Secretary-General reiterates importance of continuing dialogue between Democratic

 

People’s Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

On the fifth anniversary of the Joint Declaration, signed on 15 June 2000 at the historic inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang, the Secretary-General reiterates the importance of continuing dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in all areas between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea.  This is one of the guarantees for durable peace in the Peninsula, which he wishes to see as a united, prosperous and democratic region free of nuclear weapons.

The Secretary-General is hopeful that the Declaration will be implemented in full and he is encouraged by the progress achieved to date despite the obstacles encountered over decades of confrontation.  He calls on both sides to continue their positive efforts, urging them in particular to do everything possible to expedite and facilitate family reunions for those separated since the Korean War.

The Secretary-General firmly believes in the eventual reunification of the Peninsula through the joint efforts of the Korean people and will do his utmost to assist them in attaining this goal with the support of the international community.

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