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Media Release

FA55 / 12 April 2002

Australia Welcomes Positive Developments in Inter-Korean Relations I welcome theagreement between South and North Korea to resume dialogue and re-start work on economic cooperation, transportation links and family reunions between the two Koreas following the successful visit of South Korean Presidential Envoy Lim Dong-won to Pyongyang from 3-6 April.

The outcomes achieved in Pyongyang last week are positive steps in fostering dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.

Australia remains concerned about the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and has consistently urged North Korea to respond positively to President Kim Dae-jung's policies of economic and political engagement and reconciliation between the two Koreas.  Australia’s regular dialogue has played its part in broad-based regional and international efforts to encourage North Korea to end its isolation and engage positively with the international community.

The Australian Government is also a strong supporter of international efforts to reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation on the Korean Peninsula through the Korean Peninsula Development Organisation (KEDO). Australia is the largest non-Executive Board financial contributor to KEDO, having contributed $20 million to the organisation to date.  We have also hosted nuclear safeguards training courses for DPRK and regional officials.

Australia has also contributed $29 million to UN humanitarian appeals in North Korea since 1996, and continues to support training for DPRK officials in high priority areas such as agricultural and nutritional science.

Australia urges North Korea to reopen regular formal dialogue with the United States and address issues relating to weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ballistic missiles, and the timely implementation of the commitments contained in the 1994 US/DPRK Agreed Framework and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).  I also urge North Korea to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to secure an overall resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Australia will continue to engage North Korea in close consultation with

Australia Welcomes Positive Developments in Inter-Korean Relations - Media Releases from the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2002/fa055_02.html (1 of 2) [15/04/2002 9:05:55]

our regional partners.

Media inquiries:    Matt Francis (Minister’s Office) 02-6277 7500 / Julie McDonald (Departmental), 02-6261 1555



This page last modified: Friday, 12-Apr-2002 17:19:12 EST

Local Date: Monday, 15-Apr-2002 09:06:28 EST



Australia Welcomes Positive Developments in Inter-Korean Relations - Media Releases from the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs

http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2002/fa055_02.html (2 of 2) [15/04/2002 9:05:55]

