on North Korea to Resume Nuclear Talks, Calling Them 'Only Correct Choice',", The Associated Press, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joe McDonald, "China President Said to Offer Help Restarting Nuclear Talks with North Korea," The Associated Press, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Chinese President Urges N. Korea to Play Constructive Role in the Crisis Talks," Agence France Presse, 23 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

31 March 2005
An unnamed spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry tells the Korean Central News Agency says that the DPRK believes the Six-Party Talks should be converted to a forum for arms reduction.
--DPRK Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Denuclearization of Korea," Korean Central News Agency, 31 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm>; "Pyongyang Calls for Arms Reduction Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 31 March 2005, in " DPRK Urges 6-Way Talks Transformed to 'Arms Reduction Talks'," OSC Document ID KPP20050331000160; "Removal of U.S. Nuclear Threat Needed to Denuclearize Korean Peninsula: DPRK," Xinhua General News Service, 31 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Wants 6-Way Talks to Evolve into Disarmament Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 31 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Bo-Mi Lim, "North Korea Demands Nuclear Talks on Equal Basis, Calls on U.S. to Dismantle Threats in Region," The Associated Press, 31 March 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 April 2005
Top U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill calls North Korea's recent statement about making the multilateral negotiations into arms reduction talks "not serious."
--Yonhap News Agency, 1 April 2005, in "Top U.S. Envoy Dismisses Pyongyang's Disarmament Proposal," OSC Document ID KPP20050401000186; Burt Herman, "U.S. Envoy Dismisses North's Latest Demand; Delayed North Korean Parliament Session to Meet," Associated Press, 1 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 April 2005
An editorial in the North Korean government's official paper, the Minju Joson restates the DPRK's opposition to Japanese participation in the Six-Party Talks.
--N. Korea Reiterates Opposition to Japan's Participation in Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2-5 April 2005
According to anonymous sources North Korean Vice Minister Kang Sok-ju arrives in Beijing with four other DPRK officials on a secretive visit to discuss resuming the Six-Party Talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, vice foreign ministers Ning Fukui and Dai Bingguo, and senior Communist Party official Wang Jiarui. During the visit Kang reportedly asked for a face-saving gesture from the other five parties in order to return to the negotiations.
--Yonhap News Agency, 4 April 2005, in "DPRK First FM Kang Allegedly in PRC for 6-Party Talks Since 2 Apr," OSC Document ID KPP20050404000015; "N. Korean Vice Foreign Minister Returns Home After Visit to China," Yonhap News Agency 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Top DPRK Diplomat Visits China," 5 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Asks for 'Face-Saving Exit' for Nuke Talks," Korea Times, 5 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Hong Kong AFP, 5 April 2005, in "PRC FM Spokesman Says DPRK Vice FM Held Talks with PRC Vice FM Dai Bingguo," OSC Document ID CPP20050405000114; "N.K. Says It Can Return to Nuke Talks If Its Position is Honored," Yonhap News Agency, 6 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choe Sang-hun, "North Korean Official in China," International Herald Tribune, 5 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korea Said to Reject China's Bid on Nuclear Talks," New York Times, 8 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joel Brinkley, "China Fails to Lure N. Korea Back to Talks; More Aggressive New Tactics Considered," New York Times, 9 April 2005, New York Times, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 April 2005
An editorial in the Rodong Sinmun, the official publication of the Korean Workers Party, says that "the state of confrontation between the [DPRK] and the United States is becoming extremely volatile," and that North Korea also has "the right to choose a preemptive attack option."
--Ri Ch'o'l-chun, "Manifestation of the Adventurous Bid to Provoke a Nuclear War of Northward Aggression," Rodong Sinmun (via Uriminjokkkiri website), 4 April 2005, in "DPRK Asserts Equal Right to Choose 'Preemptive Attack Option," OSC Document ID KPP20050404000055.

5 April 2005
At the start of a seven day visit within the United States, South Korean Vice Minister for Unification Yi Pong-cho says that U.S. is at fault for creating Pyongyang's anxiety that Washington is planning to overthrow the North Korean regime. Yi also says that American distrust of North Korea is not supported with specific evidence.
--U.S Fuels N.K. Suspicion of Regime Change: Seoul Official," Yonhap News Agency, 6 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Vice Minister Criticizes Washington's N.K. Policy," Korea Times, 7 April 2005.

6 April 2005
Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian affairs and top U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks, Christopher Hill, says that the United States has evidence that uranium that ended up in Libya originated in North Korea. Hill explains that the uranium made its way to Libya through the A.Q. Khan nuclear black market.
--U.S. Has Evidence of N. Korea-Origin Nuke Spilled into Libya: Hill," Yonhap News Agency, 6 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choi Soung-ah "U.S. Has Evidence of N.K. Nuke Exports to Libya," Korea Herald, 7 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choe Sang-hun, "Envoy Cites 'Evidence' of a Nuclear Network," International Herald Tribune, 7 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/> Burt Herman, "A.P. Interview: U.S. Interview: U.S. Envoy Insists Evidence Proves North Korean Nuclear Materials Went to Libya," Associated Press, 7 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 April 2005
Selig Harrison, Director of the Asia Program at the Center for International Policy, tells a group of reporters in Beijing that during a recent visit to Pyongyang North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan told him that the DPRK cannot guarantee it will not transfer fissile material to terrorists if "the United States drives us into a corner."
--N. Korea Warns of Nuke Proliferation Possibility: U.S. Scholar," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

