1. The recent incidents involving the extraction of nuclear materials were isolated, laboratory-scale scientific 
experiments conducted at the initiative of a small number of scientists.  The Republic of Korea does not have 
nuclear weapons programs nor any programs for enrichment or reprocessing.  Therefore, North Korea's 
allegation that these incidents are  "manifestly of military nature"  is absolutely not true.

 
2. The Republic of Korea has long been exemplary in its transparent cooperation for IAEA inspections on its 
nuclear-related activities.  In the same vein, the Government of the Republic of Korea reported to the IAEA 
the recent discoveries in a faithful, transparent and expeditious manner.  With the full cooperation of the 
Government of the Republic of Korea, the IAEA has been conducting its work to review and verify the reports.

 
3. The Republic of Korea, as a party to the NPT, has been faithfully abiding by the obligations of the peaceful 
use of nuclear energy and nuclear non-proliferation, and will continue to strictly adhere to the IAEA 
Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol.

 
4. The Government of the Republic of Korea believes that these incidents should not have any effect on the 
Six-Party Talks whose purpose is the resolution of the North Korea nuclear issue.  Other parties of the Six-
Party Talks generally share the view that these incidents should not affect the Six-Party Talks process.

 
5. The Republic of Korea will strengthen its diplomatic efforts so that the fourth round of the Six-Party Talks 
could be held before the end of September as agreed upon, and to attain substantive progress when the 
talks are held.  The Government of the Republic of Korea hopes that North Korea will also come forward in a 
positive manner.

 
                                                                         Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation