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IAEA and DPRK: Chronology of Key Events

2024

  • 4 March 2024. IAEA Director General Briefs Board of Governors. IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 28 February 2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

  • 21 November 2019. IAEA Board of Governors November Meeting Begins. IAEA Acting Director General Cornel Feruță delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Acting Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 15 November 2019 
  • 19 September 2019. Key Resolutions Adopted as IAEA General Conference Draws to a Close. At its concluding session today, the IAEA General Conference adopted resolutions affirming the importance of the Agency's role in facilitating the development and use of nuclear science and technology for peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. [….] In its session of the afternoon, the Conference adopted a resolution on the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) safeguards agreement between the IAEA and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Full Story l Photo Gallery: IAEA General Conference | Resolution GC(63)/RES/12, September 2019
  • 9 September 2019. IAEA Board of Governors September Meeting Begins. IAEA Acting Director General Cornel Feruță delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Acting Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 9 September 2019 
  • 10 June 2019. IAEA Board of Governors June Meeting Begins. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 6 June 2019
  • 4 March 2019. IAEA Board of Governors March Meeting Begins. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Video: Board of Governors | Media Advisory, 28 February 2019 

2018

  • 22 November 2018. Focused Projects Help to Achieve National Development Priorities, Says IAEA Director General at November Board of Governors Meeting. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK.  Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 16 November 2018
  • 21 September 2018. Key Resolutions Adopted as IAEA General Conference Draws to a Close. At its concluding session today, the IAEA General Conference adopted resolutions further strengthening the IAEA’s work in the areas of nuclear science and technology, safety, security, safeguards and technical cooperation. [….] In its session of the afternoon, the Conference adopted a resolution on the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) safeguards agreement between the IAEA and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Full Story l Photo Gallery: IAEA General Conference | Resolution GC(62)/RES/11, September 2018
  • 10 September 2018. IAEA Board of Governors September Meeting Begins. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 6 September 2018
  • 12 June 2018. Statement by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano. "I welcome today's Joint Statement of President Trump of the United States and Chairman Kim of the DPRK at the Singapore Summit which includes the DPRK's commitment towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula..." Director General Statement
  • 4 June 2018. IAEA Ready to Play Essential Verification Role in North Korea, Director General Tells Board of Governors. The IAEA is ready to resume nuclear verification activities in North Korea if political agreement makes this possible, Director General Yukiya Amano told the June meeting of the Agency's Board of Governors. Story | Director General Statement | Video: Board of Governors | Media Advisory, 31 May 2018
  • 5 March 2018. IAEA Board of Governors Convenes March Meeting. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 28 February 2018

2017

  • 22 September 2017. Key Resolutions Adopted as IAEA General Conference Draws to a Close. At its concluding session today, the IAEA General Conference adopted resolutions towards strengthening international cooperation in nuclear safety and security and to further nuclear science and technology in both nuclear power and non-nuclear power applications. [….] In its session of the afternoon, the Conference adopted a resolution on the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) safeguards agreement between the IAEA and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Full Story l Photo Gallery: IAEA General Conference | Resolution GC(61)/RES/13, September 2017
  • 11 September 2017. IAEA Director General Provides Update on North Korea at Board of Governors Meeting. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors and reported on the establishment of a team focussing on North Korea's nuclear programmen. Story | Director General Statement | Media Advisory, 7 September 2017
  • 5 September 2017. IAEA Director General Statement at Panel Discussion on Global Nuclear Governance at Bled Strategic Forum. Director General Statement
  • 3 September 2017. Statement by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano on DPRK. Director General Statement | Video: Director General Statement
  • 3 August 2017. CNN Interview with IAEA Director General on the DPRK's Nuclear Programme. CNN broadcasting channel interviewed IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano on the DPRK's nuclear programme. Video: CNN Interview
  • 12 June 2017. IAEA Board of Governors Convenes June Meeting. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Director General Statement | Video: IAEA Board of Governors Opens | Media Advisory, 7 June 2017
  • 6 March 2017. IAEA Director General Reviews Global Nuclear Trends at Start of Board Meeting. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano delivered an introductory statement to the Agency's Board of Governors, including on the DPRK. Story | Director General Statement | Video: Director General Statement

2016

2015

  • 17 November 2015. UN General Assembly Resolution Recognizes the IAEA’s Work in Development, Nuclear Safety and Non-Proliferation. The United Nations 70th General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognizes the importance of the IAEA’s work and supports its indispensable role. In his statement, Mr Amano expressed concern about the nuclear programme of the DPRK. Full Story l Statement
  • 18 September 2015. Key Resolutions Adopted as IAEA General Conference Draws to a Close. At its concluding session today, the IAEA General Conference adopted resolutions further strengthening the IAEA’s work in the areas of nuclear science and technology, safety, security, safeguards and technical cooperation. [….] In its session of the afternoon, the Conference adopted a resolution on the implementation of the safeguards agreement between the IAEA and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Full Story l Photo Gallery: IAEA General Conference
  • 14 September 2015. IAEA Director General Defines Priorities and Reviews Year’s Highlights in Statement to the General Conference. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano highlighted the importance of science and technology for development in his opening statement to the IAEA's 59th General Conference in Vienna today. [….]Mr Amano said the Agency remained unable to undertake verification in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), and its knowledge of the country’s nuclear programme was limited. Director General Statement l  Video: Director General Statement 
  • 26 August 2015. IAEA Publishes Report on the Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano has issued his report on the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)". The report, which is being submitted to the Board of Governors and the General Conference, covers developments since the Director General’s report of September 2014. It provides an update of developments of direct relevance to the IAEA, along with information on the DPRK’s nuclear programme. Full Story 
  • 2 March 2015. IAEA Board of Governors Convenes. The first meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors for the year has commenced at the Agency's Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The 35-nation Board will discuss various issues, including the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Full Story | Director General Statement | Video: Director General Statement | Photo Gallery: Board of Governors | Photo Gallery: Press Briefing | Media Advisory, 23 February 2015