14 April 2005
An editorial in the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Korean Workers Party, says that comments made a few days earlier by the commander of the U.S. forces in South Korea, General Leon LaPorte, about expanding the role of the U.N. command reveal the U.S. intention to lead an international invasion of the DPRK. Pyongyang warns that it will use its nuclear weapons in such a contingency.
--"U.S. Scheme to Inveigle Multinational Troops into Korean War Blasted," Korean Central News Agency website, 14 April 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm />; "N. Korea Claims Hostile U.S. Intention, Warns of Nuclear Use," Yonhap News Agency, 14 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 April 2005
Selig Harrison of the Center for International Policy says in an interview with the Yonhap News Agency that top-level North Korean officials, such as Chairman of the Presidium Kim Yong-nam and First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Seok-ju, told him during his visit to Pyongyang between April 5-9, 2005, that the DPRK will begin to remove an additional 8000 spent fuel rods from a nuclear reactor this month, potentially giving North Korea enough fissile material to double its nuclear arsenal.
--N.K. Plans to Unload Fuel Rods from Reactor This Month," Yonhap News Agency, 16 April 2005, in "DPRK Reportedly to Remove Spent Fuel Rods From Nuclear Reactor, Able to 'Double' Nuclear Arsenal," OSC Document ID KPP20050416000001; "N. Korea Moves to Bolster Nuclear Arsenal," Korea Times, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis,<http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

17 April 2005
A commentary on the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency website responds to a recent Washington Post article which alleged that U.S. government officials deliberately misled its Asian allies about North Korea selling uranium to Libya. The commentary says that such a "sheer lie" reveals U.S. intention to overthrow the DPRK government.
-- "U.S. Fabrication of Sheer Lie Related to DPRK's Nuclear Program Uncovered," Korean Central News Agency, 17 April 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm/>; "DPRK Condemns U.S. Fabrication on Exporting Nuclear Substances," Xinhua General News Service, 17 April 2005, in "Nodong Sinmun Comments on 'U.S. Fabrication' on Exporting Nuclear Substances," OSC Document ID CPP20050417000070.

18 April 2005
The South Korean government officially announces that North Korea has stopped operations at one of its nuclear power reactors, which raises suspicions that the DPRK will begin reprocessing the spent fuel. Further, the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun cites unnamed sources who claim that U.S. satellite images of the North Korean nuclear reactor at Yongbyon and other intelligence have lead U.S. officials to believe the facility has been shut down.
--Gov't Working on Measures on N.K. Plans to Reprocess Spent Nuclear Fuel," Yonhap News Agency, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "More Reprocessing Feared as N. Korea Shuts Nuclear Plant," Xinhua Financial Network News," 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Seoul Believes North Korea Suspended Reactor 'Temporarily'," Yonhap News Agency, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Shuts Down Reactor to Make Nuke Bombs: Report," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Seoul Confirms Suspension of N. Korean Reactor," Korea Times, 19 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Soo-Jeong Lee, "South Korea Says North Shuts Down a Nuclear Reactor, Raising Plutonium Concerns," Associated Press, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Anna Field, "Reactor Shutdown Fuels Bomb Fears North Korean Nuclear Programme," Financial Times, 19 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Nobuyoshi Sakajiri, "N. Korea Shuts Down Nuke Reactor," Asahi Shimbun, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Could Boost Nuclear Capability: U.S. Expert," Chosun Ilbo website, 18 April 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050417000074.

18 April 2005
In light of speculation that North Korea may begin reprocessing spent fuel, Whitehouse spokesperson Scott McClellan says at a press briefing that the United States would talk with its regional allies and that referring North Korea to the U.N. Security Council is "certainly one possibility."
-- "North Korea," Press Briefing with Scott McClellan, 18 April 2005, <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/04/20050418.html#3/>; "U.S. May Take N. Korea to Security Council for Possible Sanctions," Japan Economic Newswire, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. Warns of Taking N. Korea to U.N. Security Council," Yonhap News Agency, 19 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. May Take N. Korea to U.N. Security Council for Sanctions," Xinhua Financial Network News, 18 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

19 April 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon responds to recent remarks from the Whitehouse about referring North Korea to the U.N. Security Council by saying that he felt that the comments were intended "to remind that there is such a procedure" not to imply "there is such a possibility."
--Seoul Voices Opposition to Referring N.K. to Security Council," Yonhap News Agency, 20 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choe Sang-hun, "Seoul Frowns on Inviting Security Council (sic) to Talks; Move Would Alienate North, Minister Says," International Herald Tribune, 21 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Seoul Opposes Sanction on N. Korea," Korea Times, 21 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 April 2005
Responding to a growing perception that the U.S. is moving towards more coercive options to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, Whitehouse spokesperson Scott McClellan reaffirms the U.S. "focus on getting North Korea back to the talks."
--U.S. Views of Possibly Referring North Korea to the U.N. Security Council," Daily Press Briefing, 20 April 2005, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2005/44967.htm />

21 April 2005
Pyongyang's AP Television News quotes a DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying that if Washington refers North Korea to the U.N. Security Council and sanctions were imposed, the DPRK would regard this as a "declaration of war."
--N. Korea Says U.N. Sanctions Would Amount to a Declaration of War," Yonhap News Agency, 21 April 2005, in "DPRK to Regard Sanctions 'Declaration of War' if U.S. Refers Nuclear Issue to UNSC," OSC Document ID KPP20050421000167.

