DOCSLIB.ORG

Npr 2.3: the Origins, Evolution, and Current

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Npr 2.3: the Origins, Evolution, and Current Alexandre Y. Mansourov THE ORIGINS, EVOLUTION, AND CURRENT POLITICS OF THE NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM by Alexandre Y. Mansourov Alexandre Y. Mansourov served in the Soviet embassy in Pyongyang from 1987 to 1989. In 1990, he graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations and left the foreign service. He is now a doctoral candidate in political science at Columbia University in New York. The following article is an updated version of a paper he presented at the Monterey Institute of International Studies on March 1, 1995. oliticians, defense analysts, evolution of the DPRK’s nuclear rapid expansion (late 1970s to early and even the general public program and determines where it 1990s), and design switch/matura- P in various capitals have de- stands now. Secondly, it attempts to tion (from 1994 on). bated the advantages and disadvan- assess the DPRK’s nuclear capabili- tages of the “Agreed Framework” ties and intentions and analyzes how Inception signed on October 21, 1994, be- these are reflected in the organiza- tween the United States and the tional structure of its nuclear pro- Even before the DPRK was es- Democratic People’s Republic of gram. Thirdly, it compares the de- tablished on September 9, 1948, the Korea (DPRK). Pyongyang calls it cision-making dynamics on the Soviet Union sent a team of scien- a “landmark achievement.”1 Al- nuclear issue during the rule of the tists to North Korea in 1947 to con- though the U.S. government con- late President Kim Il-sung with duct a geological survey of the 3 4 sulted with its South Korean coun- those under his successor Kim Jong- monazite mines. From late 1949 terpart at every stage of the negotia- il. Finally, it speculates on “winners” to the outbreak of the Korean War, tions, and the ROK government ac- and “losers” in the current political North Korea exported concentrates cepted the Agreed Framework prior scene in Pyongyang and on the of monazite, tantalum, niobium, and to its announcement, there is gen- chances for successful North Korean uranic ore to the Soviet Union in erally a negative reaction among the engagement with the West. partial payment for military equip- South Korean public. Seoul even ment and arms delivered to 5 feels somewhat betrayed.2 Washing- NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR Pyongyang in 1949 to 1950. ton is divided too. Everybody agrees CAPABILITIES In 1952, when the Chinese that it is a weak deal, but despite People’s Volunteers were holding the tough rhetoric, nobody seems to be Activities in the nuclear field have battle line along the 38th parallel, willing or prepared to scuttle or re- a long history in the northern part China sent Dr. Wang Gaochang to negotiate it. of the Korean Peninsula. One can North Korea to search for and col- 6 To be able to appreciate fully the divide the evolution of the North lect radioactive materials. significance of the package deal, one Korean nuclear program into four Following the war, on March 26 needs to know more about the prob- main phases: 1) inception (the and September 7, 1956, the Soviet lem it is designed to resolve. First, 1950s), 2) indigenous accumulation Union and the DPRK signed two this article traces the origins and of knowledge and technical exper- agreements on cooperation in tise (early 1960s to mid-1970s), 3) nuclear research projects. In accor- The Nonproliferation Review/Spring-Summer 1995 25 Alexandre Y. Mansourov dance with these agreements, the search Complex under the auspices Army (KPA) and the Ministry of framework for cooperation between of the DPRK Academy of Sciences. Public Security to begin the imple- the Soviet Union and the DPRK in The Yongbyon area was designated mentation of the North Korean the nuclear field was established, a “Special District” directly subor- nuclear program design, including and North Korean scientists began dinate to the Administrative Coun- rapid expansion of the nuclear-re- to receive professional training in the cil, with access being severely re- lated facilities and development of field of nuclear physics at the So- stricted.13 Approaches were heavily the infrastructure for a nuclear viet Dubna Nuclear Research Com- guarded by the troops of the Minis- weapon program in Yongbyon.17 Ac- plex.7 In 1959, the DPRK signed try of the Public Security.14 cording to recent reports