2013

  • 4 March 2013, IAEA Board of Governors Convenes March Meeting. The IAEA Board of Governors began its first meeting of the year at the Agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The 35-nation Board will discuss various issues, including the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". Director General Yukiya Amano opened the meeting with a statement. He also briefed the media following the opening of the Board meeting. Full Story
  • 12 February 2013, IAEA Says DPRK Nuclear Test "Deeply Regrettable". IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano expressed deep regret about the announcement that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has conducted a third test of a nuclear weapon. Press Release
  • 29 November 2013, IAEA Board Convenes Meeting. The IAEA Board of Governors convened its final meeting of the year. The 35-nation Board will discuss various issues, including the Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Director General Yukiya Amano opened the meeting with a statement. He also briefed the media following the opening of the Board meeting. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement [.mp3] | Media Advisory, 22 November 2012
  • 10 September 2013, IAEA Board Convenes Meeting. The IAEA Board of Governors convened a meeting at the Agency's headquarters. During the week, the Board will discuss the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)", among other topics. Director General Yukiya Amano opened the meeting with a statement. He also briefed the media following the opening of the Board meeting. Full Story | Director General Statement | Video: Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement | Photo Gallery: Board of Governors | Photo Gallery: Press Conference | IAEA Board Report, 30 August 2012 | Media Advisory, 3 September 2012

2012

2011

2010

2009

  • 2 November 2009, IAEA Chief Addresses UN General Assembly. Speaking to the UN General Assembly in New York, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei gave an update on the work of the Agency in the last year and highlighted some of the challenges which need to be addressed. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement
  • 30 July 2009, Report on North Korea Safeguards for IAEA General Conference. The latest report of IAEA Director General ElBaradei on the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)" was forwarded to the Agency's Member States. The report is for the consideration of States meeting at the IAEA General Conference in September. GC Report [pdf] | IAEA General Conference
  • 17 June 2009,  Non-Proliferation. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei intervened at the IAEA Board of Governors to comment on non-proliferation issues. Director General Statement
  • 15 June 2009,  Director General Reports to the Board on Nuclear Issues. During the opening of the Board of Governors, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reported on the successes of the Agency's Technical Cooperation programme, on nuclear power, nuclear applications, security and safety as well as non-proliferation. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement [.mp3] | Video: Safeguards in DPRK
  • 12 June 2009, UN Security Council Adopts Resolution on DPRK. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution that imposes tougher sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), including a tighter arms embargo and new financial restrictions, following the nuclear test that the DPRK conducted in May 2009. Press Release, UNSC
  • 16 April 2009, IAEA Inspectors Depart DPRK. IAEA inspectors at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Yongbyon nuclear facilities, on 15 April, removed all IAEA seals and switched off surveillance cameras. They left the country the following day. Press Release
  • 14 April 2009, IAEA Inspectors Asked to Leave DPRK. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has informed IAEA inspectors in the Yongbyon facility that it is immediately ceasing all cooperation with the IAEA. Press Release
  • 2 March 2009, IAEA Board Begins March Deliberations. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei opened the March Board of Governors meeting by addressing nuclear safety and security, nuclear power, nuclear applications, verification of nuclear non-proliferation as well as the Agency's programme and budget. The Board is meeting this week in Vienna. Full Story | Directgor General Statement

2008

  • 27 November 2008, IAEA Board Opens November Deliberations. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei opened a busy Board of Governors meeting today in Vienna, Austria, by addressing issues of technical cooperation, nuclear power, safety and security, and nuclear verification. Full Story | Director General Statement
  • 27 October 2008, IAEA Chief Addresses UN General Assembly. Speaking to the UN General Assembly in New York, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei gave an update on the work of the Agency in the last year and highlighted some of the challenges which need to be addressed. Full Story | Director General Statement
  • 13 October 2008, DPRK grants IAEA access to Yongbyon facilities. Following is a statement to the media by IAEA Spokesperson Melissa Fleming on the situation in the DPRK. Press Release | Video: Statement
  • 9 October 2008, Statement on IAEA Safeguards Inspections in DPRK. The Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has today informed IAEA inspectors that effective immediately access to facilities at Yongbyon would no longer be permitted. Press Release
  • 29 September 2008, IAEA General Conference Opens in Vienna. The 52nd annual IAEA General Conference opened in Vienna, Austria with high-level delegates and representatives from the Agency's 145 Member States in attendance. In a statement to delegates, Director General ElBaradei reviewed tough challenges and hard decisions facing the Agency in areas of nuclear safeguards, security, safety, and peaceful development. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement [.mp3] | IAEA General Conference
  • 24 September 2008, IAEA Removes Seals from Plant in Yongbyon. As IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reported to the Board on Monday, the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK) asked the IAEA to remove seals and surveillance from the reprocessing plant in Yongbyon. The work was completed today. Press Release | Video: Press Briefing
  • 22 September 2008, IAEA Board Begins September Deliberations. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei briefed the IAEA Board of Governors today on a range of issues, including nuclear safeguards, technical cooperation, and safety and security. The 35-member policymaking body meets this week in Vienna. Full Story | Director General Statement | Video: DG Statement Audio: 1 : 2 [.mp3]
  • 2 September 2008, Report on North Korea Safeguards for IAEA General Conference. The latest report of IAEA Director General ElBaradei on the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)" was forwarded to the Agency's Member States. The report is for the consideration of States meeting at the IAEA General Conference in September. GC Report [pdf] | IAEA General Conference
  • 26 June 2008, North Korea Declaration of Nuclear Programme. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the submission by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) of the declaration of its nuclear programmes to China as a "very encouraging development" in efforts towards the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. UN News Centre
  • 13 June 2008, Latest Report on IAEA Nuclear Safeguards Issued. In 2007, the IAEA applied nuclear safeguards for 163 States. A summary of the findings and conclusions are reported in the latest IAEA Safeguards Statement. Statement
  • 2 June 2008, Director General Briefs Board. IAEA Director General ElBaradei briefed the Board of Governors on the Agency's verification activities in North Korea, and raised some matters that require guidance from States Parties to the NPT. As he had done in March 2008, he further noted that the additional funds are needed for the IAEA to carry out its monitoring and verification activities in North Korea for the rest of 2008. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Statement [mp3]
  • 3 March 2008, Director General Addresses Board on Nuclear Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the Board of Governors on several topics, including nuclear safety and security, assurance of fuel supply, the implementation of safeguards in the DPRK and other Agency matters. The Board is meeting this week in Vienna. Full Story | Director General Statement