23 April 2005
At the Asia-Africa summit held in Jakarta, Indonesia, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Kang-jin meets with chairman of North Korea's Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Kim Yong-nam. During the meeting Kim is quoted as saying that North Korea will return to the multilateral negotiations over its nuclear weapons program "if the environment of the six-nation talks is fully mature."
--Leaders of Two Koreas Agree on Resuming Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 23 April 2005, in "ROK Officials' Talks; ROK PM Calls Meeting 'Very Very Good'," OSC Document ID KPP20050423000062; "North, South Korean Leaders Discuss Nuclear Crisis in Rare Meeting," Agence France Presse, 23 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;."North and South Korea Hold Breakthrough Talks on Pyongyang's Nuclear (sic)," Xinhua Financial Network News, 25 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;

26-29 April 2005
Amid speculation that North Korea may soon perform a nuclear test, the United States senior negotiator to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill meets with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and top nuclear envoy Song Min-soon, in order to discuss resuming the negotiations. After his visit to Seoul, Hill travels to Beijing and then to Tokyo. In China Hill meets with Chinese Vice foreign ministers Dai Bingguo, Yang Jiechi and Wu Daiwei and reiterates the U.S. commitment to the Six-Party Talks. In Japan Hill meets with Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi and both officials agreed on the need to get North Korea back to the talks and invigorate the process. Hill also meets with Tokyo's top envoy to the Six-Party Talks, Kenichiro Sasae and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda. After traveling to Japan and China, Hill returns to South Korea where he meets with Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and later at a news conference warns that North Korea may be preparing for a nuclear test.
--Roh Meets Hill Over Ways to Resolve Stalled Six-Party Talks," Yonhap News Agency, 26 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Chief U.S. Negotiator Leaves For Beijing," Yonhap News Agency, 26 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Hill Meets Beijing Officials on North Korea Nuclear Dispute," Yonhap News Agency, 26 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/> "Roh, Hill Discuss Stalled Six-Party Talks," Xinhua General News Service, 26 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. Official Arrives in China to Discuss N. Korea," Kyodo World Service, 2005 April 26, in "OSC Document ID JPP20050426000079; "U.S. Envoy on N. Korea Holds Talks in Beijing," Xinhua Financial Network News, 26 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S Envoy Leaves Beijing Concerned Over Possible North Korean Nuclear Test," Xinhua Financial Network News, 27 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "6-Party Nuclear Process Facing Difficulty: Japan, U.S.," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 28 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Japan, U.S. May Refer 6-Way Talks Issue to Security Council," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choe Sang-hun, "Allies Doubt Future of North Korea Talks," International Herald Tribune, 28 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Bo-Lim, "Top Washington Envoy on Nuclear Talks Warns Pyongyang Against Conducting Nuclear Test," Associated Press, 29 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; James Brooke, "U.S. Weapons Envoy Pessimistic About Talks with North Korea," New York Times, 30 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29-30 April 2005
At a press conference U.S. President George W. Bush labels North Korean leader Kim Jong-il "a dangerous person." Bush goes on to say that while the Six-Party Talks is the ideal venue for resolving the nuclear crisis he would not rule out pursuing U.N. sanctions or other options. In response, the North Korean Foreign Ministry issues a statement which labels Bush a "hooligan bereft of personality" and declares that "the DPRK does not expect any solution to the nuclear issue...during his term."
--Bush Calls N. Korean Leader 'Tyrant'," Yonhap News Agency, 29 April 2005 in "More on U.S. Leader Calls DPRK Leader 'Tyrant'; Asst. Sec. Hill Holds News Conference," OSC Document ID KPP20050429000118; Lee Joo-hee, " Bush Stresses Diplomacy, Allied Consensus on N.K.: U.S., South Korea Discuss Nuclear Stalemate," Korea Herald, 30 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Bush Lambastes Kim Jong-il as 'Dangerous'," JoongAng Ilbo website, 30 April 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050429000167; Yonhap News Agency "Bush Calls for Diplomacy on North Korea," in OSC Document ID KPP20050429000072; "FM Spokesman Slams Bush's Vituperation Against DPRK's Supreme Headquarters," Korean Central News Agency, 30 April 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm/>; "North Korea Says It Expects No Solution to Nuclear Standoff While 'Hooligan' Bush in Office," Associated Press, 30 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "'Bush a Hooligan Bereft of Personality': N.K. Foreign Ministry," Yonhap News Agency, 30 April 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 May 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says at a weekly press briefing that the situation surrounding the currently stalled Six-Party Talks has "reached a level that is worthy of considerable concern" and that North Korea needs to resume the negotiations "without sticking to unreasonable arguments."
--Ban Says Likelihood of Resumed Six-Party Talks 'Not Bright'," Yonhap News Agency, 4 May 2005, in ROK FM Expresses Concern Over 6-Way Talks, Urges DPRK Against 'Unreasonable Arguments'," OSC Document ID KPP20050504000069; "S. Korea Minister Says Prospect of 6-Nation Talks 'Not Bright'," Japan Economic Newswire, 4 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "South Korean Foreign Minister Says Chances of Resuming Nuke Talks Not Good," Associated Press, 4 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "South Korea Voices Concern Over North Korean Nuclear Standoff," Agence France Presse, 4 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>

4 May 2005
Kyodo World Service reports that unnamed sources say that U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill was told during his April trip to China, Japan and South Korea that North Korea would return to the talks if the United States referred to North Korea as a sovereign state and treat the DPRK as an equal negotiating partner.
--Kyodo World Service, 4 May 2005, in "North Korea May Be Softening Stance on Resumption of Six-Party Talks," OSC Document ID JPP20050504000059.

