Preface

The Review and Prospects of Internal and External Situations (issued in January 2007) reviews domestic and international public security situation in 2006 (as of the end of November) and prospects future trends. Topics discussed in this report include the situations of Northeast Asia that exhibited increased tension as a result of North Korea's nuclear test (See Note), the trend of international terrorism showing expanding menace of attacks by Islamic extremists and other terrorist groups, and the issue of Aum Shinrikyo which still retains dangerous characteristics with its members' absolute faith in ex-leader Asahara. The report also explains measures being taken and those needed to be taken by the Public Security Intelligence Agency.
   The months mentioned in this report refer to the year 2006, unless otherwise noted. Also, the titles of individuals mentioned hereinafter refer to those at the time when this report was written.

[Note] North Korea announced on October 9, “Our science section successfully conducted an underground nuclear test under secure conditions on October 9.”
In Japan, at about 10:35 on the same day, the Meteorological Agency detected a seismic wave having an irregular waveform, with the seismic center estimated to be at the northeastern part of North Korea, and presumed the phenomenon as an artificially-caused explosion at said area. Later, the United States and South Korea announced, respectively on the 16th and the 25th of the same month, that they believed the phenomenon to be a nuclear test conducted by North Korea. On October 27, Japan released the official view of its government, stating that, “the probability of North Korea's having conducted a nuclear test is extremely high, judging from results of comprehensive analysis of various information and data.” Based on those circumstances, the said phenomenon is referred to as “nuclear test” in this report.