Robert McClelland MP  Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs   Federal Member for Barton





16 July 2007

NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Labor welcomes the announcement that North Korea is shutting down its  Yongbyon nuclear reactor and re-admitting a permanent International Atomic  Energy Agency inspection team.

This is a welcome first step toward ending North Korea’s nuclear program and we  look forward to further verification.

Labor acknowledges the work of the main US envoy Assistant Secretary of State  Christopher Hill, who has spent many years negotiating nuclear disarmament  with North Korea.

These latest positiives developments demonstrate the wisdom and integrity of  Ambassador Hill in continuing to push for diplomatic engagement in  circumstances where it was far from the most popular approach to take.

Labor also acknowledges the key role of China in exercising its regional influence  contructively to assist in achieving this outcome.

Labor remains committed to strengthening the international non-proliferation  regime, and ensuring that its legal and enforcement mechanisms are working to  protect our national security.



Contact: Tom Cameron 0417 147 932