4 May 2005
At a speech at the 2005 Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference South Korean deputy foreign minister for policy planning Chun Young-woo states that North Korea must make a "strategic decision to dismantle once and for all its entire nuclear weapons program" in order for there to be a "breakthrough in the Six-Party Talks."
--S. Korea Urges North to Return to NPT and Give Up Nuclear Programs," Yonhap News Agency, 4 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 May 2005
After meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing during a ministerial session of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says of resuming the Six-Party Talks that "it's important that China continues to exert efforts. China is aware of its role." The two foreign ministers said that they would work to quickly resume the currently stalled Six-Party Talks.
--Nuke Crisis Dominates Talks Between S. Korea and China," Yonhap News Agency, 6 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "China Defends Diplomacy on .N.Korea; S. Korea Says Beijing Can Do More," Xinhua Financial Network News, 6 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "China, S. Korea Agree to Work on Resuming 6-Way Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "China Urged to Take Tougher Line on N. Korea Nuclear Talks," Financial Times, 7 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

8 May 2005
International Atomic Energy Agency head Mohamed ElBaradei says that he estimates North Korea has developed as many as six nuclear weapons.
--U.N. Nuclear Chief Says North Korea Has Close to Six Nukes," AFP (North American Service), 8 May 2005, in "IAEA Head: DPRK May Have 'Close to' Six Nuclear Bombs," OSC Document ID LAP20050508000019; "N. Korea Has Close to Six Nuclear Weapons: IAEA Chief," Yonhap News Agency, 9 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 May 2005
During a trip to Moscow U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice repeats her earlier statement that the United States recognizes North Korea as a sovereign state.
--Yonhap News Agency 10 May 2005, in "Rice Again Calls North Korea 'Sovereign' Country," OSC Document ID KPP20050510000036; "Rice Says U.S. Sees N. Korea as 'Sovereign State', Assures No Attack," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 May 2005
Osaka University Professor of Economics and Law Yasuhiko Yoshida tells ROK newspaper JoongAng Ilbo that during a recent trip to North Korea that he was told by the DPRK deputy head of the Institute for Disarmament and Peace Pak Hyo'n-chae that a "plutonium-based nuclear test is unavoidable."
--Yae Yo'ng-chun and Brian Lee, "Pyongyang Aide Reportedly Calls Test Inevitable," 10 May 2005, in "DPRK Official Reportedly Says 'Plutonium-Based Nuclear Test is Unavoidable,'" JoongAng Ilbo website, OSC Document ID KPP20050509000186; "N. Korea Hinted It May Conduct Nuclear Test Soon, Says Japanese Scholar- Report," Xinhua Financial Network News, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Anthony Faiola and Sachiko Sakamaki, "N. Korea Suggests It Will Hold Atomic Test; Country Also Hints at Return To 6-Party Talks," Washing ton Post, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;

10 May 2005
The DPRK's Rodong Sinmun, the official publication of the Korean Worker's Party, issues a statement calling U.S. reports of a possible North Korean nuclear test "one-sided."
-- "N. Korea Media Blast U.S. Comments Warning of Nuke Test," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; In-Young Bang, "North Korea Says U.S. Making 'Fuss' By Notifying Allies of Possible Nuclear Test," Associated Press, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korean Official Hints At Imminence of Underground Nuclear Test: Report," Agence France Presse, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>

10 May 2005
U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks Christopher Hill says in an interview that the United States does note "question North Korea's status as a sovereign state" and has "no intention of attacking North Korea."
--U.S. Has 'Good Intentions' Toward N. Korea: Hill," Yonhap News Agency, 10 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;

11 May 2005
A spokesman for the North Korean Ministry of Foreign affairs announces that the DPRK has finished removing 8000 fuel rods from its 5 megawatt nuclear reactor in Yongbyon. South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Kyu-hyung responds by saying that the DPRK announcement aggravates the current Korean Peninsula crisis. Whitehouse spokesperson Scott McClellan calls the DPRK claim "provocative statements" which "only further isolates North Korea." Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi calls North Korea's remarks "gamesmanship" and says the most important thing is to convince North Korea it is in its own best interest to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.
--DPRK FM Spokesman: DPRK Unloaded 8000 Spent Fuel Rods; DPRK to DPRK 'Bolster' 'Nuclear Arsenal'," Korean Central News Agency website, 11 May 2005, < http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm >; Kyodo World Service, 11 May 2005 in "More on Kyodo Cites KCNA in Beijing: DPRK Completes Removing Spent Fuel Rods," OSC Document ID JPP20050511000074; Korean Central Broadcasting Station, 11 May 2005 in "DPRK Radio Carries FM Spokesman Remarks on 'Unloading' 8000 Spent Fuel Rods," OSC Document ID KPP20050511000137; "N.K. Completes Retrieval of Fuel Rods from Yongbyon Plant," 11 May 2005, in "ROK FM Spokesman: DPRK Notice on 'Unloading' of Fuel Rods 'Aggravates' 'Situation'," OSC Document ID KPP20050511000142; "Koizumi Downplays N. Korea's Claim It Removed Nuke Fuel Rods," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 May 2005
In an interview, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice refers to North Korea as a "terrible regime" and says the U.S. administration is going to "shine a light" on the starvation of its people and the prison labor camps in the DPRK.
--Rice Calls N. Korea 'Terrible Regime,' Repeats U.S. Has Deterrent," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;

12 May 2005
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kong Quan responds to U.S. calls to exert greater pressure on North Korea to get Pyongyang to return to the Six-Party Talks by saying that Beijing "in principle...is not in favor of exerting pressure" or "resorting to sanctions to resolve international conflicts."
--China Rebuffs U.S. Call for Pressure on N. Korea, Calls for Positive Signals," Xinhua Financial Network News, 12 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>;

12 May 2005
South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon says in a telephone interview with ROK cable news channel YTN that "the government has grave concerns about the worsening situation," with respect to North Korea's recent announcement that it has removed 8000 fuel rods from its Yongbyon nuclear reactor.
--Seoul Says N. Korea's Move Is a Negotiating Tactic," Yonhap News Agency, 12 May 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050512000077.

