【Internal Affairs】
On December 23-25, the North Korean media reported that Kim Jong Un
participated in a meeting on the second day of the fifth Conference of
Cell Chairpersons of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK); participated
in a meeting and made a speech on the third day; gave a closing
address; and posed for a photo with the participants.
On December 23-24, the North Korean media reported that meetings
were held on the second and third days of the fifth Conference of Cell
Chairpersons of the WPK and that the conference ended on December 24.
On December 23, the North Korean media reported that the North
decided to set up a special economic zone in some parts of Koup,
Kangnam County by a decree of the Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium
(December 21).
On December 26, the North Korean media reported that Premier Pak
Pong Ju gave field guidance at the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the
February 8 Vinalon Complex, and the Ryongsong Machine Complex.
On December 29, the North Korean media reported that a conference of
officials of the party, state, economic, and armed forces
organizations took place in Pyongyang on December 28.
On December 29, the North Korean media reported that the North
touted achievements in the work to spruce up Samjiyon County
implemented in 2017.
【Inter-Korean Affairs】
On December 27, the North Korean media condemned the South’s policy
on North Korea and called on the South to change its policy on the
North while arguing that the South Korean government is to blame for
the strain in inter-Korean relations.
【Foreign Affairs】
On December 24, the North Korean media reported that a spokesperson
for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, blasted the UN
Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2397, a new sanctions
resolution against North Korea.
On December 25, the North Korean media reported that a spokesperson
for the Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, in a statement, sternly
rejected UNSC resolution 2397 and argued that the North would
strengthen its nuclear forces.
