61581 The first ship is scheduled to head for North Korea on as early as the 12th.
61582 The agreement over the nuclear issue between the US and North Korea has been executed without a hitch.
61583 In addition to welcoming the effort of the US and North Korea, we applaud the cooperative framework among the three countries, namely, Japan, the US and South Korea.
61584 Further, we hope that the outcome of this effort will lead to the resolution of the Korean issue with the reopening of the North-South dialogue.
61585 In the US-North Korea agreement, North Korea has promised to freeze its nuclear facilities including experimental reactors within a month of signing the agreement, while the US has assured it will begin supplying crude oil within three months.
61586 Additionally, the relaxation and removal of restrictions on trade investments have been promised, and North Korea has just announced such implementation.
61587 The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that North Korea has in fact already frozen its nuclear facilities as agreed.
61588 Further, the safe storage of the used nuclear fuel removed from the experimental reactors was conducted under IAEA supervision.
61589 When the shipment of C-heavy oil to North Korea begins, the improvement of US-North Korea relations will advance to the next phase.
61590 Both countries are expected to relax the restrictions on areas such as trade and communications and to establish liaison offices on both sides.
61591 With regard to the implementation of the US-North Korea agreement, there are concerns that it may go back to square one as the Republican Party gained a majority in Congress in the US midterm elections.
61592 However, in view of the situation at the US Congress, these observations may prove unfounded.
61593 Mr. Gallucci, head of the US delegation for the US-North Korea negotiations, seems confident that the crude oil supply to North Korea will continue as promised.
61594 As long as North Korea adheres to the agreement, it seems difficult for Congress to revoke the agreement.
61595 Considering the present state of Congress, it is hard to imagine that all Republican congressmen will support the resolution to oppose the crude oil supply to North Korea.