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1 January 1995

US National Security Advisor Anthony Lake says that the United States will supply North Korea with 50,000 tons of heavy-fuel oil by 21 January 1995. Lake says that North Korea has frozen its nuclear program and allowed IAEA inspectors to verify the freeze. He adds that the nuclear agreement is verifiable throughout the phases of the agreement.

Reuters, 1 January 1995.

9 January 1995

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Winston Lord says that the United States will finance the disposal of spent fuel rods from North Korea’s nuclear reactors and will also provide funding for the “start-up” costs of KEDO.

Washington Times, 10 January 1995, p.1.

11 January 1995

South Korea, Japan, and the United States finalize an agreement to establish KEDO. Under the terms of the agreement, KEDO will be headquartered in New York and headed by a US ambassador or US assistant vice minister-level official. Both South Korea and Japan agree to provide KEDO with a deputy secretary-general. The United States also agrees to finance the bulk of the cost of the heavy-fuel oil while the light-water reactors are being constructed. South Korea agrees to pay over half the cost of the construction of the light-water reactors while Japan will finance about 30 percent of the construction costs.

Newsreview, 14 January 1995, p.6; The Economist, 14 January 1994, p.36.

16 January 1995

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman says that North Korea’s nuclear agreement with the United States will be threatened if it were to be supplied with South Korean nuclear reactors.

Reuters, 16 January 1995.

18 January 1995

North Korea receives the first shipment of heavy-fuel oil promised under the 1994 Agreed Framework.

Washington Post, 19 January 1995, p.A22.

18 January 1995

North Korea and the United States begin talks on the future safe-storage of the 8,000 nuclear spent fuel rods. According to a US official, a “tentative agreement” is reached. As a first step, experts will clean the pond water where the spent fuel rods are kept. By mid-1995, the rods will be placed in stainless steel canisters with a non-reactive gas to “slow the deterioration” of the rods as they remain in the canisters awaiting transport out of North Korea. The rods will then be transported out of North Korea after the light-water reactors have been constructed.

Reuters, 18 January 1995.

21 January 1995

The United States begins implementing the 1994 Agreed Framework and relaxes some trade restrictions on North Korea for the first time in 44 years.

Washington Times, 21 January 1995, p.A1.

24 January 1995

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian Affairs Thomas Hubbard says that the United States would like Australia, New Zealand, China, and other G-7 countries to become involved in KEDO.

Executive News Service, 24 January 1995.

25 January 1995

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Panov says that Russia will not accept the role of a “junior brother” in KEDO. He adds that North Korea is interested in receiving Russian light-water reactors because it is familiar with Russian equipment.

Itar-Tass (Moscow), 25 January 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-016, 25 January 1995.

31 January 1995

US officials arrive in North Korea to discuss the establishment of liaison offices in Pyongyang and Washington. The offices are being established as part of the US-North Korean Agreed Framework. US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott says that the “willingness of the United States to develop its own relations with the North depends on the North’s willingness to pursue inter-Korean dialogue.”

Executive News Service, 31 January 1995.

2 February 1995

US officials say that due to difficulties in finding a third country willing to accept North Korea’s nuclear spent fuel rods, the rods may have to be brought to the United States for reprocessing.

Washington Times, 2 February 1995, pp.A1, A12.

7 February 1995

North Korea requests an additional $500 million-$1 billion to fund new transformer lines and electrical power substations, and to build a simulator to train reactor operators. The United States rejects North Korea’s request. US officials say that the United States has “no intention” of supplying North Korea with a new power grid or any of the other requested items.

Washington Post, 8 February 1995, p.A24.

9 February 1995

North Korea rejects US demands that it recommence dialogue with South Korea as a component of the 1994 Agreed Framework, contending that the two issues are separate.

Reuters, 9 February 1995.

16 February 1995

The commander of US forces in South Korea, Army General Gary Luck tells the US Senate Armed Forces Committee that North Korea may have diverted some of the heavy-fuel oil supplies to its military. US Ambassador Robert Gallucci says that the United States has protested North Korea’s diversion of the oil. Gallucci further asserts that the oil may have been diverted for industrial production.

Reuters, 16 February 1995; New York Times, 24 February 1995, p.A5.

17 February 1995

An unidentified Chinese arms control expert says that China can play a marginal role in KEDO.

Reuters, 17 February 1995.

17 February 1995

US officials consider a plan that will allow South Korea to use the name of a US nuclear company to construct the nuclear reactors in North Korea. US nuclear companies such as Westinghouse and Bechtel Group Inc. have expressed an interest in offering their names to the project.