from high- an additional protocol with the So- In August 1965, the Soviet Union level DPRK defectors, at that time viet Union on the peaceful use of delivered to the DPRK a 0.1 mega- the DPRK constructed a complex of nuclear energy. This protocol autho- watt thermal (MWt) critical assem- underground nuclear facilities in the rized the transfer of a small research- bly and a two MWt research reac- Pakch’on area, 22 kilometers south- type nuclear reactor and other com- tor (“issledovatelskii reaktor tipa east of Yongbyon.18 The facilities plex nuclear equipment to 2000,” i.e. IRT 2000) under the were reported to be located in a hill Pyongyang.8 Also, in the late 1950s, terms of the 1959 nuclear coopera- east and southeast of the city, near the DPRK government sent some tion agreement. The reactor was set the Pakch’on Air Base.19 Appar- nuclear scientists to the People’s up in a special compound directly ently, it was there and then that the Republic of China for nuclear train- on the Kuryong River at Yongdong, DPRK nuclear scientists began to ing at the Chinese nuclear-related 4.7 kilometers west of Yongbyon. work on an indigenous nuclear fuel facilities.9 Reportedly, it became operational in enrichment technology, a design for In the mid-1950s, the DPRK gov- 1967.15 In the following decades, it a nuclear device, and potential ernment established nuclear phys- has been used to produce radioac- nuclear weapon delivery systems. ics departments at Kim Il-sung Na- tive isotopes for scientific research, In addition, in the late 1970s, a tional University and Kim Ch’aek industrial, and medical purposes. uranium mine was commissioned in Industrial College.10 These two uni- Gradually, North Korean scientists Yongbyon. Among the facilities con- versities were in charge of the aca- expanded the capacity of this reac- structed in Yongbyon during the late demic education of most of the tor into an eight MWt research re- 1970s to early 1980s were a mill North Korean nuclear scholars and actor, using their indigenous tech- for concentrating the uranium ore technicians. Their faculties con- nology. into “yellowcake,” a plant to purify ducted basic nuclear research and In September 1974, the DPRK this material, a nuclear fuel rod fab- were responsible for keeping abreast officially joined the International rication plant, and a storage site. of international developments in the Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), al- Also, the DPRK acquired the abil- field of nuclear physics.11 though it had not yet acceded to the ity to mine and purify graphite for nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the reactor.20 Indigenous Accumulation of (NPT). On July 20, 1977, the In January 1986, the North Ko- Nuclear Expertise DPRK signed an INFCIRC/66-type reans commissioned a five MWt agreement with the IAEA, which indigenous experimental nuclear When the first generation of the provided a mechanism by which its power reactor at the Institute of North Korean nuclear specialists two MWt research reactor and 0.1 Nuclear Physics in Yongbyon (gas- completed their term of study and MWt critical assembly could be graphite design of the 1940s, Calder practical training at the Soviet monitored.16 Hall-type). In 1984, the DPRK be- Dubna facility and returned to the gan construction of a 50 MWt power DPRK in the early 1960s, the North Rapid Expansion reactor (G-2 gas-graphite type) lo- Korean government decided to build cated south of Yong-dong on the east a similar complex for them about The third phase began in the late bank of the Kuryong River. It was 90 kilometers northeast of 1970s, when Kim Il-sung is believed scheduled to be completed in 1995 12 Pyongyang. This was the begin- to have authorized the DPRK Acad- to 1996.21 Also, construction of a ning of the Yongbyon Nuclear Re- emy of Sciences, the Korean People’s 26 Nonproliferation Review/Spring-Summer 1995 Alexandre Y. Mansourov 200 MWt nuclear power reactor, about 150 nuclear scientists with onslaught of nuclear inspections scheduled to be completed in 1997- doctorate degrees and over 2,400 began. Every time international in- 98, was under way in Taejon until nuclear specialists working in the spectors went in (six times in a row), late 1994.22 DPRK’s nuclear program.27 they found additional evidence of the In 1987, the DPRK began the In sum, sometime at the end of DPRK’s noncompliance with its construction of a so-called “radio- the 1970s, the DPRK government NPT obligations.31 No matter how chemical laboratory”23 