Posts tagged ‘nuclear’
Publication entitled “Living with North Korea without Kim Jong Il: A South Korean Perspective”, by Kim Tae-Woo of the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU). Read more
Preparations are currently underway for the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, which will be held during 26-27 March 2012.
The summit is the largest in the security field focusing on international cooperative measures to protect nuclear materials and facilities from terrorist groups.
Full Title: Application of Safeguards in the DPRK
File: IAEA-20110902
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publication Date: 02 September 2011
Relevance: Report by the Director-General to Board of Governors General Conference alleging DPRK use of black market to (1) acquire the materials needed to establish a uranium enrichment facility at the Yongbyon nuclear complex; and (2) sell nuclear related materials to obtain funds to further program. Also notes continuance of DPRK nuclear program and continuing lack of cooperation. Read more
On 13 September 2011, the White House announced the President Obama would receive President Lee Myung-bak and his wife on 13 October 2011 for a state visit. The two leaders are expected to discuss a range of economic and security issues, including progress towards implementation of the Korea-United States (KORUS) Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Read more
On 20 March 2011, the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) issued a report to National Assembly Representative Byun Jae-Il of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP). The report looks at levels of specific radioactive materials detected in the air and surface of South Korea between February and April, the ‘yellow dust’ period, over the past ten years. Read more
On 17 March 2011, the National Police Agency apprehended a 28-year-old office worker, identified by his family name Byun, for the distribution of false information that could cause public anxiety. It is alleged that Byun was the primary source of a rumour that radioactive material from Fukushima, Japan, would reach Korea, which after spreading rapidly via internet and social network services, resulted in a 2.4 percent fall in the KOSPI. Read more
The Lee Myung-Bak administration is facing a major challenge in its efforts to convince business and industry groups that an emissions trading scheme will not exert further regulatory burdens on operations.
The emissions trading scheme is required to fulfill South Korea’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent from projected levels by 2020, and forms an important component of the whole-of-government strategy to establish South Korea as a leader in ‘green growth’.
The administration has invested heavily in this strategy, including the development of a green growth export sector; investment in wind, solar, nuclear and other clean energy production; and the promotion of Korea as prominent voice in international debate on green industry and green development.
The planned passage of the legislation in February 2011 and the commencement of an exchange-based emissions trading scheme in 2013, would place Korea at the forefront of international efforts.
Failure to pass the legislation within the current timeframe would substantially weaken Korea’s position as a leader in the green growth development and ultimately reduce the ability of Korea to steer international debate in a direction favorable to Korean industry.
