Korean Central News Agency: DPRK FM spokesman on its principled stand toward DPRK-U.S. relations Pyongyang, March 3 (KCNA) -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry gave an answer to a question put by KCNA today as regards the U.S. side's reaction to the recent statement issued by him. He said: As already reported, on Feb. 21 we issued a statement of the spokesman for the Foreign Ministry clarifying our principled stand toward a torrent of hardline remarks made By the new U.S. administration against the DPRK. The tenor of the statement is that if the U.S. propose dialogue we will respond to it with dialogue and if the U.S. comes out in confrontation we will counter it with confrontation. However, the United States is spreading the rumour that the DPRK is "threatening" it in a bid to shift the responsibility for the possible worsening DPRK-U.S. relations onto the DPRK. We have neither intention nor capacity to browbeat anyone. It is none other than the DPRK which is exposed to threat owing to the conservative hardline stand expressed by the U.S. administration. The same is true of the issue of offering light water reactors to the DPRK. The prospect for the provision of LWRS under the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework is becoming more gloomy and this gravely threatens the DPRK's right to existence as it is suffering acute shortage of electricity. Under this situation it is self-evident that it is difficult for the DPRK to unilaterally and indefinitely keep in force such measures as moratorium on the launch of satellites and missiles taken by it with good faith for DPRK-U.S. dialogue, to say nothing of the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework. Of course, we take note of the statement of the authorities of the U.S. administration that they would implement the agreed framework. What we need now is not empty words but practical actions. A year ago, we advanced a concrete proposal for the solution to the issue of the loss of electricity caused by the delayed lwr offer and the U.S. side said that it would set forth an alternative proposal. The U.S. side should put forward as soon as possible a solution to the issue of loss of electricity for which it is responsible. The U.S. is keen to impose unilateral sacrifice and loss upon the DPRK while shunning the fulfilment of its commitment and evade its responsibility by bringing the charge of "threat" against it. The U.S. should know that this wrong great-power chauvinist conception and trite trick will never go down with the DPRK. The DPRK which has sincerely implemented the agreed framework has a legitimate right to call the U.S. side to account for its insincere attitude towards its implementation and an unshakable will to exercise it. **** KOMINFORM: Below please find a part of the original DPRK-US agreement text concerning the LWR-project. Agreement on Supply of A Light-Water Reactor project to The DPRK between the Government of the DPRK and the KEDO ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is hereinafter referred to as the "DPRK") and the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (hereinafter referred to as "KEDO"); Recognizing that KEDO is an international organization to finance and supply a light-water reactor project (hereinafter referred to as the "LWR project") to the DPRK as specified in the Agreed Framework between the United States of America and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea of October 21, 1994 (hereinafter referred to as the "DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework"), Recognizing that the DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework and the June 13, 1995, DPRK-U.S. Joint Press Statement specify that the U.S. will serve as the principal point of contact with the DPRK for the LWR project, and Reaffirming that the DPRK shall perform its obligations under the relevant provisions of the DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework and shall accept the LWR project as specified in the June 13, 1995, DPRK-U.S. Joint Press Statement, Have agreed as follows: ARTICLE I SCOPE OF SUPPLY 1. KEDO shall provide the LWR project, consisting of two pressurized light-water reactor (LWR) units with two coolant loops and a generating capacity of approximately 1,000 MW(e) each, to the DPRK on a turnkey basis. The reactor model, selected by KEDO, will be the advanced version of U.S.-origin design and technology currently under production. 2. KEDO shall be responsible for the scope of supply for the LWR project, specified in Annex 1 to the Agreement. The DPRK shall be responsible for other tasks and items necessary for the LWR project, specified in Annex 2 to the Agreement. 3. The LWR project shall conform to a set of codes and standards equivalent to those of the IAEA and the U.S. and applied to the reactor model referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The set of codes and standards shall apply to the design, manufacture, construction, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the LWR plants, including safety, physical protection, environmental protection, and storage and disposal of radioactive waste. ARTICLE II TERMS OF REPAYMENT 1. KEDO shall finance the cost of the tasks and items specified in Annex 1 to the Agreement to be repaid by the DPRK on a long-term, interest-free basis. 