Washington Times, 17 February 1995, p.A1, A15.

17 February 1995

A high-ranking Japanese diplomatic official says that Russia will not supply North Korea with light-water reactors under the US-North Korean Agreed Framework.

Itar-Tass (Moscow), 17 February 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-033, 17 February 1995.

20 February 1995

South Korea refuses to accept a North Korean suggestion that it play a secondary role in furnishing light-water reactors to North Korea. South Korea insists that it should be defined as the main supplier of the reactors in any contracts arranged between North Korea and KEDO.

Financial Times, 21 February 1995, p.6.

4 March 1995

South Korean Assistant Foreign Minister Lee Jae-chun says that if North Korea does not comply with the 1994 Agreed Framework, Team Spirit military exercises with the United States will be resumed.

Jane’s Defence Weekly, 4 March 1995, p.4.

7 March 1995

The Japanese government formally approves Japan’s participation in KEDO. Japan will be responsible for 20-25 percent of the $4 billion reactor project.

Nucleonics Week, 16 March 1995, p.14.

8 March 1995

The US Senate passes an amendment to the Pentagon spending bill, which requires congressional approval for aid to North Korea. The US Congress no longer wants the Clinton administration to access reprogrammed or emergency funds for North Korea without congressional approval.

Defense News, 20-26 March 1995, pp.3,50.

9 March 1995

US Ambassador Robert Gallucci, South Korean Ambassador Choe Dong-jin, and Japanese Ambassador Tetsuya Endo sign an agreement formally establishing KEDO. The agreement names the South Korean “standard nuclear plant model” as the type of light-water reactor to be provided to North Korea. Gallucci, Choe, and Endo jointly announce that North Korea will be provided with the necessary reactor components “only after it [North Korea] has complied with its full-scope safeguards obligations.” Australia, Canada, and New Zealand formally join KEDO.

Executive News Service, 10 March 1995; Nuclear News, April 1995, p.17; New York Times, 10 March 1995, p.A6.

9 March 1995

Russian Atomic Ministry spokesman Georgy Kaurov announces that Russia will join KEDO.

Reuters (Moscow), 9 March 1995.

11 March 1995

South Korean Foreign Minister Kong No-myong says that Russia can participate in KEDO by supplying uranium fuel for the light-water reactors. Kong reiterates that the light-water reactors supplied will be Korean models.

Yonhap (Seoul), 11 April 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-069, 11 April 1995.

13 March 1995

US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Walter Slocombe and Ambassador Robert Gallucci concede that North Korea may have diverted a portion of the first heavy-fuel oil shipment for military purposes.

Defense News, 20-26 March 1995, pp.3,50.

21 March 1995

North Korea announces that it will discontinue the freeze on its nuclear program if a contract for the provision of light-water rectors is not concluded by 21 April 1995. A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman adds that North had “made it clear” during the October 1994 negotiations with the United States that it would restart its nuclear facilities if the light-water reactor contract was not finalized within six months.

Los Angeles Times, 23 March 1995, pp.A1, A13; Reuters, 23 March 1995; Reuters, 22 March 1995.

25 March 1995

North Korea and the United States begin discussions in Berlin to break the deadlock concerning South Korea’s role in the supply of the light-water reactors. North Korea expresses concerns over safety problems and demands that US companies such as Westinghouse and Combustion Engineering be responsible for the systems design of key reactor components. It also demands an additional $1 billion from the United States for power transmission lines and other equipment. The United States insists that “South Korea be selected as the primary contractor” and assume the central role in the designing, manufacturing, and constructing the reactors. The talks end on 27 March 1995 in an impasse.

Washington Post, 28 March 1995, p.A11; Reuters, 27 March 1995; Yonhap (Seoul), 29 March 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-060, 29 March 1995.

29 March 1995

The IAEA Board of Governors asks North Korea to permit IAEA inspectors to measure the amount of plutonium in the spent fuel of its 5MW gas-graphite reactor and in the waste from its radiochemical lab [reprocessing facility]. It also requests that the Agency be allowed to verify the freeze on North Korea’s nuclear facilities.

Yonhap (Seoul), 30 March 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-061, 30 March 1995.

4 April 1995

The United States tells South Korea that it intends to delay the opening of the US-North Korean liaison offices until after June 1995 so that it can be linked to the resolution of discussions between the United States and North Korea and improved relations between North and South Korea.

Kyonghyang Sinmun (Seoul), 5 April 1995, p.2.