2007

  • 22 November 2007, IAEA Head Briefs Board on Nuclear Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei briefed the IAEA Board of Governors on a range of issues, including the Technical Cooperation programme, nuclear safeguards in Iran and the DPRK, and the Agency's funding. The Board is meeting this week in Vienna. Full Story | Video: Safeguards in DPRK | Director General Statement
  • 14 November 2007, IAEA Chief Meets US Assistant Secretary of State on DPRK. The IAEA Director General Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Christopher Hill, spoke to the press after meeting in Vienna to discuss the DPRK verification issue. Press Briefing | Media Advisory
  • 30 October 2007, UN General Assembly Reaffirms Support for IAEA. The United Nations General Assembly has reaffirmed strong support for the IAEA's work, following Director General Mohamed ElBaradei's annual address delivered in New York on 29 October. Full Story | Director General Statement
  • 17 September 2007, Director General Addresses General Conference. In a statement to delegations of Member States meeting at the 51st IAEA General Conference, Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reviewed major international developments and challenges facing the Agency and international community. Full Story | Director General Statement: Full Version - Abridged Version
  • 10 September 2007, Board of Governors Meeting Starts in Vienna. The 35-member IAEA Board of Governors are meeting in Vienna this week to disccus the Agency's work on nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear science, technology and applications, as well as current safeguards implementation issues. Director General Statement | Media Advisory
  • 17 August 2007, Report on North Korea Safeguards for IAEA General Conference. The latest report of IAEA Director General ElBaradei on the "Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)" was forwarded to the Agency's Member States. The report is for the consideration of States meeting at the IAEA General Conference in September. IAEA Board Report [pdf] | IAEA General Conference
  • 18 July 2007, IAEA Team Confirms Shutdown of DPRK Nuclear Facilities. Following the recent understanding reached between the IAEA and DPRK, an IAEA team arrived at the Yongbyon nuclear site on 14 July 2007 to verify the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility. Press Release
  • 13 July 2007, IAEA Team en Route to North Korean Nuclear Facilities. An IAEA expert team is en route to the nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, in the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea) to verify and monitor the shutdown and sealing of the facilities. Full Story | Photo Gallery: IAEA to Monitor and Verify Shutdown of DPRK's Nuclear Facility
  • 12 July 2007, Photo-op as IAEA Team Departs Vienna for Beijing en Route to DPRK for Verification and Monitoring Mission. There will be a photo opportunity from 16:00 at the Vienna International Airport in the check-in area of the departure hall, prior to an IAEA team's departure for Beijing, en route to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Media Advisory
  • 10 July 2007, DPRK Invites IAEA Team for Verification and Monitoring Mission. Following receipt of an invitation today from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea an IAEA team will travel to the DPRK within the next few days. Media Advisory
  • 9 July 2007, Director General Briefs Press on North Korea, Iran & Budget. IAEA Inspectors will return to monitor and verify the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facilities in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, after a report outlining the modalities reached between the Agency and the DPRK was approved today by the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria. Director General Mohamed ElBaradei spoke to reporters on North Korea, Iran and the IAEA's Budget. Full Story | Director General Statement | Audio: Director General Speaks on DPRK | Photo Gallery: IAEA to Monitor and Verify Shutdown of DPRK's Nuclear Facility
  • 3 July 2007, New Report on Monitoring and Verification in North Korea. The IAEA Director General has circulated his report on "Monitoring and Verification in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)", following a visit by an Agency team to North Korea, 26-29 June 2007. Full Story | Media Advisory
  • 22 June 2007, IAEA Team to arrive in Pyongyang Tuesday for Talks. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei has announced that, in response to North Korea's invitation, an IAEA delegation will be arriving in Pyongyang on Tuesday to start the process for discussing the modalities for verication and monitoring of the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility. Press Release
  • 20 June 2007, Latest Report on IAEA Nuclear Safeguards Issued. In 2006, the IAEA applied nuclear safeguards for 162 States. A summary of the findings and conclusions are reported in the latest IAEA Safeguards Statement. Statement| SC Resolution: 1718 (2006) [pdf]
  • 18 June 2007, DPRK Invites IAEA Officials to Pyongyang for Verification Talks. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei received a letter dated 16 June 2007 from the DPRK, requesting an IAEA delegation to visit Pyongyang to discuss the modalities for verification and monitoring by the IAEA of the shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility. Press Release
  • 11 June 2007, IAEA Chief Briefs Board on Nuclear Issues. IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei today briefed the IAEA Board of Governors on a range of nuclear issues, including the DPRK, nuclear plant safety and budget concerns. The Board is meeting this week in Vienna. Full Story | Director General Statement
  • 15 March 2007, IAEA Director General Concludes Meetings in North Korea. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei has concluded his visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea). He spoke with reporters in Beijing thereafter. Full Story | Video: Interview with Director General, CNN, 14 March 2007 | Daily Press Review
  • 12 March 2007, IAEA Chief Heads Delegation to the DPRK. A high-level IAEA delegation headed by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei is en route to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea) to begin two days of talks on issues of "mutual concern". Full Story
  • 5 March 2007, IAEA Board Meets in Vienna. The IAEA Board of Governors is meeting this week at the Agency's Vienna Headquarters. Director General Mohamed ElBaradei today briefed the Board on issues of nuclear verification, safety and security and the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. He also spoke to the Press. Full Story | Video: DPRK | Audio: DPRK | Director General Statement
  • 27 February 2007, IAEA Board of Governors Meeting, Starting 5 March 2007. The IAEA Board of Governors will convene a regular meeting in the Agency's Headquarters at 10:30 on Monday, 5 March 2007, in the IAEA Boardroom, C04, in the Vienna International Centre. Media Advisory | Director General Welcomes Latest Outcome of Six-Party Talks, 14 February 2007
  • 23 February 2007, Dr. ElBaradei Accepts Invitation to Visit North Korea. IAEA Chief Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei today accepted an invitation from the Democratic People´s Republic of Korea (DPRK/North Korea) to visit the DPRK for talks in March. Dr. ElBaradei announced the visit during a press conference with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Full Story | Audio: Director General to Visit DPRK | Video: IAEA Director General and UN Secretary-General Talk to Press
  • 19 February 2007, Interview with Director General on Iran and North Korea. In an interview with the Financial Times, IAEA Director General addressed nuclear non-proliferation issues and IAEA verification of nuclear programmes in Iran and in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Transcript of Interview
  • 13 February 2007, Six Party Talks in Beijing Report Progress. The Third Session of the Fifth Round of the Six-Party Talks was held in Beijing 8-13 February 2007 and included delegations from China, the DPRK, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and the USA. The Parties held serious and productive discussions and agreed on initial actions each Party will take in the initial phase for the implementation of the Joint Statement of 19 September 2005. Full Story | Transcript: Director General Press Remarks, 19 September 2005