2. The amount to be repaid by the DPRK will be jointly determined by KEDO and the DPRK based on examination by each side of the technical description of the LWR project specified in the commercial supply contract for the LWR project, the fair and reasonable market value of the LWR project, and the contract price payable by KEDO to its contractors and subcontractors under the commercial supply contracts for the tasks and items specified in Annex 1 to the Agreement. With respect to the tasks and items specified in Annex 1 to the Agreement, the DPRK shall not be responsible for any additional costs, other than those that result from actions by the DPRK or from its failure to take actions for which it is responsible, in which case the repayment amount shall be increased by an amount jointly determined by KEDO and the DPRK, based on actual added cost to the LWR project payable by KEDO. 3. The DPRK shall repay KEDO for each LWR plant in equal, semiannual installments, free of interest, over a 20-year term after completion of each LWR plant, including a three-year grace period beginning upon completion of that LWR plant. The DPRK may pay KEDO in cash, cash equivalents, or through the transfer of goods. In the event that the DPRK pays in cash equivalents or goods (such payment is hereinafter referred to as "in-kind payment"), the value of such in-kind payment shall be determined jointly by KEDO and the DPRK, based on an agreed formula for determining fair and reasonable market price. 4. Details concerning the amount and terms of repayment shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE III DELIVERY SCHEDULE 1. KEDO shall develop a delivery schedule for the LWR project aimed at achieving a completion date of 2003. The schedule of relevant steps to be performed by the DPRK under the DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework, as specified in Annex 3 to the Agreement, shall be integrated with the delivery schedule for the LWR project with the aim of achieving the performance of such steps by 2003 and the smooth implementation of the LWR project. As specified in the DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework, the provision of the LWR project and the performance of the steps specified in Annex 3 to the Agreement are mutually conditional. 2. For purposes of the Agreement, "completion" of an LWR plant means completion of performance tests that is satisfactory in accordance with the set of codes and standards specified in Article I(3). Upon completion of each plant, the DPRK shall issue to KEDO a take-over certificate for each respective plant. 3. Details concerning the schedule for the delivery of the LWR project and the performance of the steps specified in Annex 3 to the Agreement, including mutually agreed procedures for any necessary changes and completion of a significant portion of the LWR project as specified in Annex 4 to the Agreement, shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE IV IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENTS 1. The DPRK may designate a DPRK firm as its agent and authorize the firm to enter into implementing arrangements as necessary to facilitate the LWR project. 2. KEDO shall select a prime contractor to carry out the LWR project and shall conclude a commercial supply contract with this prime contractor. A U.S. firm will serve as program coordinator to assist KEDO in supervising overall implementation of the LWR project, and KEDO will select the program coordinator. 3. KEDO and the DPRK shall facilitate practical arrangements that both sides deem necessary, including efficient contacts and cooperation among the participants in the LWR project, to ensure the expeditious and smooth implementation of the LWR project. 4. Written communications required for the implementation of the Agreement may be executed in English or Korean language. Existing documents and data may be used or transmitted in their original languages. 5. KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors shall be permitted to operate offices at the project site and other directly related locations such as the nearby port or airport as shall be agreed between KEDO and the DPRK, as the progress of the LWR project may require. 6. The DPRK shall recognize KEDO's independent juridical status and shall accord KEDO and its staff such privileges and immunities in the territory of the DPRK as necessary to carry out the functions entrusted to KEDO. KEDO's juridical status and privileges and immunities shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. 7. The DPRK shall take steps to protect the safety of all personnel sent to the DPRK by KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors, and their respective property. Appropriate consular protection in conformity with established international practice shall be allowed for all such personnel. Necessary consular arrangements shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. 8. KEDO shall take steps to ensure that all personnel sent to the DPRK by KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors shall undertake to respect the relevant laws of the DPRK, as shall be agreed between KEDO and the DPRK, and to conduct themselves at all times in a decent and professional manner. 9. The DPRK shall not interfere with the repatriation, in accordance with customs clearance procedures, by KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors of construction equipment and remaining materials from the LWR project. 10. The DPRK shall seek recovery solely from the property and assets of KEDO for the satisfaction of any claims arising under the Agreement or from any of the acts and omissions, liabilities, or obligations of KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors in direct connection with the Agreement, protocols and contracts pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE V SITE SELECTION AND STUDY 1. KEDO shall conduct a study of the preferred Kumho area near Sinpo City, South Hamgyong Province to ensure that the site satisfies appropriate site selection criteria as shall be agreed between KEDO and the DPRK and to identify the requirements for construction and operation of the LWR plants, including infrastructure improvements. 2. To facilitate this study, the DPRK shall cooperate and provide KEDO with access to the relevant available information, including the results of the studies that were performed previously at this site. In the event that such data is not sufficient, KEDO shall make arrangements to obtain additional information or to conduct the necessary site studies. 