13 May 2005
A U.S. government official (believed to be U.S. special envoy to the Six-Party Talks Joseph DeTrani) meets with a DPRK government official at North Korea's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York. According to White House National Security Council spokesperson Frederick Jones the purpose of the meeting was to tell Pyongyang "that it is time for [the North Koreans] to return to the Six-Party Talks."
--U.S., N. Korea Hold Talks in New York, 1^st in 5 Months," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Joseph Coleman, "U.S. Officials Met with North Korea Officials in New York Last Week," Associated Press, 19 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korea Confirms May 13 Contact with U.S., Japan Economic Newswire, 22 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 May 2005
During talks between the ROK and the DPRK, chief South Korean delegate Yi Pong-cho says that Seoul told Pyongyang that South Korea will "make important proposals for practical gains in talks aimed at resolving the nuclear issue," if North Korea returns to the Six-Party Talks.
--Two Koreas Resume High-level Talks Amid Nuclear Row," Yonhap News Agency, 16 May 2005, in "ROK Officials Explain to U.S. Envoy Details of ROK's 'Important' Proposal to DPRK," OSC Document ID KPP20050516000182; "S. Korea Urges N. Korea to Resume 6-Nation Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 16 Mat 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Paul Alexander, "Two Koreas Resume Talks After 10-Month Hiatus with Nuclear Dispute in Spotlight," Associated Press, 16 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Soo-Jeong Lee, "South Korea Promises 'Substantial Proposal' If North Returns to Nuclear Disarmament Talks," Associated Press, 16 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. Not Consulted Yet on S. Korea's New Plan to Break Nuclear Deadlock, Agence France Presse, 16 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Choe Sang-hun, South Korea Offers Incentive to North," International Herald Tribune, 17 May 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 May 2005
An editorial on North Korea's Uriminjokkkiri website states that because the DPRK has withdrawn from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) "it is nobody's concern but ours to decide on what to do with the spent fuel rods extracted from the experimental nuclear reactor."
--Ch'oe Ch'ang-il, "Dog's Tail Cannot Turn into a Weasel's Tail Even in Three Years," Uriminjokkkiri website, 18 May 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050518000047.

21 May 2005
According to Radio Free Asia, U.S. Republican congressman Curt Weldon says that North Korea "will come to the nuclear talks if the U.S. lowers its level of denunciation" against Kim Jong-il and "conveys a message ... that Washington will recognize the North's system and is willing to hold talks with the North." Weldon led a congressional delegation that visited North Korea in January 2005.
--Lawmaker Urges N.K., U.S. to Stop Accusations Against Each Other," Yonhap News Agency, 21 May 2005, in "U.S. Lawmaker Says DPRK Will Return to 6-Way Talks if U.S. 'Lowers' 'Denunciations'," OSC Document ID KPP20050521000045

23 May 2005
South Korean Grand National Party (GNP) spokesperson Chun Yu-ok says that Wang Jiarui from the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee told GNP chairperson Pak Ku'n-hye the content of his January meetings with North Korean officials in Pyongyang over the DPRK's nuclear weapons program. Wang told Pak that he attempted to persuade the North Koreans to return to the Six-Party Talks and told Pyongyang there would be rewards if it dismantled its nuclear weapons.
-- "Chinese Official Warns N.K. Not to Pursue Nuclear Ambitions," Yonhap News Agency, 23 May 2005, in "PRC Official Said to Warn DPRK Not to Pursue Nuclear Ambitions," OSC Document ID KPP20050523000184;

24 May 2005
An editorial in Minju Joson, North Korea's cabinet newspaper, argues that the DPRK's "possession of nuclear weapons is the best option to safeguard our dignity from the escalating U.S. nuclear maneuver to crush the Republic (North Korea) and realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula."
--Yonhap News Agency, 24 May 2005, in "N.K. Says Its Nuclear Power Guarantees Peace In Asia," OSC Document ID KPP20050524000025.

24 May 2005
According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, a high level ROK Foreign Ministry official was told that China will veto taking North Korea to the United Nations Security Council if the Six-Party Talks are unsuccessful. Meanwhile Japan's Kyodo World Service reported that Chinese officials warned Pyongyang of "grave consequences" if the DPRK performs a nuclear test.
--China Will Not Tolerate N.K. Possessing Nuclear Weapons: Official," Yonhap News Agency, 24 May 2005, in "ROK FM Official Claims PRC 'Will Not Oppose' Referring DPRK to UNSC if Talks Fail," OSC Document ID KPP20050524000123; Kyodo World Service, 24 May 2005, in "China Strongly Warns DPRK Against Nuke Test; Date of Warning Not Specified," OSC Document ID JPP20050525000012.

25 May 2005
South Korean Grand National Party Representative Pak Chin says that China has told the United States that South Korea's appeasement policy is undermining attempts to bring North Korea back to the Six-Party Talks.
--Yonhap News Agency, 25 May 2005 in "China Tells U.S. Seoul's N.K. Policy Is Delaying Talks: Lawmaker," OSC Document ID KPP20050525000081.

26 May 2005
During testimony to a House International Committee top U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks, Christopher Hill, says in reference to China's role in bringing North Korea back to the Six-Party Talks that Beijing "should be able to convince their very close friend to come to the table. And they haven't done it."
--Yonhap News Agency, 27 May 2005 in "U.S. Urges China's Efforts to Persuade N. Korea Back to Talks," OSC Document ID KPP20050527000079.

30 May 2005
In an interview on U.S. television, U.S. Vice-President Richard Cheney calls on China to exert greater leverage in bringing North Korea back to the negotiating table, saying that "the Chinese need to understand that it's incumbent upon them to be major players here."
--Yonhap News Agency, 27 May 2005 in "U.S. Urges China's Efforts to Persuade N. Korea Back to Talks," OSC Document ID KPP20050527000079.

