Sinuiju's basic law is published

North Korean military personnel will be stationed in the proposed Sinuiju special administrative district and act when needed to maintain order.

According to the full text of the fundamental law on the Sinuiju project, carried by the state-run Central News Agency on Thursday, Pyeongyang will retain the authority to step in in the event of "war or armed insurgency" and "declare a state of emergency," in which the laws of the state will take precedence. The reference to war and armed insurgency is the first time specific examples of potential threats to the regime have been mentioned in North Korea's formal documents.

The law, constitutional in nature and to be the basis of other laws, regulations and ordinances of the district, is contained in 101 clauses in 6 articles, with 4 clauses in an appendix. It lays out the framework of the district's operations in politics, finance and economy, cultural affairs, rights and obligations. It covers residence, government organization and sovereign symbols.

The provision for the presence of the People's Army in the district is in Article 1 that covers politics. Much of the article and the rest of the law confirm what had been previewed in reports from Pyeongyang this week. The law lays out the establishment of a legislature, an administration and a judiciary; defense and diplomatic functions will remain with Pyeongyang.

The official language, contrary to statements by the district's administrative minister, Yang Bin, will be Korean.

The district will have its own monetary policy, and movement of capital across the border will be guaranteed "without restrictions," the second article says. It does not specify the monetary currency. The district will maintain a "favorable customs schedule," with duties to be determined by the district's administration. The administration's budget and expenditures will be entrusted to the administration.

The law guarantees protection of private property within the district, excluding real estate and natural resources. Inheritance of property will be guaranteed. The law caps working hours at 8 a day and 48 a week, and forbids employment of anyone under 16.

The right to strike against an employer is also provided, as is freedom of the press, publication, association and protest.

Current residents, foreigners with at least seven years of residence and employment in the district and those specially authorized by the administration or the legislature are eligible to be residents of the district.

The provisions on administrative organization give the minister considerable power. Mr. Yang, sworn in as the first minister Monday, will evaluate incorporation applications and appoint the heads of the prosecution, police and other administrative posts. He also can veto personnel appointments by Pyeongyang for Sinuiju.

An official at the North Korean consulate in Hong Kong said Mr. Yang is drawing up regulations for the district, including rules on border crossing. "South Koreans will be able to enter Sinuiju as soon as the rules are ready," he said.

by Lee Young-jong