3. Details concerning site access and the use of the site shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE VI QUALITY ASSURANCE AND WARRANTIES 1. KEDO shall be responsible for design and implementation of a quality assurance program in accordance with the set of codes and standards specified in Article I(3). The quality assurance program shall include appropriate procedures for design, materials, manufacture and assembly of equipment and components, and quality of construction. 2. KEDO shall provide the DPRK with appropriate documentation on the quality assurance program, and the DPRK shall have the right to participate in the implementation of the quality assurance program, which will include appropriate inspections, tests, commissioning, and review by the DPRK of the results thereof. 3. KEDO shall guarantee that the generating capacity of each LWR plant at the time of completion, as defined in Article III(2), will be approximately 1,000 MW(e). KEDO shall guarantee that the major components provided by relevant contractors and subcontractors will be new and free from defects in design, workmanship, and material for a period of two years after completion, but in no event longer than five years after the date of shipment of such major components. The LWR fuel for the initial loading for each LWR plant shall be guaranteed in accordance with standard nuclear industry practice. KEDO shall guarantee that the civil construction work for the LWR project will be free of defects in design, workmanship, and material for a period of two years after completion. 4. Details concerning the provisions of this Article and the content and procedures for issuance and receipt of warranties shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE VII TRAINING 1. KEDO shall design and implement a comprehensive training program in accordance with standard nuclear industry practice for the DPRK's operation and maintenance of the LWR plants. Such training shall be held at mutually agreeable locations as soon as practicable. The DPRK shall be responsible for providing a sufficient number of qualified candidates for this program. 2. Details concerning the training program shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE VIII OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 1. KEDO shall assist the DPRK to obtain LWR fuel, other than that provided pursuant to Annex 1 to the Agreement, through commercial contracts with a DPRK-preferred supplier for the useful life of the LWR plants. 2. KEDO shall assist the DPRK to obtain spare and wear parts, consumables, special tools, and technical services for the operation and maintenance of the LWR plants, other than those provided pursuant to Annex 1 to the Agreement, through commercial contracts with a DPRK-preferred supplier for the useful life of the LWR plants. 3. KEDO and the DPRK shall cooperate to ensure the safe storage and disposition of the spent fuel from the LWR plants. If requested by KEDO, the DPRK shall relinquish any ownership rights over the LWR spent fuel and agree to the transfer of the spent fuel out of its territory as soon as technically possible after the fuel is discharged, through appropriate commercial contracts. 4. Necessary arrangements for the transfer of LWR spent fuel out of the DPRK shall be specified in a separate protocol between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. ARTICLE IX SERVICES 1. The DPRK shall process for approval all applications necessary for completion of the LWR project expeditiously and free of charge. These approvals shall include all permits issued by the DPRK nuclear regulatory authority, customs clearance, entry and other permits, licenses, site access rights, and site take-over agreements. In the event that any such approval is delayed beyond the normally required time or denied, the DPRK shall notify KEDO promptly of the reasons therefor, and the schedule and cost for the LWR project may be adjusted as appropriate. 2. KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors, and their respective personnel shall be exempt from DPRK taxes, duties, charges and fees as shall be agreed between KEDO and the DPRK, and expropriation in connection with LWR project. 3. All personnel sent to the DPRK by KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors shall be allowed unimpeded access to the project site and to appropriate and efficient transportation routes, including air and sea links, to and from the project site as designated by the DPRK and agreed between KEDO and the DPRK. Additional routes will be considered as the progress of the LWR project may require. 4. The DPRK shall, to the extent possible, make available at a fair price port services, transportation, labor, potable water, food, off-site lodging and offices, communications, fuel, electrical power, materials, medical services, currency exchanges and other financial services, and other amenities necessary for living and working by personnel sent to the DPRK by KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors. 5. KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors, and their respective personnel shall be allowed unimpeded use of available means of communications in the DPRK. In addition, KEDO, its contractors and subcontractors shall be permitted by the DPRK to establish secure and independent means of communications for their offices, based on a timely and case-by-case review of equipment requests and in accordance with relevant telecommunications regulations of the DPRK. 6. Details concerning the above-referenced services shall be specified, as appropriate, in one or more separate protocols between KEDO and the DPRK pursuant to the Agreement. The text continues... USA swindled the agreement. _________________________________________________ KOMINFORM P.O. Box 66 00841 Helsinki Phone +358-40-7177941 Fax +358-9-7591081 http://www.kominf.pp.fi General class struggle news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe mails to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Geopolitical news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________
