1.   Over the last two decades, steadily growing trade has helped transform what was an isolated Maoist state not long ago.

2.   The Yongbyon reactor is a potential source of weapons-grade plutonium for the isolated Communist state.

3.   All defectors from the isolated Stalinist state have described severe food shortages and factories are said to be stopped because of power shortages.

4.   Already stricken by severe food shortages, North Korea said Thursday that droughts are setting in across the isolated communist state during the crucial planting season.

5.   An influential South Korean religious leader said Sunday he wants to visit North Korea to discuss religious exchanges and economic help for the isolated communist state.

6.   Bertini met reporters after a six-day visit to the isolated communist state.

7.   Because of his corn programs, Kim said he enjoys wider access to remote farms in the isolated communist state than WFP officials.

8.   Because of the programs, Kim said he enjoys wider access to remote farms in the isolated communist state than WFP officials.

9.   Britain, Germany, Spain and Belgium announced they would join the growing list of western nations opening diplomatic relations with the isolated communist state.

10.   But politics and indifference to the isolated Stalinist state have left the pleas largely unfilled.