2006

  • 23 November 2006, Director General Briefs Board on the DPRK & Other Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the Agency's 35-member Board of Governors on a range of topics, including the IAEA's Technical Cooperation Programme and developments related to nuclear safeguards. The Board is meeting in Vienna 23 - 24 November. Director General Statement | Media Advisory
  • 1 November 2006, Director General on Non-Proliferation Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei talks to Yale Global anchor Jonathan Schell about non-proliferation issues around the world. Director General Interview, Yale Global
  • 30 October 2006, IAEA Director General Statement to UN General Assembly. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the implementation of IAEA safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in his statement to the UN General Assembly. Director General Statement | Director General Interview with Dean Robert Gallucci, Georgetown University (Listen to: Welcome | Conversation with Dean Gallucci | Q & A Session), 23 October 2006
  • 14 October 2006, Security Council Adopts Resolution Imposing Sanctions on DPRK. The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution that imposes sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and demanded that Pyongyang cease its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. It further demanded that the DPRK immediately retract its announced withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, return to that pact, and accept safeguards through the IAEA. Security Council Resolution [pdf]
  • 9 October 2006, DPRK Nuclear Test - Statement by IAEA Director General. In a statement today, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said he deeply regrets, and expresses serious concern, about the reported carrying out of a nuclear test by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Press Release | Security Council Presidential Statement, 6 October 2006
  • 18 September 2006, Director General Statement to IAEA General Conference. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the implementation of IAEA safeguards in the DPRK in his statement to the General Conference. Director General Statement
  • 11 September 2006, IAEA Director General Briefs Board. Director General Mohamed ElBaradei today addressed the IAEA Board of Governors on the Agency's nuclear safeguards in Iran and DPRK, among other issues. Director General Statement
  • 14 August 2006, Report on North Korea Safeguards for IAEA General Conference. The latest report of IAEA Director General ElBaradei on the implementation of safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was forwarded to the Agency's Member States. The report is for the consideration of States meeting at the IAEA General Conference in September. DPRK Report [pdf] | IAEA General Conference
  • 17 July 2006, Security Council Unanimously Adopted Resolution. The DPRK was strongly urged to return immediately to the Six-Party Talks without precondition, to work towards the expeditious implementation of a September 2005 Joint Statement, "in particular to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes" and to return soon to the NPT and IAEA safeguards. Full Story, UN News Centre | Security Council Resolution, 15 July 2006
  • 12 June 2006, Statement by IAEA Director General. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei presented his introductory statement to the June meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors, addressing implementation of safeguards in the DPRK, amongst other issues. Director General Statement
  • 6 March 2006, IAEA Chief Updates Agency's Board on Implementation of Safeguards in DPRK. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei updated the Agency's Board of Governors on safeguards in the DPRK, addressing the topic in his introductory statement to the Board. Director General Statement