declared to made a political decision to launch ardently the North Korean scientists be designed for research on the sepa- a nuclear weapon development pro- tried to prove that they were in full ration of uranium and plutonium, gram for reasons that I will discuss compliance with international norms waste management, and the train- below. However, according to the and sincere in their lack of knowl- ing of technicians. It should have Russian Foreign Intelligence Service edge and understanding of certain been made operational in 1994. It (FIS),28 because of various eco- technological processes, they were is the second largest facility of this nomic, financial, and scientific dif- greeted with profound suspicion and kind in the world after the U.S.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Tumen Triangle Documentation Project
    THE TUMEN TRIANGLE DOCUMENTATION PROJECT SOURCING THE CHINESE-NORTH KOREAN BORDER Edited by CHRISTOPHER GREEN Issue Two February 2014 ABOUT SINO-NK Founded in December 2011 by a group of young academics committed to the study of Northeast Asia, Sino-NK focuses on the borderland world that lies somewhere between Pyongyang and Beijing. Using multiple languages and an array of disciplinary methodologies, Sino-NK provides a steady stream of China-DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea/North Korea) documentation and analysis covering the culture, history, economies and foreign relations of these complex states. Work published on Sino-NK has been cited in such standard journalistic outlets as The Economist, International Herald Tribune, and Wall Street Journal, and our analysts have been featured in a range of other publications. Ultimately, Sino-NK seeks to function as a bridge between the ubiquitous North Korea media discourse and a more specialized world, that of the academic and think tank debates that swirl around the DPRK and its immense neighbor. SINO-NK STAFF Editor-in-Chief ADAM CATHCART Co-Editor CHRISTOPHER GREEN Managing Editor STEVEN DENNEY Assistant Editors DARCIE DRAUDT MORGAN POTTS Coordinator ROGER CAVAZOS Director of Research ROBERT WINSTANLEY-CHESTERS Outreach Coordinator SHERRI TER MOLEN Research Coordinator SABINE VAN AMEIJDEN Media Coordinator MYCAL FORD Additional translations by Robert Lauler Designed by Darcie Draudt Copyright © Sino-NK 2014 SINO-NK PUBLICATIONS TTP Documentation Project ISSUE 1 April 2013 Document Dossiers DOSSIER NO. 1 Adam Cathcart, ed. “China and the North Korean Succession,” January 16, 2012. 78p. DOSSIER NO. 2 Adam Cathcart and Charles Kraus, “China’s ‘Measure of Reserve’ Toward Succession: Sino-North Korean Relations, 1983-1985,” February 2012.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korea Today” Describing the Way the North Korean People Live As Accurately As Possible
    RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/[email protected] Weekly Newsletter No.374 Priority Release November 2010 [“Good Friends” aims to help the North Korean people from a humanistic point of view and publishes “North Korea Today” describing the way the North Korean people live as accurately as possible. We at Good Friends also hope to be a bridge between the North Korean people and the world.] ___________________________________________________________________________ Central Party Orders to Stop Collecting Rice for Military Provision Sound of Hailing at Farms at the News of No More Collection of Rice for Military Provision “Finally They Think of People” Meat Support Obligation to the Military Also Lifted “At least now we can fill our bellies with potatoes.” ___________________________________________________________________________ Central Party Orders to Stop Collecting Rice for Military Provision Every year when the harvest season approaches there were big conflicts at each regional farm between the military which tries to secure rice for military provision and farmers who refuse to hand over the rice they grew for the past one year. The conflicts are especially severe this year as the yields of harvest decrease because of the cold weather in the spring and the flood in the summer. In the case of North Hamgyong province it was reported that the level of discontent among farmers was serious enough to make the authorities worry. As the damage from flooding was so severe in the granary regions of North and South Hwanghae Provinces and North Pyongan Province it was decided that North Hamgyong Province was to provide rice for military provision first since it had better harvest.
