New Year editorial in North looks inward, breaks little new ground

North Korea has declared 2002 as the "year of a new leap to building a strong nation." An official editorial listed the leader, ideology, military and the juche philosophical system as the primary state mainstays.

The editorial was published Tuesday in the Rodong Shinmun, the Korean People's Army and the Youth Vanguard.

In contrast to last year, when the New Year's editorial hailed the "new thinking" of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il and called for change, this year's was more defensive and lacked active vision, analysts said.

The editorial stressed that for a crucial phase to unfold in national unification, the June 15 joint communique, signed at the 2000 North-South summit meeting, must be carried out. It also emphasized North Korea's independence, and the cooperation of the Korean race.

But Pyeongyang repeated demands that South Korea stop regarding North Korea as its "main enemy," repeal the National Security Law and stop consulting with foreign powers, and it called for the pullout of the 37,000 U.S. troops from South Korea. The designation of North Korea as "main enemy" is found in the South Korean National Defense Ministry's White Paper.

The editorial assessed last year as one in which "Dear Leader Kim Jong-il's greatness was illustrated and the policy of putting the military first bore fruit." It also said that Mr. Kim's activities outside North Korea had greatly affected international relations.

"The editorial lacks mention of economic and political affairs," said an official at the Unification Ministry. "In sum, they know of the tough external challenges out there and to ride it out, they will turn inward to consolidate the regime."

"We expect the North to channel its energy into hosting the 70th birthday of the North Korean People's Army on April 25, the 90th anniversary on April 15of the birth of the late Kim Il-sung, and the 60th birthday of Kim Jong-il on Feb. 16," the official said.

by Lee Young-jong