5 April 1995

South Korea agrees on making a “project manager” for KEDO responsible for signing a contract and coordinating the construction of the light-water reactors in North Korea. The United States suggests that a “project supervisory organization” headed by a US company be created to handle communication between North Korea and the South Korean contractor. South Korea recommends that the US Company Bechtel be selected as the project manager for KEDO.

Munhwa Ilbo (Seoul), 5 April 1995, p.1; Yonhap (Seoul), 23 April 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-078, 23 April 1995.

8 April 1995

South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and National Unification Minister Na Ung-pae offers to let North Korean officials visit reactor No. 3 and 4 of the Ulchin nuclear plant to investigate the safety of South Korean light-water reactors.

Yonhap (Seoul), 8 April 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-068, 8 April 1995.

21 April 1995

Singapore donates $300,000 to KEDO after receiving requests from Japan, South Korea, and the United States.

Singapore Radio Corporation (Singapore), 21 April 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-079, 25 April 1995.

24 April 1995

The US state department says that the United States has not excluded the possibility of a country other than South Korea building light-water reactors in North Korea.

Washington Times, 28 April 1995, pp.A1, A16.

26 April 1995

South Korean sources reveal that China has told North Korea that it will not veto UN Security Council sanctions against North Korea in the event that the latter restarts its nuclear program. However, China is unable to persuade North Korea to accept South Korean light-water reactors.

Tong-A Ilbo (Seoul), 26 April 1995, p.1; in FBIS-EAS-95-080, 26 April 1995; Chungang Ilbo (Seoul), 23 March 1995, p.5; in FBIS-EAS-95-101, 23 March 1995.

25 April 1995

A March 1995 intelligence report compiled for US President Bill Clinton says that North Korea is likely to continue its program to develop nuclear weapons despite the 1994 Agreed Framework. The report further says that North Korea will allow the dismantlement of its nuclear program to occur only if it has covertly developed another source of fissile material.

Washington Times, 25 April 1995, pp.A1, A20.

10 May 1995

Following three days of talks, US Ambassador Robert Gallucci, South Korean Ambassador Choe Dong-jin and Japanese Ambassador Tetsuya Endo confirm that South Korea must play a primary role in the provision of light-water reactors to North Korea. They also advise North Korea not to restart its nuclear program prior to negotiations with the United States.

Washington Times, 11 May 1995, p.A20.

15 May 1995

North Korea and the United States agree to resume talks in Kuala Lumpur on 19 May 1995 to resolve the nuclear impasse.

International Herald Tribune (Paris), 16 May 1995.

18 May 1995

US officials announce that they will postpone the second 50,000-ton heavy-fuel oil shipment to North Korea until the latter responds to charges that it diverted part of an earlier shipment. On 25 May 1995, US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns clarifies that the United States has not linked the issue of heavy-fuel oil shipments to the settlement of the light-water reactor issue.

Washington Times, 20 May 1995, pp.A1, A7; Yonhap (Seoul) 26 May 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-102, 26 May 1995.

1 June 1995

A senior Japanese foreign ministry official states that “Japan will provide interest-free loans for the building of the replacement light-water reactors to be supplied to North Korea.”

Nihon Keizei Shimbun (Tokyo), 16 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-122-A, 16 June 1995.

8 June 1995

The US Congress amends the “Gilman bill” to state that South Korea should undertake a principal role in the provision light-water reactors to North Korea, and to require congressional notification of future US financial contributions to North Korea or KEDO.

Yonhap (Seoul), 10 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-112, 10 June 1995.

12 June 1995

IAEA Director General Hans Blix informs the IAEA Board of Governors that North Korea has serviced its 5MW gas-graphite reactor and is expected to do the same at its radiochemcial lab [reprocessing facility].

KBS-1 (Seoul), 12 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-112, 12 June 1995.

13 June 1995

The KEDO Executive Council meets in Seoul to outline the steps that KEDO will take to conclude a light-water reactor supply contract with North Korea.

Yonhap (Seoul), 13 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-113, 13 June 1995; Sinmun (Seoul), 15 June 1995, p.5; in FBIS-EAS-95-116, 15 June 1995.

13 June 1995

Malaysia announces that it will provide $300,000 to KEDO.

Radio Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), 13 June 1995, in FBIS-EAS-95-115, 13 June 1995.

