09-151.pdf

February 19-21 President George W. Bush visits South Korea, including the
DMZ, on February 20. The night before the visit to the DMZ,
a North Korean soldier found south of the zone claims that he
had walked towards the southern limit line carrying three
machine-guns and had fired one of them. On March 5, the
NNSC interviews the soldier, who re-confirms that he does not
intend to return.
June 29 In the second West Sea battle, North Korea sinks one South
Korean vessel and five men are killed. One high-speed boat is
sunk and five soldiers killed. One North Korean vessel is
damaged and ten seamen die.
July 10 The UNC/MAC protests against the sea battle to the KPA
Panmunjom Mission. The incident is regarded as a serious
armistice violation, but the North does not make any response.
In late July, North Korea for the first time directly expresses its
regret to South Korean authorities.
August 4-23 The NNSC takes part in salvaging the sunk boat.
August 6 At the 13th round of General Officers’ talks, the UNC notifies
the KPA about its investigation of the sea battle. Admission of
the incident, a promise to prevent a recurrence and punishment
of those responsible is urged.
September 12 At the 14th round of General Officers’ talks, agreement is
reached on opening the eastern railway based on the Armistice
Agreement.
September 14 At the sixth round of working level military talks, an agreement
on the military aspects of opening railways and roads is
adopted.
September 17 North and South Korea sign “The Agreement on Materials for
Equipment for Re-connection of Inter-Korean Railways and
Highways.”
October 17 North Korea admits that it had been engaged in developing a
programme of highly enriched uranium for nuclear weapons in
violation of the 1991 Joint North-South Declaration but not of
the Agreed Framework.
Appendix
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