NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 158

(May 19, 2011) *** CHRONOLOGICAL REVIEW SEOUL (Yonhap) -- The following is a chronological review of major developments related to North Korea from May 12 to May 18, 2011. May 12 The (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reports that Kim Jong-il inspected the Kujang Fish Farm located in North Pyongan Province. 13 Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA), sends a congratulatory message to Norodom Sihamoni, king of Cambodia, on his 58th birthday. 13 A Pyongyang city meeting is held at the Central Hall of Workers to mark the 50th anniversary of the (North's) Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea. 14 The Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in an article marking the 10th anniversary of diplomatic ties between North Korea and the European Union, argues that the relationship between the two sides has developed favorably in line with mutual interests. 15 The Rodong Sinmun insists that Japan has yet to repent for its past war crimes during its colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. 15 The North's National Defense Commission (NDC) in a statement denies its involvement in the sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan last year that killed 46 sailors, again claiming Seoul has made up stories to raise tension and direct the attention of the South Korean public away from its own failures and wrongdoings. 16 The Rodong Sinmun slanders South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's demand for an apology from the North over last year's military provocations as "reckless remarks" during his visit to Germany. 16 Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun receives Le Quang Ba, Vietnam's new ambassador to North Korea, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang. 16 The 14th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair opens at the Three-Revolutionary Exhibition in Pyongyang. 16 A delegation of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, led by Vice Chairman Chen Zongxing, arrives in Pyongyang. 17 The KCNA reports that Kim Jong-il replied to foreign leaders' messages on the birth anniversary of late North Korean founder Kim Il-sung. 17 A North Korean friendship delegation, led by Ri Kon-ho, deputy director general of the State General Bureau of Tourism, leaves for China. 17 Kim Yong-nam receives credentials from Dusan Bella, Slovak ambassador to North Korea, at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. 17 Hong Son-ok, vice-chairwoman of the SPA, and Anders Johnsson, secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, hold talks at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. 17 The 37th National Sports Contest of School Youth and Children for Jongilbong Prize opens. 17 Kim Jong-il receives a visiting delegation of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, led by Director Mikhail Fradkov. 18 Kim Yong-nam receives Anders Johnsson, secretary-general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and his companion who paid a courtesy call on him at the Mansudae Assembly Hall. 18 The KCNA reports that Kim Jong-il inspected fruit farms in Ryongjon and Toksong located in South Hamgyong Province