13 June 1995

North Korea and the United States issue a joint statement in Kuala Lumpur outlining the mutually agreed provisions for further implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework. The statement defines the reactors to be provided to North Korea as “two pressurized light-water reactors with two coolant loops and a generating capacity of approximately 1,000MW each.” The design model is defined as “the advanced version of US-origin design and technology currently under production.” The joint statement further says that North Korea’s Commission for External Economic Relations will meet with KEDO to resolve remaining issues in order to complete a supply contract on a “turnkey basis.” A “program coordinator” provided by a US company will be chosen by KEDO to “assist KEDO in supervising overall implementation of the [light-water reactor] project.” North Korea and the United States agree to refer to the South Korean-model reactors in the light-water reactor supply contract using a “technical description that alludes only indirectly to their South Korean origin.” US Ambassador Robert Gallucci says that the joint statement gives an “accurate description” of the South Korean Ulchin reactors No.3 and 4, and that KEDO has taken the necessary steps” to guarantee that South Korea will be the primary supplier of the light-water reactors. The two countries further agree that a group of US experts will travel to North Korea in June 1995 to begin implementing safe storage of nuclear spent fuel and that KEDO will arrange the delivery of heavy-fuel oil without delay.

Reuters, 13 June 1995; Washington Post, 13 June 1995; Yonhap (Seoul) 14 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-114, 14 June 1995.

14 June 1995

KEPCO President Yi Chong-hun says that KEPCO will provide the technological expertise necessary for KEDO to choose a light-water reactor construction site and carry out the project. An initial feasibility survey will determine whether the Nampo or Sinpo sites are appropriate for light-water reactor construction.

Sinmun (Seoul), 15 June 1995, p.5; in FBIS-EAS-95-116, 15 June 1995

15 June 1995

The United States sends a team of technical specialists to North Korea to address the clean up of fuel rods contained in the nuclear spent fuel pond at Yongbyon. The delegation includes representatives from the US Departments of Energy and State as well as Department of Energy contractors Centec and Nuclear Assurance Corp.

NuclearFuel, 19 June 1995, p.15.

17-24 June 1995

North Korea and United States resolve technical details and agree on a mutually acceptable schedule for heavy-fuel oil shipments. The United States agrees to start shipment of oil to North Korea in August 1995. Forthcoming oil shipments will be monitored by KEDO.

China Radio International (Beijing), 26 June 1995; in FBIS-CHI-95-123, 26 June 1995.

21 June 1995

Japan asks representatives of 28 countries to become contributing members of KEDO.

Sankei Shimbun (Tokyo), 22 June 1995, p.5; in FBIS-EAS-95-123, 22 June 1995.

25 June 1995

US Ambassador Robert Gallucci says that North Korea and the United States are not likely to open diplomatic liaison offices by July 1995, but that the offices could be opened in the forthcoming months upon resolution of the remaining consular and technical questions.

Yonhap (Seoul), 23 June 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-121, 23 June 1995.

27 June 1995

South Korea announces that North Korea has agreed to install equipment in storage tanks and oil lines to preclude the re-routing of oil.

China Radio International (Beijing), 26 June 1995; in FBIS-CHI-95-123, 26 June 1995.

29 June 1995

US Ambassador Robert Gallucci says that in the event that the South Korean firm designated as the main contractor in the light-water reactor project subcontracts to a US firm, the 1994 Agreed Framework will have to be supplemented by an additional US-North Korean agreement that will require congressional approval.

Nuclear Proliferation News, 11 July 1995.

July 1995

The Philippines pledges $100,000 to KEDO.

Manila Standard, 3 July 1995, p.4; in FBIS-EAS-95-129,

3 July 1995.

5 July 1995

South Korea and the United States differ over the role of the secretary general in KEDO. The United States prefers a “secretary general-centered system” in which the secretary general will be able to “formulate all KEDO policies” and have only secondary consultations with South Korea and Japan. South Korea prefers a “three-nation consultation system” which will allow Japan, South Korea and the United States to jointly determine KEDO policy. South Korea fears that its central role in the light-water reactor project will be threatened by a “secretary general-centered system.”

Yonhap (Seoul), 1 July 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-128, 1 July 1995; Munhwa Ilbo (Seoul), 4 July 1995, p.4; in FBIS-EAS-95-128.

9 July 1995

A South Korean official says that South Korea and Japan are likely to select the US construction firm Bechtel to be the program coordinator for the KEDO light-water reactor project in North Korea.

Kyonghyang Sinmum (Seoul), 10 July 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS-95-131, 10 July 1995.

19 July 1995

KEDO begins formal office operations in New York.

Munhwa Ilbo (Seoul), 19 July 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS-95-138, 19 July 1995.

