Pyongyang also rallied public support behind the country's nuclear weapons program, and conducted its second nuclear test.

VOA: standard.2009.12.30

Pyongyang also promised to alert the South if similar situations arise in the future.

VOA: standard.2009.09.09

The isolated country is also under pressure because of United Nations sanctions imposed after Pyongyang conducted a nuclear test a year ago.

VOA: standard.2010.05.03

On Tuesday, Yediot Aharonot reported that Israeli analysts who reviewed videotapes of North Korea's missile tests concluded that alongside the various short range Scuds it sent over the Sea of Japan, Pyongyang also launched a Taeopodong-2 multi-stage long range missile capable of reaching Alaska.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Numbering the days of dictators

Seoul and Pyongyang are also trying to work out a new arrangement in which the North gets a loan to buy food from South.

CNN: Kim Jong Il's New Direction

An Associated Press report out of Pyongyang said the SIM cards would also allow foreigners to contact foreign embassies in Pyongyang and international hotels.

BBC: North Korea allows foreign visitors to use own mobiles