SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA’S RELEASE

 

OF DETAINED FOREIGN WORKER ‘POSITIVE’ STEP

 

The following statement was issued on 13 August by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the release of a national of the Republic of Korea working in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex who has been detained by the authorities of the Democratic Peoples’ Republic of Korea since 30 March.

As this development comes on the heels of the release of the two United States journalists, he appreciates the decision of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to take positive measures based on humanitarian considerations.  He extends his warmest sympathy to the family of the released worker and the Government of the Republic of Korea.

The Secretary-General renews his hope that a dialogue will resume at the earliest possible time between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the concerned parties, including inter-Korean dialogue.  He continues to support dialogue aimed at improving relations among them and resolving outstanding matters, including the nuclear issue.  The Secretary-General reiterates his unswerving commitment to doing his best to assist those endeavours.

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For information media • not an official record