    [Show full text]
  • Temporary Workers from the Democratic People's Republic Of
    Temporary Workers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Mongolia Mitsuhiro Mimura (The Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia) Yuji Fukuhara (University of Shimane) This presentation is based on fieldwork and interviews from 5 to 8 September 2017 in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. We went to construction sites and companies employing North Korean workers, and looked at the places of construction. We will report the contents of this fieldwork and discuss the significance of sending and receiving the North Korean workers from the viewpoint of Mongolia and DPRK relations. Mongolia has a population of 3 million whereas the DPRK has 24 million. Although North Korea is very small, it has 8 times more population of Mongolia. Ulan Bator is the only large city in Mongolia and has a population of 1.5 million. Because the economy is growing, there is a lot of construction work. In terms of history, Mongolia was established in 1924, and the DPRK was founded on 9 September 1948. After the USSR, the second country that established diplomatic relations with the DPRK was Mongolia in October 1948. During the Korean War, Mongolia supported North Korea together with the USSR and China, providing material support and horses. It also received many war orphans. From 1948 to 1989 was a honeymoon period for Mongolia-DPRK relations. North Korea had some flexibility about doing business with the USSR and China. Mongolia, on the other hand, was a landlocked country, located between the Soviet Union and China. Speaking bluntly, usually countries next to China don’t like China. Of course, the countries next to Russia don’t like Russia.
    [Show full text]
  • DPRK/North Hamgyong Province: Floods
    Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA) DPRK/North Hamgyong Province: Floods Emergency Appeal n° MDRKP008 Glide n° FL-2016-000097-PRK Date of issue: 20 September 2016 Date of disaster: 31 August 2016 Operation manager (responsible for this EPoA): Point of contact: Marlene Fiedler Pak Un Suk Disaster Risk Management Delegate Emergency Relief Coordinator IFRC DPRK Country Office DPRK Red Cross Society Operation start date: 2 September 2016 Operation end date (timeframe): 31 August 2017 (12 months) Overall operation budget: CHF 15,199,723 DREF allocation: CHF 506,810 Number of people affected: Number of people to be assisted: 600,000 people Direct: 28,000 people (7,000 families); Indirect: more than 163,000 people in Hoeryong City, Musan County and Yonsa County Host National Society(ies) presence (n° of volunteers, staff, branches): Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Red Cross Society (DPRK RCS) Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners actively involved in the operation: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Other partner organizations actively involved in the operation: The State Committee for Emergency and Disaster Management (SCEDM), UN Organizations, European Union Programme Support Units A. Situation analysis Description of the disaster From August 29th to August 31st heavy rainfall occurred in North Hamgyong Province, DPRK – in some areas more than 300 mm of rain were reported in just two days, causing the flooding of the Tumen River and its tributaries around the Chinese-DPRK border and other areas in the province. Within a particularly intense time period of four hours in the night between 30 and 31 August 2016, the waters of the river Tumen rose between six and 12 metres, causing an immediate threat to the lives of people in nearby villages.
    [Show full text]
  • South Korea's Economic Engagement Toward North Korea
    South Korea’s Economic Engagement toward North Korea Lee Sangkeun & Moon Chung-in 226 | Joint U.S.-Korea Academic Studies On February 10, 2016, the South Korean government announced the closure of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, a symbol of its engagement policy and inter-Korean rapprochement. The move was part of its proactive, unilateral sanctions against North Korea’s fourth nuclear test in January and rocket launch in February.1 Pyongyang reciprocated by expelling South Korean personnel working in the industrial complex and declaring it a military control zone.2 Although the May 24, 2010 measure following the sinking of the Cheonan naval vessel significantly restricted inter-Korea exchanges and cooperation, the Seoul government spared the Gaeseong complex. With its closure, however, inter-Korean economic relations came to a complete halt, and no immediate signs of revival of Seoul’s economic engagement with the North can be detected. This chapter aims at understanding the rise and decline of this engagement with North Korea by comparing the progressive decade of Kim Dae-jung (KDJ) and Roh Moo-hyun (RMH) with the conservative era of Lee Myung-bak (LMB) and Park Geun-hye (PGH). It also looks to the future of inter-Korean relations by examining three plausible scenarios of economic engagement. Section one presents a brief overview of the genesis of Seoul’s economic engagement strategy in the early 1990s, section two examines this engagement during the progressive decade (1998-2007), and section three analyzes that of the conservative era (2008-2015). They are followed by a discussion of three possible outlooks on the future of Seoul’s economic engagement with Pyongyang.
