U.S.-N. Korea Communique Calls for Permanent Peace Arrangements
US-DPRK Joint Communique
Washington, D.C.
October 12, 2000
As the special envoy of Chairman Kim Jong Il of the DPRK National
Defense Commission, the First Vice Chairman, Vice Marshal Jo Myong
Rok, visited the United States of America from October 9-12, 2000.
During his visit, Special Envoy Jo Myong Rok delivered a letter from
National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il, as well as his views
on US-DPRK relations, directly to US President William Clinton.
Special Envoy Jo Myong Rok and his party also met with senior
officials of the US Administration, including his host Secretary of
State Madeleine Albright and Secretary of Defense William Cohen, for
an extensive exchange of views on issues of common concern. They
reviewed in depth the new opportunities that have opened up for
improving the full range of relations between the United States of
America and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The meetings
proceeded in a serious, constructive, and businesslike atmosphere,
allowing each side to gain a better understanding of the other's
concerns.
Recognizing the changed circumstances on the Korean Peninsula created
by the historic inter-Korean summit, the United States and the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea have decided to take steps to
fundamentally improve their bilateral relations in the interests of
enhancing peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. In this
regard, the two sides agreed there are a variety of available means,
including Four Party talks, to reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula
and formally end the Korean War by replacing the 1953 Armistice
Agreement with permanent peace arrangements.
Recognizing that improving ties is a natural goal in relations among
states and that better relations would benefit both nations in the
21st century while helping ensure peace and security on the Korean
Peninsula and in the Asia-Pacific region, the US and the DPRK sides
stated that they are prepared to undertake a new direction in their
relations. As a crucial first step, the two sides stated that neither
government would have hostile intent toward the other and confirmed
the commitment of both governments to make every effort in the future
to build a new relationship free from past enmity.
Building on the principles laid out in the June 11, 1993 US-DPRK Joint
Statement and reaffirmed in the October 21, 1994 Agreed Framework, the
two sides agreed to work to remove mistrust, build mutual confidence,
and maintain an atmosphere in which they can deal constructively with
issues of central concern. In this regard, the two sides reaffirmed
that their relations should be based on the principles of respect for
each other's sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal
affairs, and noted the value of regular diplomatic contacts,
bilaterally and in broader fora.
The two sides agreed to work together to develop mutually beneficial
economic cooperation and exchanges. To explore the possibilities for
trade and commerce that will benefit the peoples of both countries and
contribute to an environment conducive to greater economic cooperation
throughout Northeast Asia, the two sides discussed an exchange of
visits by economic and trade experts at an early date.
The two sides agreed that resolution of the missile issue would make
an essential contribution to a fundamentally improved relationship
between them and to peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. To
further the efforts to build new relations, the DPRK informed the US
that it will not launch long-range missiles of any kind while talks on
the missile issue continue.
Pledging to redouble their commitment and their efforts to fulfill
their respective obligations in their entirety under the Agreed
Framework, the US and the DPRK strongly affirmed its importance to
achieving peace and security on a nuclear weapons free Korean
Peninsula. To this end, the two sides agreed on the desirability of
greater transparency in carrying out their respective obligations
under the Agreed Framework. In this regard, they noted the value of
the access which removed US concerns about the underground site at
Kumchang-ri.
The two sides noted that in recent years they have begun to work
cooperatively in areas of common humanitarian concern. The DPRK side
expressed appreciation for significant US contributions to its
humanitarian needs in areas of food and medical assistance. The US
side expressed appreciation for DPRK cooperation in recovering the
remains of US servicemen still missing from the Korean War, and both
sides agreed to work for rapid progress for the fullest possible
accounting. The two sides will continue to meet to discuss these and
other humanitarian issues.
As set forth in their Joint Statement of October 6, 2000, the two
sides agreed to support and encourage international efforts against
terrorism.
Special Envoy Jo Myong Rok explained to the US side developments in
the inter-Korean dialogue in recent months, including the results of
the historic North-South summit. The US side expressed its firm
commitment to assist in all appropriate ways the continued progress
and success of ongoing North-South dialogue and initiatives for
reconciliation and greater cooperation, including increased security
dialogue.
Special Envoy Jo Myong Rok expressed his appreciation to President
Clinton and the American people for their warm hospitality during the
visit.
It was agreed that Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will visit
the DPRK in the near future to convey the views of US President
William Clinton directly to Chairman Kim Jong Il of the DPRK National
Defense Commission and to prepare for a possible visit by the
President of the United States.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