21 July 1995

South Korea announces that the US companies Combustion Engineering (ABB-CE), General Electric, and the Sergent & Lundy will act as technical consultants to South Korean companies that will build the light-water reactors in North Korea.

Yonhap (Seoul), 21 July 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-140, 21 Jluy 1995.

24 July 1994

The South Korean Secretary General of the Office of Planning for the light-water reactor project Choe Tong-jin says that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the South Korean company KEPCO and the US firm ABB-CE has the inappropriate effect of guaranteeing the US company a significant role in the light-water reactor project. The MOU signed on 24 March 1995 stipulates that KEPCO will not be required to pay royalties to ABB-CE if the role the latter plays in constructing South Korean standard nuclear reactors elsewhere is equal to that which it played in constructing South Korea’s Ulchin No. 3 and 4 reactors.

Yonhap (Seoul), 24 July 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-141, 24 July 1995; Yonhap (Seoul), 21 July 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-140, 21 July 1995.

27 July 1995

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Panov says that the Russian Nuclear Power Production Ministry (Minatom) will make a final decision on whether Russia will join KEDO.

Interfax (Moscow), 27 July 1995; in FBIS-SOV-95-145, 27 July 1995.

31 July 1995

South Korea, Japan, and the United States convene a meeting of KEDO’s Executive Council in New York. Stephen Bosworth is inaugurated as KEDO Executive Director. Choe Young-jin of South Korea and Umezu Itaru of Japan are retained as Deputy Executive Directors.

The Executive Council determines that a light-water reactor site survey team will go to North Korea in mid-August. Bosworth reports that the “initial atmosphere” was “not favorable” following contacts with North Korea regarding the dispatch of the survey mission and the negotiation of the light-water reactor supply contract.

KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 31 July 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-147; Yonhap (Seoul), 1 August 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-147, 1 August 1995.

1 August 1995

KEDO holds its first general meeting in New York. Representatives from 31 countries participate in the meeting. China does not attend the meeting. The US state department says that 12 countries have promised to contribute a total of $16.8 million to KEDO to finance construction of the light-water reactors in North Korea. Contributions include $5.8 million from Japan, $1.8 million from South Korea, $5 million from Australia, $1.8 million from Italy over a three year period, $1.2 million from Canada, $1.8 million from the United Kingdom, $320,000 from New Zealand, $300,000 from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei together, $120,000 from Finland, and $25,000 from Greece. Indonesia’s contribution will be a shipment of 3,000 tons of heating oil to North Korea. The Netherlands offers $500,000 for the project.

Yonhap (Seoul), 1 August 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-147, 1 August 1995.

15 August 1995

KEDO sends a 10-member team to North Korea to survey Sinpo, the proposed site for the construction of the light-water reactors. North Korea demands $2.5 million from KEDO in outstanding survey debts from the cancelled Soviet project to build two VVER-440 reactors at Sinpo.

Reuters (Beijing), 15 August 1995; Nuclear News, October 1995, pp.44-45.

28 August 1995

North Korean Prime Minister Kang Song-san’s son-in-law, Kang Myong-do, who had defected in May 1994, says in an interview that subterranean facilities he observed under construction in North Korea’s Chagang Province in 1989 are probably used to store plutonium or produce nuclear warheads.

Chungang Ilbo (Seoul), 28 August 1995, p.3; in FBIS-TAC-95-005, 28 August 1995.

1 September 1995

A group of technicians from the US firm Centec-21 arrive at Yongbyon and start operations to stabilize the spent fuel storage pond and clean the water in the pond. A US Department of Energy contractor, NAC International, will spend six months packing the 8,000 nuclear spent fuel rods from the fuel pool.

Reuters, 20 September 1995; in Executive News Service, 20 September 1995.

11-15 September 1995

KEDO and North Korean officials meet in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the contract for building two light-water reactors in North Korea. During negotiations, the United States and North Korea each present draft contracts outlining the “scope of supply” and the repayment terms for the construction of $4.5 billion reactors. North Korea asks for supplementary technical and monetary aid totaling several hundred million dollars, but KEDO and US officials say that such aid is not consistent with the 1994 Agreed Framework. At the end of the talks, KEDO and North Korea issue a joint communique stating that the two sides will finish the agreement on the transfer of the light-water reactors as soon as possible.

Arms Control Today, October 1995, p.22; Yonhap (Seoul), 11 September 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-175, 11 September 1995; Kyonghyang Sinmum (Seoul), 16 September 1995, 16 September 1995, p.2.