30 May 2005
Sources tell Japan's Jiji Press that during his visit to Beijing in April 2005, North Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok-ju told Chinese officials that the DPRK had made a major decision with regards to its nuclear program.
--North Korean Vice Minister Kang Sok Ju Conveys 'Major Decision' on Nuclear Issue to China," Jijiweb website, 30 May 2005, in "DPRK's Kang Sok Ju Informs PRC Leaders of 'Major Decision' on Nuclear Issue," OSC Document ID JPP20050531000011.

1 June 2005
Kenichiro Sasae and Christopher Hill, top envoys to the Six- Party Talks for Japan and the United States, meet and agree to deal with North Korea flexibly if the DPRK returns to the multilateral negotiations.
--Jiji Press, 2 June 2005, in "Japan, U.S. to Deal 'Flexibly' With DPRK at Six-Way Talks: Senior Official," OSC Document ID JPP20050602000003.

2 June 2005
Amidst much speculation that North Korea may perform a nuclear test, sources reveal to the Japan Economic Newswire that China has warned the DPRK it will consider stopping food aid if it goes through with the test.
-- "China Eyes Stopping Food Aid if N. Korea Test Nuke," Japan Economic Newswire, 2 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 June 2005
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry responds to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney's labeling of DPRK Leader Kim Jong-il "an irresponsible leader" in a television interview by saying that Cheney's remarks are "little short of telling (North Korea) not to come out for the talks." White House spokesperson Scott McClellan stands by Cheney's initial comments, stating "We are going to call it the way it is."
--U.S. VP's Vituperation Against DPRK's Supreme Headquarters Rebuked," Korean Central News Agency, 2 June 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm>; Burt Herman, "North Korea Says Cheney Remarks Compel It to Stay Away from Nuclear Talks," 2 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Cheney A Blood-thirsty Beast, Says North Korea," 2 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "White House Defends Cheney After 'Bloodthirsty Beast' Attack by N. Korea," Agence France Presse, 2 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "War of Words Between Washington and Pyongyang Escalates," Agence France Presse, 2 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; James Brooke, "North Korea Denounces the U.S. and Calls Cheney 'Bloodthirsty'," New York Times, 3 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 June 2005
A spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry tells the Korean Central News Agency that the DPRK takes note that U.S. President George W. Bush's referred to Kim Jong-il as "Mr. Kim"—a more respectful term than used previously—and will "closely follow" to see if this is an indicator of the United States softening its stance towards Pyongyang. According to reports, President Bush made the remarks during a news conference at the White House on 31 May.
--Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry on Bush's Remarks," Korean Central News Agency, 3 June 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm/>; "N. Korea Elated by Bush's Use of 'Mr.' for Kim Jong-Il," Yonhap News Agency, 3 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Strikes Rare Positive Note on Bush's Comments," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com/; "North Korea Notes U.S. President's Use of Honorific for Leader Kim Jong-Il," BBC Monitoring, 3 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 June 2005
Top DPRK Envoy to the U.N. Pak Gil-yon says at a closed-door seminar at the University of Toronto that Pyongyang "can never give up [its] nuclear weapons program unless the U.S. does."
-- "N.K. Leader's Visit to Seoul Needs Proper Timing, Modality: Envoy," Yonhap News Agency, 4 June 2005, in "DPRK Envoy to U.N.: We Can Never Give Up Our Nuclear Weapons Program Unless U.S. Does," OSC Document ID KPP20050604000051.

5 June 2005
According to the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun diplomatic sources stated that China has warned North Korea that a DPRK nuclear test would cross a "red line in diplomacy."
--China Strongly Warns N. K. Not to Hold Nuclear Test: Tokyo Paper," Yonhap News Agency, 5 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

5 June 2005
According to Japan's Asahi Shimbun, U.S. intelligences sources disclosed that North Korea purchased 150 tons of high-strength aluminum from Russian dealer, which is enough to make 2,600 uranium enrichment centrifuges. The sources further revealed that U.S. intelligence officials were aware of the acquisition by North Korea as early as June 2002.
-- Nobuyoshi Sakajiri, Yoshihiro Makino, "North Korea Procures High-Strength Aluminum; Sparked by 2002 Nuclear Crisis, Vital Information to the U.S.," Asahi Shimbun, 5 June 2005, in "Japan Daily Says DPRK Imported Aluminum for Nuclear Program, Cites U.S. Sources," OSC Document ID JPP20050605000005; "N. Korea Imports Key Nuclear Materials From Russia: Japanese Paper," Yonhap News Agency, 5 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. Knew of North Nukes Plan in 2002," Asahi Shimbun 6 June 2005, in "Japan: U.S. Sources Reveal Washington Knew of DPRK Nuclear Plan in 2002," OSC Document ID JPP20050606000024.

6 June 2005
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says to reporters in Aichi prefecture that he believes that North Korea wants to resolve the nuclear issue through the Six-Party framework "by all means."
--Koizumi Believes N. Korea Is Eager to Return 6-Way Talks," Kyodo World Service, 6 June 2005, in "Koizumi Says He Believes DPRK 'Eager' to Return to 6-Party Talks," OSC Document ID JPP20050606000098.

7 June 2005
An editorial in the Rodong Sinmun, the official publication of the Korean Workers' Party, says that now that North Korea has become a nuclear power the purpose of the Six-Party Talks should be changed to nuclear disarmament by all parties.
--N. Korea Demands Nuke Disarmament Talks with U.S.," Yonhap News Agency, 7 June 2005, in "ROK Yonhap Cites DPRK Daily: DPRK Demands 6-Way Talks Changed to 'Disarmament Talks,' OSC Document ID KPP20050607000027; "Nuclear Threat to DPRK Must Be Removed First: Rodong Sinmun," KCNA 7 June 2005, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm>.