2005

  • 10 December 2005, Work in Progress. Hours afer being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei sat down for a candid conversation with CNN anchor Jonathan Mann whose probing questions spotlighted the world´s most contentious problems. Director General Interview, CNN
  • 24 November 2005, IAEA Chief Updates Agency's Board on Implementation of Safeguards in DPRK. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei updated the Agency's Board of Governors on safeguards in the DPRK, addressing the topic in his introductory statement to the Board. Director General Statement
  • 7 November 2005, IAEA Director General on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Forum on a range of topics, including nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear safeguards, safety, and technology. Transcript of Interview [pdf] | Director General Statement
  • 26 September 2005, IAEA General Conference Opens in Vienna. The 49th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference opens today at the Austria Centre in Vienna, Austria. In his statement to the attending, high-level delegations, Director General Mohamed ElBaradei reviewed a range of nuclear challenges and opportunities facing the Agency and its Member States. Statement Summary | Director General Statement | IAEA General Conference 2005
  • 19 September 2005, Dr. ElBaradei Addresses Board on North Korea, Iran, Other Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed the Agency's 35-member Board of Governors on a range of topics, including developments related to nuclear safeguards, safety, and technology. The Board is meeting in Vienna this week. He also spoke with the press on safeguards in North Korea and Iran. Director General Statement | Press Briefing | Press Briefing Transcript
  • 19 September 2005, Parties to the Six Party Talks Issue Joint Statement. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei welcomed a Joint Statement from the latest round of Six Party Talks that said the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) would abandon its nuclear program in exchange for economic aid and security guarantees. The Fourth Round of the Six-Party Talks was held in Beijing, and included representatives from the DPRK, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the United States from 26 July to 7 August and 13-19 September 2005. Joint Statement, 19 September 2005 | Director General Comments
  • 14 June 2005, Director General ElBaradei Addresses IAEA Board of Governors. The IAEA stands ready to work with the DPRK - and with all others - towards a solution that addresses the needs of the international community to ensure that all nuclear activities in the DPRK are exclusively for peaceful purposes, Dr. ElBaradei said in his Board statement today. Director General Statement | IAEA and the NPT
  • 17 March 2005, Director General ElBaradei Assesses Nuclear Proliferation Threats. In an interview with CNN, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei assessed the threats of nuclear proliferation facing the IAEA and international community. He called for a reevaluation and reinforcement of the world's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which States are reviewing in May 2005. He spoke in London, where the IAEA this week held a nuclear security conference. Transcript of Interview | Nuclear Security
  • 8 March 2005, IAEA Board of Governors Concludes March Session. The IAEA Board has concluded its meetings in Vienna on nuclear safeguards, safety, and technology issues. Major developments included issuance of a "Chairman's Conclusion" on the Agency's implementation of safeguards in the Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea). Full Story | Chairman's Conclusion: Safeguards in North Korea [pdf]
  • 22 March 2005, IAEA Board Issues "Chairman's Conclusion" on Safeguards in North Korea. The IAEA Board of Governors today concluded its consideration of the Agency's implementation of safeguards in the Democratic Republic of Korea (North Korea). Chair Ingrid Hall of Canada issued a "Chairman´s Conclusion" that she said expresses the sense of the 35-member policymaking body on the nuclear issue. Full Story | Chairman's Conclusion: Safeguards in North Korea [pdf]
  • 1 March 2005, IAEA Chief Updates Agency´s Board on Safeguards in DPRK. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei updated the Agency's Board of Governors on safeguards in the DPRK, addressing the topic in his introductory statement to the Board 28 February 2005. He also responded to questions on IAEA verification in recent press interviews. Director General Statement | Director General Interview, Der Spiegel
  • 21 February 2005, "Al-Qaida also Wants the Bomb". In an interview, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei discussed the risks posed by potential new nuclear powers like North Korea and Iran, the chances of reigning in a nuclear black market for terrorist organizations and the controversy surrounding his re-election. Director General Interview, Der Spiegel
  • 4 February 2005, Tackling the Nuclear Dilemma. In an interview, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei provided his views on how to strengthen the NPT on the eve of a once-every-five-years NPT Review Conference. Director General Interview (Transcript, Arms Control Today [pdf])
  • 31 January 2005, IAEA Chief Briefs Press on Nuclear Verification, Security Issues. In recent media interviews, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei underlined the urgency of stepping up efforts against nuclear proliferation and potential acts of terrorism. Speaking to reporters at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Dr. ElBaradei also addressed questions on the major issues before the IAEA, including nuclear verification in Iran and North Korea. Full Story | Director General Interview, Washington Post

2004

  • 25 November 2004, IAEA Chief ElBaradei Briefs Board on Safeguards, Other Issues. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei briefed the Agency´s 35-member Board of Governors on a range of issues. Earlier this week, in a separate statement to the Board's Technical Cooperation Committee, he outlined the Agency's planned programme supporting global development. Director General Board Statement | Director General TC Statement | Press Briefing
  • 2 November 2004, UN General Assembly Backs IAEA's "Indispensable Role". The United Nations General Assembly affirmed its confidence in the IAEA and urged global cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, following the annual address by IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei. States adopted a resolution that strongly supported the Agency's "indispensable role" in the area of technology transfer to developing countries and in nuclear safety, verification and security. Full Story | Director General Statement
  • 24 September 2004, States Call Upon North Korea to Dismantle Nuclear Weapons Programme, Accept Safeguards. The General Conference adopted a resolution 24 September calling for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to promptly accept comprehensive IAEA safeguards and cooperate with the Agency in their full and effective implementation. In the resolution, States urged the DPRK to "completely dismantle any nuclear weapons programme in a prompt, transparent, verifiable and irreversible manner, maintaining the essential verification role of the IAEA". They stressed the desire for a peaceful resolution through dialogue, leading to a nuclear-weapon-free Korean Peninsula. Adopted Resolution [pdf] | IAEA General Conference Report [pdf]
  • 13 September 2004, IAEA Board of Governors Meet on Nuclear, Other Issues. The IAEA Board of Governors opens its meetings 13 September in Vienna, a week before the opening of the Agency's General Conference of Member States. The Board agenda includes topics of nuclear security, waste management, and nuclear verification. Director General Statement
  • 16 August 2004, Director General Submits Report to Member States on North Korea Safeguards. IAEA Director General ElBaradei submitted a report to the IAEA General Conference on the Agency's implementation of safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The General Conference of Member States convenes in Vienna beginning 20 September, with sessions throughout the week. General Conference Report on North Korea Safeguards | IAEA General Conference
  • 21 June 2004, Director General Addresses Verification in North Korea. Following talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Washington, DC, IAEA Director General ElBaradei said he looked forward to steps that would enable Agency verification of North Korea's nuclear programme. "On North Korea, I reaffirm my conviction that the earlier we are in a position to resolve the North Korean issue, which I find one of the most dangerous challenges facing the international community, the better. The Secretary briefed me on the new round of talks and I look forward that soon we will be in a position to go back and verify the North Korean programme and make sure that it is all under Agency verification." Transcript of Press Briefing | Director General Statement, Carnegie Endowment
  • 8 March 2004, IAEA Board Opens Meetings on Iran, Libya, Other Topics. The IAEA Board of Governors is meeting this week on nuclear safeguards, safety, and technology issues, including the Agency's verification of nuclear programmes in Iran and Libya. IAEA Director General ElBaradei addressed the Board 8 March, saying that "important lessons" have been learned over recent months for strengthening the nuclear non-proliferation regime. Full Story | Director General Statement | Director General Interview, BBC, 2 March 2004.
  • 12 February 2004, Director General ElBaradei Urges Tougher Action Against Nuclear Proliferation and Black Market. In an essay published in the New York Times, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei underlined the need for urgent action to toughen the world's regime to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. His proposed measures include the need for additional authority for the IAEA, a much more stringent export control system and accelerated efforts towards nuclear disarmament. Separately, in commenting on non-proliferation proposals by US President Bush, Dr. ElBaradei said he shared "the same concern and sense of urgency". Director General Essay | Comments on US President Bush's Proposals | US President Bush's Proposals.

