Posted on 02/18/2007 11:23:15 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
2007-02-19
It has been learned that Kim Jong-il recently ordered total recall of all Japanese cars in N. Korea, in a 'decree from National Defense Commission.'
A source on N. Korea said on Feb. 19, "Kim Jong-il was coming out after paying his respect at Kumsusan Memorial Palace(Kim Il-sung's mausoleum) on Jan. 1 of this year, and noticed that a broken-down Japanese car was blocking the road. It prompted him to order the recall of all Japanese cars.
As a result, N. Korea authorities reportedly banned or recalled all Japanese cars except those Kim Jong-il gave to actors or athletes as gifts or those used by special organizations such as Ministry of Public Security or Military Engineering Bureau.
High level officials of N. Korea use Mercedes, but mid-level officials or ethnic Koreans sent from Japan mostly use Japanese cars, and many (government) organization also use second-hand Japanese cars.
The source said, "Up until now, owning Japanese cars has been a privilege of Koreans sent from Japan. As the recall went into effect, the frustration of car-owners in Pyongyang is rising."
Some argues that the ban of Japanese cars by Kim is a way of expressing his displeasure to current Japanese government which was most forthcoming in pushing for sanctions against N. Korea at U.N. Security Council, and maintaining hard-line policy because of (Japanese) abductee issue.
Japan was also against sharing the cost of energy aids at the third conference of fifth 6-party talks concluded in Beijing on Feb. 13, citing no progress in the abductee problem. (Seoul = Yonhap News)
A regime cannot function effectively if it is swayed by such an arbitary whim of its ruler.
On the other hand, such a move would not hurt us.
Ping!
Sounds like a good market for the Mercedes/Dodge Sprinter Vans in N.korea.
Kim really sounds like he sould try detox maybe Britney Spears and him can team up.
No decree against BENTLEY... :o)
Hey, the guys insane. He rules a country. He's short.
There's no logic to unravel because he's just making it up as he goes.
To even own a car in North Korea...you have to have a major status in the local community. I'm betting there are about 500 of these Japanese cars there...and half of them weren't acquired via Kim's government offices...but through some illegal pay-off. Go watch the videos of people who tour North Korea. In a 10-minute period...you might see one car travel down some main drag of town.
He probably just needs a part for his Camry. If it's an airbag he needs, all he has to do is go to the mirror.
As only good Communists should...
Will he have them replaced with KIAs?
So, is he going to pack both vehicles up and ship them back to Japan?
Fortunately for the Nork citizens there was no recall of broken down ox-carts.
and maintaining hard-line policy because of (Japanese) abductee issue.
No matter how much the media screams about NK tensions and nuclear ambitions, there are other, very serious issues to consider.
How do you negotiate with a regime that kidnaps the citizens from another country to fulfill a need or a whim of the ruler?
Are you kidding me Tiger LOL!
Well Chia Pet could always ask Puff Daddy for ride ROFL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjI5yEW5U8Q&mode=related&search=
OH MONK I watching Comedy Central last night they have special MAD TV they showcast all world leaders they place that video I show classic Donald Trump episode
I agree it's probably a "somebody in the bureaucracy needs parts issue" LOL!
If not,it was brilliant of the Japanese to sell "lemons" to North Korea!
They were also going to issue a ban on Japense TV sets, but Mini-Me didn't want to give up the only working one in the country.
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