6-8 June 2005
On 6 June North Korean ambassador to the United Nations Pak Gil Yon and U.S. special envoy to the Six-Party Talks Joseph DeTrani meet in New York to discuss resuming the multilateral negotiations. U.S State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack says that Pak informed the DeTrani that the DPRK would come back to the Six-Party Talks but did not specify a particular date. The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun cites anonymous U.S. and DPRK sources who disclosed that Pak told DeTrani that North Korea deserves "treatment as a nuclear nation" during their meeting. Meanwhile, on 8 June, top Chinese envoy to the Six-Party Talks Wang Guangya says that the negotiations could begin again within weeks.
--N.K. Informs U.S. of Intention to Return to Nuke Talks: State Department," Yonhap News Agency, 8 June 2005, in "ROK Report Cites PRC Envoy to U.N.: 6-Way Nuclear Talks 'Could' Resume Within Weeks," OSC Document ID KPP20050607000193; "U.S. State Dept. Says 'N.K. Would Return to Nuclear Talks,'" Chosun Ilbo website, 9 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050608000219; Kyodo World Service, 8 June 2005 in "N. Korea Seeks U.S. Recognition, Treatment as Nuclear State: Asahi Shimbun," OSC Document ID JPP20050608000074; Lee Joo-hee, "U.S. N.K. Seen Moving Closer to Six-Way Talks," Korea Herald website, 8 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050608000002; Hong Kong AFP 8 June 2005, in "North Korea Demands U.S. Recognize It as Nuclear Power: Report," OSC Document ID JPP20050608000064; Yonhap News Agency, 8 June 2005, in "N.K. Says Nuke Talks Hinges on U.S. Response to N.K.' s Requests," OSC Document ID KPP20050608000116.

8 June 2005
North Korea's top envoy to the Six-Party Talks, Kim Kye-kwan, says in an interview with a U.S. television network that the DPRK has enough nuclear bombs to defend against a U.S. attack. Kim answered "yes" when he was asked if North Korea was building additional nuclear weapons.
--Yonhap News Agency, 8 June 2005, in "U.S. ABC News Interviews DPRK FM Official: DPRK 'Building More' Nuclear Weapons," OSC Document ID KPP20050608000219; "N. Korea 'Building More Nukes'," Chosun Ilbo website, 10 June 2005, in "North Korea 'Building More Nukes'," OSC Document ID KPP20050609000153.

9 June 2005
Speaking in regards to the North Korean nuclear weapons program, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao states that Beijing "is not aware of the situation." Liu also goes on to say China hopes that "all relevant parties will make constructive efforts at once to promote the resumption of the Six-Party Talks as soon as possible."
--Kyodo World Service, 9 June 2005, in "PRC FM Spokesman Says PRC 'Not Aware' of DPRK Nuclear Weapons," OSC Document ID JPP20050609000072; "Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Liu Jianchao Answers Journalists' Questions at Routine News Conference on 9 June 2005," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China website, 9 June 2005, in "Transcript of PRC FM Spokesman News Conference on 9 Jun 05," OSC Document ID CPP20050609000122; Xu Song and Ren Ke, "Foreign Ministry Spokesman: China Hopes the Process of the Six-Party Talks Will Continue to Move Toward the Goal of Realizing a Nuclear-Free Peninsula," Xinhua Asia-Pacific Service, 9 June 2005, in OSC Document ID CPP20050609000112 "Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Jianchao's Press Conference on 9 June 2005," Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China website, 9 June 2005, in "English Transcript of PRC FM Spokesman News Conference 9 Jun 05," OSC Document ID CPP20050610000123.

10 June 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush meets with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun at the White House. After their meeting Bush tells reporters that "South Korea and the United States share the same goal, and that is a Korean Peninsula with no nuclear weapons." Roh notes that "there are one or two minor issues, but I'm certain we will be able to work them out with dialogue." However, he goes on to say that the two presidents had "reconfirmed that we have no basic differences on the issue, and we completely agreed to the basic principles, and are continuously discussing various problems that occur in the process of negotiations."
-- "U.S., S. Korea United on Six-Party Talks: Bush," Xinhua News Agency, 10 June 2005, in "Xinhua Reports President Bush Says U.S., South Korea 'United' on Six-Party Talks," OSC Document ID CPP20050610000218; Yonhap News Agency, 10 June 2005, in "U.S. ROK Leaders Reconfirm 'One Voice' on DPRK Nuclear Issue, 'Strong' U.S.-ROK Alliance," OSC Document ID KPP20050610000185; Jennifer Loven, "Bush, South Korean Leader Differ on How to Bring North Back to Nuclear Talks, but Talks of Unity Dominates," Associated Press, 10 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Tom Raum, "Bush, South Korean Leader Differ on How to Bring North Back to Nuclear Talks," Associated Press, 10 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/> David E. Sanger, "U.S. and Seoul Try to Ease Rift on Talks with the North," New York Times, 11 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Reuben Staines, "Roh, Bush Lay Out Carrots for N.K.," Korea Times, 13 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050612000048.