2003

  • 16 June 2003, Director General Statement to Board. In a statement to the IAEA Board of Governors 16 June, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed issues related to nuclear verification, security and technology. Director General Statement
  • 22 May 2003, IAEA Director General says "No Nuclear Blackmail". In an essay in the Wall Street Journal, IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei said that intrusive IAEA inspections are needed to clear up uncertainties about North Korea's nuclear programme, and that while the international community is ready to address seriously the country's security concerns and other needs, it will not be blackmailed through nuclear intimidation. Essay | No Nuclear Blackmail: Interview with Director General, Wall Street Journal.
  • 27 April 2003, IAEA Director General Addresses Iraq, North Korea Inspections. In an interview with CNN 27 April 2003, IAEA Director General Mohammed ElBaradei called for the return of IAEA and UN inspectors to Iraq sooner rather than later "to bring that issue to closure". On North Korea, he said intrusive IAEA inspections are needed to clear up uncertainties about the country's nuclear programme. Interview | DPRK Factsheet | Director General Addresses Iraq, North Korea Inspections, CNN.
  • 10 April 2003, Security Council to Keep Tracking North Korea Developments. Following consultations 9 April, the UN Security Council expressed its "concern" over the situation in North Korea and said it will keep following developments there. The issue of North Korea's non-compliance with international nuclear safeguards was referred to the Council by IAEA Director General ElBaradei in mid-February. UN Secretary-General Annan's Special Advisor on North Korea recently outlined his views. UN Story | UN Special Advisor | DPRK Factsheet
  • 3 April 2003, Security Council to Meet on North Korea Issue 9 April. The UN Security Council is taking up the issue of North Korea 9 April, Council President Adolfo Aguilar Zinser of Mexico said this week. The issue was referred to the Council by IAEA Director General ElBaradei in mid-February, on a resolution of the Agency's Board of Governors. UN Story | DPRK Factsheet | Security Council to Meet on North Korea Issue 9 April 2003, UN News
  • 27 February 2003, IAEA Seeking to Verify Restart of Unsafeguarded Facility in North Korea. Reacting to news reports that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has restarted its nuclear reactor at Nyongbyong, the IAEA has deplored such moves and said restarting the "unsafeguarded" facility shows the country's disregard for its treaty obligations. "We are aware of press reports. We have observed through satellite imagery indications at the reactor. However, without inspectors on the ground, we are not in a position to verify whether the DPRK has restarted the reactor, though we are pursuing other technical means of independently determining the operating status of the facility," the Agency said. "However, if this is true, the IAEA deplores the operation of the DPRK's nuclear facilities without the presence of safeguards inspectors," the statement added. "Restarting this now unsafeguarded nuclear facility will further demonstrate the DPRK's disregard for its nuclear non-proliferation obligations." The Agency also said its 35-member Board of Governors has confirmed that Pyongyang's safeguards agreement with the IAEA remains "binding and in force." Director General Interview [pdf] | German, Der Spiegel, 24 February 2003
  • 19 February 2003, UN Security Council Refers to Experts on North Korea Issue. The Security Council referred a letter from the IAEA on the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to its experts for further consultations before beginning any discussion of the matter, the President of the 15-nation body said. The letter transmitted the resolution adopted by the IAEA Board 12 February. Full Story
  • 12 February 2003, IAEA Board Refers North Korea Issue to Security Council. Members of the IAEA Board of Governors - which in recent months has adopted two resolutions on safeguards in North Korea - adopted a third resolution 12 February, sending the issue to the Security Council. IAEA Director General ElBaradei emphasized in his statement that the Agency remains committed to securing full compliance by North Korea of its safeguards agreement, which he said remains binding and in force. Board Resolution | IAEA Board Report, 22 January 2003 | Director General Statement | DPRK Fact Sheet
  • 10 February 2003, IAEA Board to Meet on North Korea Issue. Members of the IAEA Board of Governors - which in recent months has adopted two resolutions on safeguards in North Korea - are scheduled to meet 12 February. The Board last met 6 January, following North Korea's decision to withdraw from the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and before the latest and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. Media Advisory | Board Action | DPRK Fact Sheet
  • 3 February 2003, IAEA Board to Convene Meeting on North Korea. The Chairman of the IAEA Board of Governors announced that on the basis of consultations, a meeting of the Board was called on 12 February 2003. The Board will discuss a report by the IAEA Director General, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei on the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement between the Agency and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
  • Latest Media Advisory | DPRK Fact Sheet
  • 22 January 2003 and 24 January 2003, IAEA Board Consulting on North Korea Issue. Members of the IAEA Board of Governors - which in recent months has adopted two resolutions on safeguards in North Korea - are consulting on the question of taking up the matter again, with consensus emerging for a Board meeting in early February. The Board last met 6 January, following North Korea's decision to withdraw from the global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and before the latest and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. Board Action | IAEA Board Report, 22 January 2003 | DPRK Fact Sheet
  • 10 January 2003, North Korea Notifies Security Council of NPT Withdrawal; UN Secretary-General Regrets Move. The Security Council received notification from North Korea of the country's withdrawal from the NPT. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he regretted the move and strongly urged Pyongyang to reconsider its decision. "While noting the denial by the DPRK of any intentions to acquire nuclear weapons, the Secretary-General stresses the importance of adhering to Treaties and their legal obligations in achieving international peace and security in accordance with international law," noted a UN statement. "He takes this opportunity to reiterate that the problems regarding DPRK's nuclear programme must be resolved through peaceful dialogue." The statement described the NPT as the lynchpin of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, " and with 188 States Parties is the most widely subscribed to multilateral treaty in this area." It also noted that no State Party has ever withdrawn from the accord in the 33 years since its entry into force. UN Report
  • 10 January 2003, IAEA Director General Urges DPRK to Reverse Decision, Calling it "Counterproductive". The IAEA issued a statement 10 January in connection with North Korea's stated withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). In the statement, IAEA Chief ElBaradei urged North Korea to "reverse its decision", which he said was "counterproductive" to ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. Press Release
  • 10 January 2003, DPRK Announcement on NPT Withdrawal. The IAEA is issuing a statement expected later today in connection with North Korea's stated withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). The statement will be posted on WorldAtom, and electronically transmitted to all email subscribers, as soon as it is released. News Story |NPT Text | List of Parties | DPRK Fact Sheet | Director General, US Secretary of State Powell, CNN | IAEA Chief at US Congress, CNN
  • 8 January 2003, Director General Emphasizes Urgency of North Korean Reply. In press interviews, IAEA Director General ElBaradei this week emphasized the importance of North Korea's prompt response to the resolution adopted by the Agency's governing board 6 January. He urged North Korea to cooperate fully with the IAEA and adopt a policy of "compliance, not defiance" to resolve concerns. Media Advisory
  • 6 January 2003, IAEA Board Adopts DPRK Resolution. The IAEA Board adopted a resolution that, among other points, deplored in the strongest terms the DPRK's unilateral actions and called upon the DPRK to cooperate "urgently and fully with the Agency" in its verification efforts. Board Resolution | Full Story | IAEA: Bigger Profile, Bigger Demands, New York Times | Director General on "Nuclear Challenge", PBS, USA | Director General Interview, CNN
  • 3 January 2003, IAEA Prepares for Board Meeting on North Korea. As the New Year opens, the Agency's 35-member governing board prepared to take up the issue of nuclear safeguards in North Korea. The Board meets 6 January for consideration of a report from IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, who recently spoke about the next steps. A press briefing is planned 6 January at IAEA headquarters. Media Advisory | Full Story

