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U.S. - North Korean 2004 Joint Recovery Operations
According to a press release in November from the Department of Defense, the U.S. and North
Korea agreed on the continuation of recovery operations for 2004. There will be five
separate operations at two locations each. The areas being excavated will be in Unsan
County 60 miles north of Pyongyang, North Korea and the Chosin Reservoir area. Our
U.S. team will be in country between April and October of 2004.
In addition, an investigative period conducted by the North Koreans will take place before
joint operations begin. Although this has occurred in the past, the latest negotiations have
produced an agreement in writing. It is hopeful that the firm commitment of interviewing
villagers and officials will enhance the efforts of our team. If successful, it would possibly
lead to a more expeditious and complete recovery process. It certainly would be a huge
advantage for our U.S. team to move forward to a specific location once they arrive in country
to conduct its recovery operations.
We would like to take this time to recognize the sacrifices that are made by our U.S. Recovery
teams and wish to thank them for agreeing to perform a very difficult job for the sake of all
those who remain unaccounted for. A sincere “thank you” to all of you who give up the comforts
we all have come to at some time, to take for granted, and wish you success and safety in your
efforts.
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