12 September 1995

Thailand pledges to contribute $300,000 to KEDO. On 29 September 1995, Thailand also agrees to supply oil to North Korea.

Munhwa Ilbo (Seoul), 13 September 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS-95-177, 13 September 1995.

14 September 1995

During a two day meeting of KEDO’s Executive Council, the United States proposes that linkages be drawn between the scope of the light-water reactor supply and the terms of payment and issues such as the implementation of nuclear inspections, a nuclear freeze, and compensation in the event of radioactive leaks. Both Japan and South Korea criticize the proposal on the grounds that the package deal will expand the scope of the light-water reactor supply and thereby increase costs.

Chungang Ilbo (Seoul), 20 September 1995, p.1; in FBIS-EAS-95-183, 20 September 1995.

16 September 1995

A KEDO official says that during the 11-15 September 1995 North Korean-KEDO talks, North Korea did not object to KEDO using the term “ROK” (South Korea) when referring to the type of light-water reactors it will receive under the terms of the agreement. In the past, North Korea has objected to designating the light-water reactors as South Korean reactors.

Kyonghyang Sinmun (Seoul), 16 September 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-180, 16 September 1995

15-20 September 1995

The IAEA sends a team of inspectors to North Korea to monitor its compliance with the NPT and the 21 October 1994 Agreed Framework. The IAEA requests that it be allowed to expand its monitoring activities in North Korea and improve its technical capability to confirm that North Korea’s maintenance of the 5MW gas-graphite reactor at Yongbyon and the plutonium processing facility does not reflect an attempt to revive its nuclear program.

Arms Control Today, October 1995, p.22.

18 September 1995

The US House of Representatives adopts a resolution exhorting President Bill Clinton not to improve relations or ease economic restrictions on North Korea until it makes efforts to fulfill the terms of the North-South Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Reuters, 18 September 1995.

21 September 1995

The US Senate approves a foreign aid bill that requires North Korea to relax trade barriers with South Korea and to put a South Korean contractor in charge of the light-water reactor project before US funds are to be released.

Washington Post, 23 September 1995, pp.1, 14.

22 September 1995

Member states attending the IAEA General Conference adopt a resolution concerning nuclear safeguards in North Korea. The resolution calls on North Korea to cooperate with the IAEA to “preserve intact” all data pertinent to determining the “accuracy and completeness” of North Korea’s original nuclear inventory report until North Korea “comes into full compliance with the safeguards agreement.” In his opening statement, IAEA Director General Hans Blix tells the conference that unresolved concerns include the disposition of nuclear spent fuel from North Korea’s 5MW gas-graphite reactor and installation of waste tank monitoring equipment at its reprocessing plant.

IAEA Press Release (Vienna), 22 September 1995; in FBIS-TAC-95-005, 22 September 1995; Nuclear Proliferation News, 12 October 1995, pp.1-3.

23 September 1995

The South Korean Unification Board presents the National Assembly with a draft agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy with North Korea.

Seoul Sinmun (Seoul), 24 September 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS-95-185, 24 September 1995.

25 September 1995

IAEA Director General Hans Blix reports to a special IAEA Board of Governors meeting that North Korea has denied the IAEA permission to measure the amount of plutonium in the 8,000 spent fuel rods or in the liquid-waste at its radiochemical lab [reprocessing facility]. Blix says that North Korea agreed only to allow IAEA inspectors to determine if the fuel rods were irradiated and to photograph the radiochemical lab. North Korea has indicated that it will make the examination of plutonium contingent upon progress in negotiations for a light-water reactor supply contract.

KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 26 September 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-186, 26 September 1995; Yonhap (Seoul), 12 September 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-176, 12 September 1995.

25 September 1995

North Korea receives the second of three KEDO heavy-fuel oil shipments for 1995.

Arms Control Today, October 1995, p.22.

26 September 1995

South Korea appeals to Kuwait to participate in KEDO by supplying heavy-fuel oil supply. Kuwait promises to consult with other Gulf Cooperation Council states to consider the proposal. South Korean Foreign Minister Kong No-myong and KEDO Executive Director Stephen Bosworth announce that they have agreed to ask the “maximum number of states” to participate in KEDO.

Korea Herald (Seoul), 28 September 1995, pp. 1, 10; in FBIS-EAS-95-189, 28 September 1995.

28 September 1998

A North Korean foreign ministry spokesman says that North Korea will not pay any of the costs of the light-water reactors to KEDO before they have been constructed “in the way a commercial operation can be carried out.” The spokesman adds that North Korea has the right to inspect the safety of the reactors before they are owned and operated by North Korea.