    [Show full text]
  • South Korean Efforts to Counter North Korean Aggression
    http://www.au.af.mil/au/csds/ South Korean Efforts to Counter North The Trinity Site Korean Aggression Papers By Major Aaron C. Baum, USAF http://www.au.af.mil/au/csds/ Recent North Korean nuclear aggression has raised debates Prior to the armistice, President Dwight Eisenhower signaled about how the United States should secure its interests in North- his willingness to use nuclear weapons to end the Korean Con- east Asia. However, any action on the peninsula should consid- flict. He then reiterated his resolve should China and North Ko- er the security preferences of American allies, especially the rea reinitiate hostilities.3 From 1958 to 1991, the United States Republic of Korea (ROK). With militaristic rhetoric coming stationed nuclear artillery, bombs, and missiles in South Korea from the Trump administration, the question arises of how im- to counter a North Korean invasion.4 Further, in 1975 the Ford portant U.S. policy is to the actions of our Korean allies in administration affirmed that the United States would consider countering North Korean (DPRK) nuclear aggression. Thus, it the use of nuclear weapons in a conflict “likely to result in de- is important to review nuclear crises of the past and the align- feat in any area of great importance to the United States in Asia ment of U.S. and ROK policy toward Pyongyang. This paper … including Korea.”5 reviews three periods of nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula It was not until 1978 at the 11th Security Consultative and argues that U.S. military policy is not the sole factor deter- Mechanism (SCM) that extended nuclear deterrence was for- mining South Korean response to DPRK nuclear provocation.
    [Show full text]
  • Special Economic Zones in the DPRK
    Special Economic Zones in the DPRK This issue brief covers the history and recent upsurge of interest in special economic zones (SEZ) in the DPRK. For over twenty years, North Korea has periodically attempted to bolster its economy through the creation of SEZs, starting with the establishment of the Rason Special Economic Zone in the far northeast of the country in 1991. The two Koreas have also established two joint economic zones in the North, the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) and the Mount Kumgang Tourist Region (where operations are now suspended). All of North Korea’s SEZs established to date have been enclaves, attracting investment and foreign currency but not spurring greater economic growth in the rest of the country through the establishment of linkages or through a “demonstration effect” leading to more effective economic policies elsewhere. North Korea’s interest in developing SEZs has been sporadic, but several recent developments indicate that SEZs are becoming an increasingly important part of the country’s economic planning. Beginning in 2010, the DPRK renewed attempts to encourage investment and infrastructure developments in Rason, and more recently announced that new SEZs would be established in each province of the country. 1 This issue brief will cover the history of North Korean SEZs and review recent developments in this field. History of SEZs in North Korea Rason: North Korea’s first SEZ, the Rajin-Sonbong Free Economic and Trade Zone (later contracted to the Rason Economic and Trade Zone), was established in 1991, several years after North Korea first introduced laws allowing foreign investment.
