Summit Meeting Between South And North Korea

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Laurie Brereton - Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs

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Media Statement - 11 April 2000

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The Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Laurie 
Brereton, today warmly welcomed the announcement of agreement to hold 
a summit meeting between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and North 
Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang from 12-14 June.

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"This historical meeting has the potential 
to open a new process of reconciliation and cooperation on the Korean 
Peninsula", Mr Brereton said.

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"South Korean President Kim Dae-jung deserves 
high praise for his efforts to ease tension with North Korea through 
economic, cultural and personal exchanges under his 'Sunshine Policy'. 
Increases in trade and personal contacts between the two Koreas have 
the potential to build the foundations for a more cooperative relationship."

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"The development of direct high-level dialogue 
between North and South Korea is vital to address the sources of insecurity 
on the Korean Peninsula."

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"North Korean's nuclear, ballistic missile 
and suspected chemical and biological weapon programs remain matters 
of very serious concern. Early action by North Korea to comply fully 
with International Atomic Energy Agency requirements and suspend completely 
its missile development program would do much to build confidence and 
enhance security."

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"It is to be hoped that the forthcoming 
summit meeting will open the way for a more constructive approach by 
North Korea and diminish the threat of weapons of mass destruction on 
the Korean Peninsula."

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Authorised by Geoff Walsh, 19 National Circuit, 
Barton ACT 2600.

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