[R-G] Forwarded from Joshua (Soil Ride)

[Macdonald Stainsby]

http://usmlo.org/archive/2002-19/06-52-20.htm

U.S. TROOPS OUT OF KOREA NOW!

Facts Do Speak for Themselves

In the blizzard of disinformation concerning the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (DPRK), its nuclear energy program and U.S. threats to use
nuclear weapons, it is useful to look at the facts of the matter. Otherwise,
one cannot distinguish between the snow-job and reality. We encourage
readers to investigate these matters for themselves.

Among the most significant facts are:

1) The 1994 DPRK-U.S. Agreed Framework, which both the U.S. and DPRK are
bound to implement, called for the DPRK to freeze its nuclear energy
program, specifically its nuclear reactors. It did so, despite the
difficulties this caused for its energy resources. The International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) monitored the freeze and safe storage of spent fuel
rods.

2) The U.S. agreed to take full responsibility for providing two light-water
reactors (LWRs) which produce no nuclear weapon-related material like
plutonium. The reactors were to be completed by 2003. The U.S. did not
implement this agreement. To date only the foundations have been laid and
projected completion has again been postponed until after 2008. The LWRs
were to provide approximately 2000 megawatts of electricity.

3) The U.S. was also to supply 500,000 tons of fuel-oil until the LWRs were
built to compensate for the lost energy capacities. The U.S. unilaterally
stopped these shipments, claiming the DPRK was building nuclear weapons. No
evidence was presented nor any efforts made to solve the problem
diplomatically.

4) The DPRK reiterated its stand that it reserved the right to all means of
self-defense. It also proposed the signing of a non-aggression pact with the
U.S. as a means to diplomatically solve the problem without use of force.
The U.S. refused.

5) Faced with no reactors and no oil shipments, the DPRK announced it would
re-open its nuclear reactors for energy purposes. Referring to the starting
of the reactor it stated, "Our measure has got nothing to do with plans to
develop nuclear weapons. Our republic constantly maintains an anti-nuclear,
peace-loving position." There is no evidence to the contrary. The DPRK has
threatened no one. It has invaded no one.

6) The U.S. announced it would not only stop oil shipments but considers
Korea fair game for first-strike aggressive use of nuclear weapons, which
the U.S. has, and has used. The U.S. also recently intensified their threats
of war saying they are now preparing to "win decisively" in Iraq and for
"swiftly defeating" the Koreans.

7) It is the U.S. who was defeated in the last war on the Korean peninsula.
It is the Korean people north and south who are demanding peaceful
reunification and that U.S. troops get out so that they can determine their
own affairs, a basic principle of democracy.

The following websites are useful for materials:

Korean Central News Agency: www.kcna.co.jp/

People's Korea: www.korea-np.co.jp/pk/

Base21, (ROK activist site): www.base21.org/

U.S. State Dept., East Asia Issues usinfo.state.gov/regional/ea/

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Macdonald Stainsby
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/leninist-international
--
In the contradiction lies the hope.
                                     --Bertholt Brecht