    [Show full text]
  • North Korea's Political System*
    This article was translated by JIIA from Japanese into English as part of a research project to promote academic studies on the international circumstances in the Asia-Pacific. JIIA takes full responsibility for the translation of this article. To obtain permission to use this article beyond the scope of your personal use and research, please contact JIIA by e-mail ([email protected]) Citation: International Circumstances in the Asia-Pacific Series, Japan Digital Library (March 2016), http://www2.jiia.or.jp/en/digital_library/korean_peninsula.php Series: Korean Peninsula Affairs North Korea’s Political System* Takashi Sakai** Introduction A year has passed since the birth of the Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea following the sudden death of General Secretary Kim Jong-il in December 2011. During the early days of the regime, many observers commented that all would not be smooth sailing for the new regime, citing the lack of power and previ- ous experience of the youthful Kim Jong-un as a primary cause of concern. However, on the surface at least, it now appears that Kim Jong-un is now in full control of his powers as the “Guiding Leader” and that the political situation is calm. The crucial issue is whether the present situation is stable and sustain- able. To consider this issue properly, it is important to understand the following series of questions. What is the current political structure in North Korea? Is the political structure the same as that which existed under the Kim Jong-il regime, or have significant changes occurred? What political dynamics are at play within this structure? Answering these questions with any degree of accuracy is not an easy task.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter December
    Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum Newsletter Editors : Roxanna M. Brown Volume II Number 9 December 2005 Pariwat Thammapreechakorn Reporters : Ceramics identification training Augustine Vinh Berenice Bellina Bonnie Baskin EIGHTEEN PERSONS at- Mr. Pariwat is the author Chang Kuang-Jen tended the Southeast of Ceramics Art in Thai- Chhay Visoth David Rehfuss Asian Ceramics Museum’s land (Bangkok: Osotspa, Dawn Rooney first Thai-language train- 1984). The certificates of Eusebio Dizon completion were awarded Gary Hill ing course on ‘The History Heidi Tan and Identification of Thai in a small ceremony on Jennifer Rodrigo Ceramics’ for two days Sunday afternoon by As- Melody Rod-ari sistant Professor Dr. Boon- Mohd. Sherman bin Sauffi 12-13 November 2005. Pamela Gutman The group included col- rod Vuthisartkul, Vice Peter Burns lectors, museum curators, President for Rangsit Cam- Philippe Colomban Sten Sjostrand, archaeologists and teach- pus, Bangkok University. Timothy Rebbeck ers. The course was The lectures were held in Walter Kassela t a u ght by the museum’s the new Southeast Asian Museum staff : curator Pariwat Tham- Ceramics Museum Annex, mapreechakorn, assisted which was completed in Burin Singtoaj by our Education Officer, early November. The an- Burin Singtoaj. It in- nex includes new offices, two furnished lecture Southeast Asian Ceramics cluded a mixture of lec- Museum tures, and handling ses- rooms, an area for ceram- Bangkok University sions in which the stu- ics conservation and an Rangsit Campus entire third floor to be Phahonyothin Road dents learned the differ- Pathum Thani 12120 ence between the clays, used only for storage. Part glazes and shapes of the of the third will house our Tel.: (66-2) 902-0299 growing Ceramics Ar- Ext.:2892 various production sites Fax.:(66-2)516-6115 in Thailand.
    [Show full text]
  • NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY | | Email: [email protected]
    RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY | http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng | email: [email protected] No. 179 July 2008 Onsung North Hamgyong Yeonsa North Hamgyong Baekarm Ryanggang Province North Korea Ahnbyun Kangwon Province Jaeryong South Hwanghae Chungdan Yeonahn South Hwanghae South Hwanghae <Image by Google earth> Ahnbyun County, Kangwon Province Completely Gave Up the Expectation of Rations Workers of companies, enterprises and residents of Ahnbyun County, Kangwon Province, said they stopped receiving rations this year. They hoped to receive even a small amount up until July, but are now thoroughly disappointed, as they have not received any food. Residents of this area have agreed that they may not receive rations at all this year. Hwang, Geum-cheol (49) describes residents’ thoughts, “Soldiers are participating in a nationwide campaign for families of military officers to receive two meals a day, and they receive no rations at all. How then can common people even imagine getting rations? Most of my friends agree with me and we have talked about the fact that getting rations is impossible. Before harvesting new crops this fall, people need to do self- sufficiency, so that everyone makes the best possible effort to feed themselves.” As Mr. Hwang’s describes the situation, “the residents of this area have very busy summer seasons and try to secure food in order to solve the food shortage before the harvest of this year. They quit their jobs for companies and enterprises that only mobilize them, and instead do their best to cultivate them land, by planting even one extra head of Korean cabbage or radish.
