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North Korea seems to be trying to sustain itself after its nuclear and missile tests
early this year triggered a raft of sanctions that appear to be tightening the noose on
the regime. Feeling the pinch, Pyongyang is reportedly
trying to earning foreign currency in any way it can.
Connie Kim reports. North Korea appears to be trying to bring
in extra cash and boost domestic production,... in the wake of the tough international sanctions
imposed on the regime following its nuclear provocations this year.
In one sign of this, the North appears to be registering foreign vessels as North Korean
ships. Voice of America reported Tuesday that the
North registered six vessels from Middle East nations, including Iran and the UAE, from
last year to March. The report says the foreign shipping companies
benefit from avoiding certain taxes, while Pyongyang gets the foreign currency it craves.
Voice of America points out that the practice is a clear violation of UN sanctions that
ban not only North Korean ships operating under foreign flags of convenience, but also
foreign vessels registering under North Korea.
Meanwhile,... the North seems to be gearing up for revival of a campaign to boost production.
The North carried out its so-called "70-day battle" ahead of its Workers' Party congress
earlier this month. The campaign was aimed at boosting production
and infrastructure development for the once-in-a-generation political gathering.
And now, people within North Korea are reportedly anxious about an upcoming review of the campaign.
In a report by Washington-based Radio Free Asia,... the chief editor of Japan-based Asia
Press, Jiro Ishimaru, said the review will start after all party congress participants
return to their hometowns. The review is expected to include critiques
of the performance of the officials involved in the 70-day battle... and calls for more
enthusiasm to boost production.
In another sign North Korea may be looking elsewhere for cash,... there's speculation
about the activities of Kim Yong-nam , the president of the North's parliament.
"South Korea said Kim is believed to be traveling to Africa via China as part of a tour of African
nations, adding North Korea has had many diplomatic contacts with African countries in the past.
Connie Kim, Arirang News."