One of the complicated matters the book breaks down for novices like myself is political statements like "The Agreed Framework." You may have heard that phrase lately in connection with the current round of talks. What is it?

• The first formal agreement signed by diplomatic representatives of the USA and North Korea.
• It has no binding force, it is only an understanding.
• It helped "freeze" NK's nuclear activities for awhile.
• It was signed October 21, 1994. (Clinton years)
• In 2001 the new Bush administration ignored the agreement.
• In 2003 NK withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear weapons, and in essence nullified the agreement.
• It is believed that this accord will have to be revived if the present crisis is to be resolved.

Some of the main features of the accord:

• The U.S. will help NK build a light water reactor.
• The U.S. will offset some of the energy withheld by a freeze. Oil will be delivered at a rate culminating in 500,000 tons annually.
• Therefore, North Korea will dismantle certain nuclear facilities.
• The Atomic Energy Agency will be free to monitor.
• U.S. and N.K. will hold more talks.
• Talks will move toward full political and economic relations.
• U.S. will assure N.K. it is not going to use nuclear weapons against them.
• NK will meet often with South Korea.
• NK will remain a party to Treaty on Non-Proliferation (already broken)