    [Show full text]
  • North Koreans Subject to Harsher Market Controls
    NK Brief No. 09-5-6-1 NORTH KOREANS SUBJECT TO HARSHER MARKET CONTROLS Good Friends, a non-profit organization working for human rights in North Korea, reported recently that North Korean residents are becoming increasingly discontent due to the government’s strengthening of restrictions on markets. The group’s online newsletter, “North Korea Today,” reported in its most recent issue (no. 275) that a new list of banned items, presented as the “February 17th policy”, was issued by authorities to women selling goods in the market in Chungjin, North Hamgyong Province on April 10th. According to a Good Friends source, Party propaganda officials were dispatched to markets in broadcasting trucks in order to announce the new measure, blaring that the selling of goods on the list of banned items would be considered “anti-socialist” activity, and would be punished accordingly. Other sources report that the ban has resulted in an increase of door-to-door sales, and that those in the market are still willing to take individual orders for goods on the banned list, and then meet outside of the market to complete the deal. In Hyeryong, North Hamgyong Province and Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, the “February 17 policy” was posted around markets, but the details of the policy were not explained. In the city of Hamheung, market hours were also restricted, with sellers only allowed to operate from 1~6 pm. The goods restricted were mostly imported wares, with as much as 90 percent of foreign goods banned, and absolutely all South Korean products blocked. Those caught selling restricted items can expect to have their goods confiscated, with additional punishment not unheard of.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 UCI ROAD Calendar - InteracVe Version Coming… 18.11.2020
    2021 UCI ROAD Calendar - Interac5ve version coming… 18.11.2020 Date From Date To Name Country Cat. Class WebSite 15/11/2020 16/11/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - Venezuela (2020) BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELACN www,instagram.com/fvciclismo 21/11/2020 21/11/2020 Elite Road Central American Championships - ME - ITTPANAMA ME 1.2 hUp://fepaci.com.pa/ 21/11/2020 21/11/2020 Elite Road Central American Championships - WE - ITTPANAMA WE 1.2 hUp://fepaci.com.pa/ 21/11/2020 21/11/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - Israel (IRR) ISRAEL CN 21/11/2020 21/11/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - Israel (IRR - WE) ISRAEL CN 15/11/2020 22/11/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - El Salvador EL SALVADOR CN www.fsc.org.sv 18/11/2020 22/11/2020 Grand Prix Chantal Biya CAMEROON ME 2.2 22/11/2020 22/11/2020 Elite Road Central American Championships - WE - IRRPANAMA WE 1.2 hUp://fepaci.com.pa/ 22/11/2020 22/11/2020 Elite Road Central American Championships - ME - IRRPANAMA ME 1.2 hUp://fepaci.com.pa/ 23/11/2020 28/11/2020 Vuelta Ciclista al Ecuador ECUADOR ME 2.2 ECUADOR 02/12/2020 05/12/2020 Championnats Na5onaux Route - Algérie (2020) ALGERIA CN www.fac.dz 05/12/2020 06/12/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - Brasil BRAZIL CN www.cbc.esp.br 11/12/2020 13/12/2020 Championnats Na5onaux Route - Maroc MOROCCO CN 12/12/2020 13/12/2020 Na5onal Road Championships - Paraguay (2020) PARAGUAY CN Fpc.org.py 13/01/2021 17/01/2021 New Zealand Cycle Classic NEW ZEALAND ME 2.2 www.cycletournz.com 23/01/2021 23/01/2021 Gravel and Tar Classic NEW ZEALAND ME 1.2 www.gravelandtar.com
    [Show full text]