Korean Central Broadcasting Network (Pyongyang), 28 September 1995, 28 September 1995; in FBIS-TAC-95-005, 28 September 1995.

28 September 1995

North Korea’s foreign ministry expresses dissatisfaction with the slow pace of implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework.

Nuclear Proliferation News, 12 October 1995, pp.15-16.

30 September 1995

North Korea and KEDO begin working-level talks on the supply of the two light-water reactors to North Korea. Talks cover North Korea’s repayment terms for the cost of the reactor program and the extent to which training, safety equipment, and other technology will be provided with the reactors. A US state department spokesman says that North Korea did not ask for thermal plants during the September 1995 talks at Kuala Lumpur.

Nucleonics Week, 5 October 1995, p.10; Yonhap (Seoul), 26 September 1995; in BBC Monitoring Service: Asia-Pacific, 27 September 1995.

Late-September 1995

The United States rejects as “not implementable” the IAEA’s requests to verify North Korea’s nuclear history. The IAEA wants to inspect the plutonium contained in North Korea’s nuclear fuel rods located in a cooling pond. The United States wants to store the rods and delay inspections for four or five years, after which the rods can be examined with special inspections of North Korea’s undeclared nuclear facilities. IAEA officials insist that it will be impossible to verify North Korea’s nuclear past if the rods are not examined prior to storage. A US official insists however, that the stance taken by the Agency represents an “abrogation of the Geneva Agreement.”

Choson Ilbo (Seoul), 21 September 1995, p.2; Kyonghyang Sinmum (Seoul), 26 September 1995, p.3.

1 October 1995

Selig Harrison, a Carnegie Endowment Peace Scholar says that North Korea’s military is displeased that the contract to transfer light-water reactors to North Korea has not been signed within the six month period outlined in the 1994 Agreed Framework. According to Harrison, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister Kang Sok-ju doubts the United States’ sincerity. North Korea does not dismiss the idea of South Korean technicians working on the light-water reactors.

KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 1 October 1995; FBIS-EAS-95-190, 1 October 1995.

13 October 1995

IAEA Director General Hans Blix says in a report to the UN Security Council that North Korea has denied the IAEA inspectors permission to evaluate the plutonium levels in the nuclear spent fuel. Blix adds that North Korea has only provided the IAEA with minimal access to its Yongbyon nuclear facilities.

KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 14 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 14 October 1995.

13 October 1995

US state department spokesman Nicholas Burns says that the United States is confident that North Korea will fulfill its obligations under the 1994 Agreed Framework.

Yonhap (Seoul), 14 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 14 October 1995.

14 October 1995

KEDO’s Executive Council rejects North Korea’s request for an additional $1 billion worth of supplementary light-water reactor facilities. North Korea’s request for a 30-year repayment plan with a 10-year grace period is also found to be unacceptable.

KBS-1 Radio Network (Seoul), 14 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 14 October 1995; Yonhap (Seoul), 17 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 17 October 1995.

16 October 1995

KEDO and North Korean officials begin a second round of talks in New York.

Yonhap (Seoul), 19 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 19 October 1995.

19 October 1995

Japanese Prime Minister Tomichi Murayama asks Kuwait to help supply heavy-fuel oil to North Korea through KEDO.

Kyodo (Tokyo), 19 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-202, 19 October 1995.

20 October 1995

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien informs South Korean President Kim Yong-sam that Canada will join KEDO.

Korea Herald (Seoul), 21 October 1995, pp.1,9; in FBIS-EAS-95-204, 21 October 1995.

21 October 1995

North Korean and KEDO officials release a joint communique stating that the second-round negotiations are proceeding “in a positive manner,” that some progress has been made on certain important issues, and that both sides have agreed to reach an agreement at the earliest possible date.

Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 22 October 1995; FBIS-EAS-95-204, 22 October 1995.

23 October 1995

In an interview, North Korean Ambassador Ho Jong says that “North Korea has earnestly implemented all provisions of the [North Korean]-US agreement,” but the United States has not yet taken substantive steps to lift economic sanctions. Ho adds that North Korea and KEDO “have agreed that the light-water reactor project cannot be resolved through international business norms and practices, but should be resolved politically,” and that the eventual framework must be implemented according to the “principle of simultaneous actions.” Ho states that North Korea and KEDO are likely to sign an agreement in one or two weeks.

Hangyore Sinmum (Seoul), 23 October 1995, p.7; in FBIS-EAS-95-204, 23 October 1995.

