Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

News Release

Release No. 990611

SEOUL (UNC) June 15, 1999 - General officers from the United Nations Command (UNC) and the North Korean People's Army (KPA) met today at Panmunjom to discuss the series of incidents involving South and North Korean naval vessels off the west coast of the Korean peninsula.

During the ninety-minute meeting, UN Command generals recommended that both sides withdraw their naval forces to their respective sides of Northern Limit Line. The Command expressed concern that continued naval intrusions could further escalate tension in the region. The UN Command stressed to the North Korean delegates that the Northern Limit Line has existed for many decades and both South and North Korea have acknowledged that a practical separation line exists in the waters off the east and west coasts of the Korean peninsula.

Measures were presented to the North's delegates to reduce the tension and the UN Command urged immediate North Korean cooperation. Additionally, the UN Command recommended that the communications channels remain open at Panmunjom while attempts are made to resolve this situation.

Although the north Korean Peoples Army showed its continued support in principle for the Korean Armistice Agreement, the two sides were unable to reach agreement on the issue of reducing tensions in the West Sea. At the recommendation of the UNC, the meeting was recessed while the North Korean side conferred with its leadership on the UNC proposed tension reduction measures.

"The talks were conducted in a business-like manner, with each side gaining an increased understanding of the other's views," said Col. Carl Kropf, UN Command spokesman. "The primary objective of the meeting was to seek a resolution to the situation off Korea's West Coast and reduce tension in that area."

Representing the UNC were Maj. Gen. Michael M. Dunn, U.S. Air Force; Brig. Gen. Keum, Ki Yeun, Republic of Korea Air Force; Brig. Gen. John Baker, Commonwealth Member of the Military Armistice Commission; and Colonel Francois Torres, French Army liaison officer. The KPA were represented by Lt. Gen. Li, Chan Bok, Maj. Gen. Cho, Dong Hyon, and Senior Colonel Pak, Rim Su.

UNC proposed this meeting June 11 and the North Koreans accepted the invitation on June 13.

This was the sixth general officer meeting since the meetings began in March 1998. The purpose of the general officer meetings is to discuss practical armistice-related issues, reaffirm its commitment to the GO forum, and reduce tension on the Korean peninsula.

-30-