2002

  • 31 December 2002, Inspectors Leave, IAEA Board Takes up North Korea Issue. IAEA inspectors have left North Korea, as the Agency's 35-member governing board takes up the issue of DPRK safeguards Read Press Release | Director General Interviews, Washington Post/CNN
  • 28 December 2002, IAEA Pulls Out DPRK Inspectors, Readies Board Report. IAEA inspectors in North Korea are leaving the country, the IAEA has confirmed. A full report on the DPRK situation is being prepared for consideration in early January by the IAEA Board of Governors, the 35-member policymaking body. Press Release
  • 27 December 2002, IAEA Responds to DPRK Request to Remove Inspectors.
  • IAEA Director General ElBaradei received a letter from Mr. Ri Je Son, Director General of the General Department of Atomic Energy of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea (DPRK), requesting the immediate removal of IAEA inspectors from DPRK in light their decision to lift the "freeze" on their nuclear facilities. Press Release
  • 27 December 2002, UN Secretary-General Urges Support to IAEA. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed his concern over the increasing tensions in the Korean Peninsula. He urged the North Korean Government to cooperate fully with the IAEA and not to undertake actions that could further complicate matters. He called on all parties concerned to make every effort to resolve the situation in accordance with international norms.
  • 26 December 2002, IAEA Chief Cites DPRK "Nuclear Brinkmanship". IAEA Director General ElBaradei said that the DPRK's unilateral actions towards restarting its reprocessing facility raise "serious non-proliferation concerns and are tantamount to 'nuclear brinkmanship'." The IAEA 35-member policymaking body, the Board of Governors, is expected to meet on DPRK developments in early January 2003. Press Release
  • 24 December 2002, DPRK Continues Disruption of IAEA Safeguards Equipment. IAEA Director General ElBaradei reported that the DPRK has now disrupted safeguards equipment at three facilities at Nyongbyong, including the reprocessing facility. Two IAEA inspectors remain at the Nyongbyong site. The Director General is consulting with the Agency's Board on the "disturbing" situation. Press Release | IAEA Reports Safeguards Interference, CNN, 23 December 2002 | Director General Interview, CNN, 23 December 2002
  • 22 December 2002, DPRK Further Disrupts IAEA Safeguards Implementation. The DPRK took further action today to disrupt the operation of IAEA safeguards equipment at the Nyongbyong site. Press Release
  • 21 December 2002, DPRK Interferes with IAEA Safeguards Equipment. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Dr. Mohamed ElBaradei expressed "deep regret" at the DPRK's actions of December 21 to cut most of the seals and impede the functioning of surveillance equipment installed at the 5MW(e) reactor at Nyongbyong. Press Release
  • 14 December 2002, IAEA Reiterates Call for Talks on Safeguards. IAEA Director General ElBaradei repeated his call for senior-level technical talks with the DPRK and agreement on required practical arrangements for safeguards. "It is essential for the purpose of the continuity of safeguards that the current containment and surveillance measures continue to be in place, and that the DPRK does not take any steps unilaterally to remove or impede the functioning of the seals or cameras," the Director General said in a letter to the DPRK. "Such actions would not be in compliance with the requirements of the Safeguards Agreement... I repeat the offer I made in my previous letter that senior experts meet in the coming days, in the DPRK or in Vienna, to discuss and agree on the required practical arrangements. Such a meeting is vitally important to understand your planned schedule for restarting operations of the facilities previously subject to the freeze, and to ensure that the necessary safeguards measures can be put in place without delay."
  • 13 December 2002, IAEA Chief Briefs Press. At an afternoon press briefing, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei addressed questions about North Korea, Iraq, and other issues. Full Story | Iraq, North Korea, Iran: Interview with Director General, CNN
  • 12 December 2002, IAEA Chief Calls For Restraint. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei urged North Korea to act with restraint concerning its decision to lift the freeze on its nuclear facilities. Press Release
  • 10 December 2002, IAEA Chief Urges Compliance. Addressing a safeguards conference in Tokyo, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei called on North Korea to rethink its position and cooperate fully with Agency inspectors to verify its nuclear programme. Statement | Full Story
  • 4 December 2002, IAEA Responds to DPRK Letter. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei expressed the Agency's determination to fully implement IAEA safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), following receipt of a letter from the DPRK. The letter responded to a resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors 29 November 2002. Statement
  • 29 November 2002, IAEA Board Backs Resolution on North Korea. The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution on the implementation of IAEA safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) at its meetings in Vienna 29 November 2002. The Board is the 35-member policymaking body of the Agency. Resolution, 29 November 2002