31 October 1995

Responding to North Korea’s demands for additional facilities for the proposed light-water reactor project, KEDO agrees to construct roads, a port, and workers’ lodging quarters and to furnish the water and electricity necessary for the construction of the reactors. South Korea insists that it cannot allow further expenses.

Choson Ilbo (Seoul), 31 October 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS-95-212, 31 October 1995.

31 October 1995

South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Na Ung-pae tells parliament that South Korea will not pay for the cost of power transmission and distribution facilities; nor will it fund a “nuclear fuel plant” for North Korea.

Yonhap (Seoul), 31 October 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-210, 31 October 1995.

November 1995

A KEDO official says that the light-water reactors are likely to cost $6 billion, up from the previous estimate of $4-4.5 billion.

KBS-1 Radio (Seoul), 12 November 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-220, 12 November 1995.

1 November 1995

The UN General Assembly passes a resolution urging North Korea to cooperate with the IAEA to allow the successful implementation of its nuclear safeguards agreement.

Yonhap (Seoul), 2 November 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-216, 2 November 1995.

15 November 1995

In response to a 10 November 1995 US Senate resolution, a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman says that if the US Congress insists on linking the improvement of bilateral US-North Korean relations with continued dialogue between North and South Korea, the 1994 Agreed Framework could be “endangered.”

Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 15 November 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-220, 15 November 1995.

29 November 1995

The European Union (EU) decides to join KEDO. The EU is expected to contribute $20 million towards the shipment of heavy-fuel oil to North Korea.

Chungang Ilbo (Seoul), 1 December 1995, p.2; in FBIS-EAS95-235, 1 December 1995.

12 December 1995

The United States discloses its intentions to begin relaxing sanctions against North Korea. South Korea asks for a delay in lifting sanctions, saying North Korea is still "“rejecting South Korean authorities.” A US official is quoted as saying that the United States may eventually offer North Korea the most-favored-nation status, provided that North Korea makes visible efforts to improve North-South relations.

Hanguk Ilbo (Seoul), 15 December 1995, p.1; in FBIS-EAS-95-241, 15 December 1995.

15 December 1995

KEDO announces that from January 1995 to 28 October 1995, North Korea has received 156,791 tons of heavy oil. The total cost of the fuel supply, with transportation and insurance, came to $15,580,200.

Yonhap (Seoul), 15 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-243, 15 December 1995.

15 December 1995

North Korea and KEDO sign a light-water reactor supply agreement according to the terms of the 1994 Agreed Framework. North Korean Ambassador Ho Jong calls the agreement an important step in implementing the 21 October 1994 Agreed Framework, but warns that full implementation of the agreement will depend on US adherence to the “principle of simultaneous action.” Ho urges the United States and other KEDO members to end their references to the North Korean “nuclear threat” and to halt Team Spirit military exercises, saying that “these commotions” jeopardize the smooth implementation of the light-water reactor project. Ho warns that North Korea will automatically restart its nuclear program if KEDO fails to meet all terms of the contract.

Yonhap (Seoul), 15 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-241, 15 December 1995; Korean Central News Agency (Pyongyang), 17 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-95-242, 17 December 1995; Washington Post, 16 December 1995, p.A17.

15 December 1995

The US Senior Director for Nonproliferation and Export Control Daniel B. Poleman says that the annual US contribution to 1994 Agreed Framework will probably be $22 million. Poleman adds that South Korea and Japan will retain their principal roles in the light-water reactor deal.

Yonhap (Seoul), 16 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-96-004, 16 December 1995.

16 December 1995

North Korea says that the freeze on its nuclear program is contingent upon how well the United States keeps the promises it made in the 15 December 1995 nuclear reactor supply contract.

Washington Post, 17 December 1995, p.A37.

16 December 1995

A KEDO survey team arrives in North Korea and begins a month-long survey of the Sinpo site to determine the geological factors that could influence the design of the light-water reactors.

Korean Central Broadcasting Network (Pyongyang), 16 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-96-010, 16 December 1996.

19 December 1995

In a letter to North Korean Ambassador Ho Jong, KEDO Executive Director Stephen Bosworth expresses KEDO’s intention to help North Korea commercially contract for power transmission lines and substation equipment. South Korean officials say that KEDO’s assistance will not result in any legal or financial commitments.

Yonhap (Seoul), 19 December 1995; in FBIS-EAS-96-004, 19 December 1995.

Acknowledgements:
Brooke Milton and Gaurav Kampani
© Center for Nonproliferation Studies,
Monterey Institute of International Studies

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