14 June 2005
South Korean National Security Council senior official Yi Chong-so'k clarifies a statement that South Korean President made to reporters on 10 June 2005 after his summit meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush. At the time Roh said that there were minor issues between the U.S and the ROK. Yi explains to a parliamentary defense committee that the differences Roh was referring to were on U.S. plans for its troops stationed in South Korea, not differences over how to resolve the Korean peninsula nuclear crisis.
--OSC Feature 15 June 2005, in "Roh's Reference to 'Minor Issues' with U.S. Not on DPRK Nuclear Issue," OSC Document ID FEA20050615004182

15 June 2005
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee holds a hearing entitled "North Korea: An Update on the Six-Party Talks and Matters Related to the Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Crisis." U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Christopher Hill and Special Envoy to the Six-Party Talks Joseph DeTrani both provide testimony. Hill testifies that diplomacy is the best way to resolve the current nuclear crisis but acknowledged that the United States is also considering other options. Hill and DeTrani say that Washington has received support from the other participant countries in bringing North Korea back to the negotiations. Hill, however, also says that China is not exerting all the leverage that it could on Pyongyang.
--Brian Goodman, "Senate Foreign Relations Committee Holds Hearing on the Prospects of Six-Party Talks with N.K.,", The Daily NK website, 16 June 2005, in "U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Assesses DPRK 6-Way Talks," OSC Document ID KPP20050616000063; Chosun Ilbo website, 16 June 2005, in "N. Korea Will Give Up Nukes One Way or Another: Hill," OSC Document ID KPP20050615000099; "China Avoiding Pressure on North Korea: Hill," Chosun Ilbo website, 16 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050615000160.

17 June 2005
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il meets with South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young and says that the DPRK will return to the Six-Party Talks if the United States recognizes and respects the North Korean government. According to Chung, Kim says that North Korea does need to possess nuclear weapons and that Kim "has a friendly feeling towards the United States." U.S State Department spokesperson Adam Ereli responds to Kim's announcement that the DPRK could return to the Six-Party Talks in July by saying that the United States is looking for is "actually getting back to the talks and engaging substantively."
--N. Korean Leader Says His Country Willing to Return to Nuke Talks in July," Yonhap News Agency, 17 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Kim Jong-Il Says N. Korea Willing to Return to Nuke Talks in July," Japan Economic Newswire, 17 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "North Korea: Six Party Talks," Daily Press Briefing, 17 June 2005, U.S. State Department website, <http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2005/48287.htm>; "U.S Looks for Action, Not Words from N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 17 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Burt Herman "Reclusive Leader Offers Rare Flattery to the West," Associated Press, 17 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; Burt Herman, "North Korea's Kim Jong Il Discusses Nuclear Standoff with South Korean Minister," 17 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 June 2005
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is skeptical of Kim Jong-il's statements about returning to the Six-Party Talks in July noting that it could be a diplomatic strategy.
--Koizumi Dismisses Kim Jong-Il's Remarks as 'Diplomatic Strategy'," 18 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

20 June 2005
In an interview on U.S. television, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice states that "the North Koreans love to make excuses for why they can't come back to the Six-Party Talks. The reason they don't want to come to the Six-Party Talks is they don't like facing China and Russia and Japan and South Korea and the United States telling them in a concerted fashion that it's time to get rid of their ... nuclear weapons."
--Rice, 'N.K. Loves to Make Excuses to Avoid 6-Way Talks'," Chosun Ilbo website, 21 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050620000059.

21 June 2005
U.S Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky calls North Korea "an outpost of tyranny" during a forum speech arranged by the Hudson Institute. Meanwhile at an international conference in Brussels U.S Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice makes a similar comment about the DPRK. South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon responds to the Rice and Dobriansky's comments noting that they would not "help create an atmosphere of dialogue."
-- "Seoul Regrets Washington's Anti-Pyongyang Rhetoric," Yonhap News Agency, 21 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "U.S. Official Keeps 'Tyranny Outpost' Catchphrase Alive," Chosun Ilbo, 22 June 2005, in OSC Document ID KPP20050621000132; "South Korea Upset about U.S. Criticism of North Korea," Agence France Presse, 21 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "South Korea Upset about U.S. Criticism of North Korea," Xinhua Financial Network News, 22 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Seoul's Protest Over 'Tyranny' Catchphrase Falls on Deaf Ears," Chosun Ilbo, 23 June 2005, in OSC Document ID JPP20050622000031.

22 June 2005
According to a report by South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, on 3 November 2002 former Washington Post reporter Don Oberdorfer and former U.S. ambassador to Seoul Donald Gregg received a letter to give to U.S. President George W. Bush on behalf of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. An excerpt of the letter reads: "If the United States recognizes our sovereignty and assures non-aggression, it is our view that we should be able to find a way to resolve the nuclear issue in compliance with the demand of a new century." Oberdorfer and Gregg reportedly passed the letter onto National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley on 7 November who then replied that the Bush administration would not "reward bad behavior." On 13 November 2005 the Bush administration declared that it would suspend all of its shipments of heavy fuel oil to the DPRK.
--Bush Rebuffed Kim Jong-Il's Gesture on Nukes in 2002: Oberdorfer," Yonhap News Agency, 22 June 2005, in "U.S. Rebuffed Message from North Korean Leader in November 2002- Journalist," BBC Monitoring, 23 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 June 2005
U.S. President George W. Bush issues an executive order that freezes assets of North Korean entities that have been implicated in developing or spreading weapons of mass destruction. DPRK firms Tanchon Commercial Bank, Korea Mining Development Trading Corp. and Korea Ryonbong are designated under the executive order.
--U.S. Slaps Sanctions Linked to N. Korea on WMD, Urges Others to Join," Japan Economic Newswire, 29 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 June 2005
The Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai Shimbun reports that North Korea has resumed construction on a 50-megawatt and a 200-megawatt reactor located in Taechon. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda says to reporters that Tokyo has not confirmed the newspaper's report.
--N. Korea Resumes Construction of 2 Nuclear Reactors: Nihon Keizai," Japan Economic Newswire, 30 June 2005, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.

	Updated February 2008