  • 18 October 2002, IAEA Invites DPRK for Talks. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei sent a message to the DPRK in which he confirmed the Agency's readiness to dispatch a senior team to the DPRK, or to receive a DPRK team in Vienna, to discuss this matter and the general question of the implementation of IAEA safeguards in the DPRK. Statement
  • 17 October 2002, IAEA Expresses Deep Concern Over Disclosures. IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei expressed "deep concern" regarding the information reported by the US State Department that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has a programme to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. "We are urgently seeking information from the DPRK in response to this report, as well as information from the US that will allow us to follow up on this very serious allegation". Statement | IAEA Concern with DPRK, UN News Centre
  • 16 October 2002, US Statement on DPRK Enrichment Programme. The US announced that during a visit to the DPRK, Assistant Secretary James A. Kelly and his delegation advised the North Koreans that the US had recently acquired information that indicates that North Korea has a programme to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons in violation of the Agreed Framework and other agreements. North Korean officials acknowledged that they have such a programme. Statement
  • 20 September 2002, IAEA General Conference Adopts DPRK Resolution. Meeting in Vienna, the IAEA General Conference of Member States urged the DPRK to come into full compliance with its safeguards agreement. Resolution
  • 16 August 2002, IAEA Director General Report on DPRK Safeguards. IAEA Director General ElBaradei forwarded his report on IAEA safeguards in the DPRK, for submission to the September sessions of the Agency's General Conference. Report
  • 5 April 2002, US Report on North Korea. In a report to the US Congress, the Congressional Research Services outlines policy and other issues facing the US on the North Korean nuclear programme. Report
  • 19 March 2002, US-DPRK Agreed Framework. US President Bush waived, on grounds of national security, certifying to Congress that North Korea was in compliance with the 1994 US-North Korean Agreed Framework.
  • 18 March 2002, IAEA Director General Report to Board of Governors. In his report to the Agency's 35-member Board of Governors, IAEA Director General ElBaredei expressed hope for continued cooperation with the DPRK. He said an Agency team had visited the DPRK Isotope Production Laboratory 16 January. He also noted that three DPRK officials observed an IAEA calibration of a spent fuel counter early in March 2002 in the UK - a counter that would be used for verification of the spent fuel at the DPRK's 5 MW(e) reactor facility. These are small but welcome steps on the part of the DPRK which I hope will be followed by a gradual return to full inspection, he said. Director General Statement
  • 29 January 2002, US President Cites North Korea Among "Axis of Evil". In his State of the Union address, US President Bush declared that North Korea was part of an "axis of evil" group of States that produced and proliferated weapons of mass destruction.
  • 15-19 January 2002, IAEA Team Visits DPRK Facilities. A technical team from the IAEA visited nuclear facilities in the Nyongbyon area of the DPRK. The visit, which was not an inspection, included the Isotope Production Laboratory, an installation that the DPRK has stated was involved in the early stages of development of their nuclear programme. Press Release

PRE 2002 HIGHLIGHTS

  • 1994: IAEA Membership Withdrawal. The DPRK, which joined the IAEA in 1974, withdrew its membership of the IAEA 13 June 1994. The DPRK Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA remains in force. Fact Sheet
  • 1994: IAEA Monitoring of Freeze. In November 1994, the UN Security Council requested the IAEA to monitor the freeze of DPRK facilities under the Agreed Framework. Statement
  • 1994: US-DPRK Agreed Framework. The US and DPRK signed an Agreed Framework in Geneva 21 October 1994. Agreement
  • 1993: North Korea Intention to Withdraw from NPT, Suspension of Decision. On 12 March, North Korea announces it is withdrawing from the NPT. It cites the treaty´s escape clause on defending supreme national interests. North Korea´s two reasons for withdrawing are: (1) the Team Spirit "nuclear war rehearsal" military exercises, and (2) the IAEA demand for special inspection of two suspect sites. North Korea attaches a statement to its withdrawal notice that is sent to the three NPT depository states and the 154 NPT member states, in which it accuses the IAEA of violating its sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs, attempting to stifle its socialism, and of being a "lackey" of the United States. According to North Korea, the United States influenced officials of the IAEA Secretariat and Member States at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on 25 February 1993 to adopt a resolution requiring North Korea to open military sites to inspection that are not nuclear-related. On 11 June, one day before its notice of withdrawal from the NPT was due to take effect, the USA persuaded North Korea to suspend the "effectuation" of its withdrawal and to accept normal IAEA inspection of the seven sites it had declared in the Initial Report to the Agency.
  • 1977-99: Nuclear Programme, Safeguards. The DPRK signed its first safeguards agreement with the IAEA in 1977. It signed the NPT in 1985, and in 1992 signed its NPT Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA. NPT Safeguards Agreement |DPRK Safeguarded Facilities | Full Chronology (Archived Material: 1977-1999)

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