NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 46 (March 19, 2009)

*** CHRONOLOGICAL REVIEW

SEOUL (Yonhap) -- The following is a chronological review of major developments
related to North Korea from March 12-18.

12 The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) says North Korea has recently
joined international treaties on space exploration, as the country continued
preparations to launch what it claims is a satellite.
12 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il sends a wreath to the bier of the late (North)
Korean People's Army (KPA) General Kim Tu-nam, expressing deep condolences over
his death.
12 The KCNA says Kim Jong-il gave on-the-spot guidance to the Hwanghae Iron and
Steel Complex.
13 A friendly meeting with staff members of the Cuban embassy in Pyongyang was
held to mark the 99th International Women's Day, attended by Ro Song-sil, head of
the North's Democratic Women's Union and Jose Manuel Galego Montano, Cuban
ambassador to the North.
13 Seoul's Unification Ministry says North Korea reclosed the inter-Korean
border, just days after it suspended and then resumed cross-border visits to
protest a U.S.-South Korean military drill. The ministry issued a statement to
express deep regret over the incident and urge North Korea to immediately
normalize passage across the border.
13 Premier Kim Yong-il sends a congratulatory message to Al Baghdadi Ali Al
Mahmoudi upon his reappointment as secretary of the General People's Committee of
Libya.
14 Kim Yong-il sends a message of greetings to his Russian counterpart Vladimir
Putin to mark the 60th year of the agreement on economic and cultural cooperation
between North Korea and Russia.
14 The KCNA says Kim Jong-il inspected Unit 1811 under the KPA Artillery Command.
14 The Secretariat of the North's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the
Fatherland issues a report demanding Seoul apologize for disrupting inter-Korean
relations and driving them to the brink of war with its hardline policy.
14 A delegation of the North's Red Cross Societies led by its deputy head Kim
Jin-bom leaves Pyongyang for a visit to China.
16 A delegation of the North's Public Information Committee led by its vice
chairman Chung Yong-chol leaves Pyongyang for a visit to the Middle East.
16 A photo exhibition opens at the Pyongyang International Cultural Center to
mark the 60th anniversary of the agreement on economic and cultural cooperation
between North Korea and Russia.
16 A delegation of the Group of Social Parties of the European Parliament flies
into Pyongyang.
17 Seoul's Unification Ministry says North Korea fully reopened the inter-Korean
border after four days of closure for South Koreans traveling to a joint
industrial complex in the communist state.
17 The KCNA says Kim Jong-il visited the Sungri Motor Complex in Dokchon, South
Pyongan Province.
17 Kim Yong-il arrives in Beijing to pay an official goodwill visit to China.
17 Kim Yong-il on an official goodwill visit to China met with Jiang Yikang,
secretary of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China,
in Jinan.
17 Vice Premier Kwak Pom-gi confers with the delegation of the Group of Social
Parties of the European Parliament at the People's Palace of Culture in
Pyongyang.
17 Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly,
sends a message of greetings to Mary Mcaleese, president of Ireland, to mark
national day there.
17 Valery Sukhinin, Russian ambassador to Pyongyang, gives a reception to mark
the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the agreement on economic and cultural
cooperation between North Korea and Russia, attended by the North's Vice Premier,
Ro Tu-chol, and Minister of Railways Jon Kil-su, among others.
18 The "Year of DPRK-China Friendship" opens with due ceremony in Beijing,
attended by Kim Yong-il and Wen Jiabao, premier of China's State Council.
18 Kim Yong-il attends a reception given by Wen Jiabao in Beijing.
18 Kim Yong-il holds talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, in Beijing.
18 The KCNA says Kim Jong-il watched a performance given by members of student
art groups from Kimilsung University, Kimchaek University of Technology,
Kimhyongjik University of Education and other universities in Pyongyang.
(END)