Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=10/31/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N / KOREA RESOLUTION (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-268679

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: In what diplomats call a "historic move," the United Nations General Assembly Tuesday approved a resolution which was jointly sponsored by the governments of North Korea and South Korea. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: The resolution hails last June's summit meeting between the leaders of the two Koreas and encourages the two sides to lay a solid foundation for the peaceful reunification of Korea.

The resolution was a collaboration involving North Korean ambassador Li Hyong-Chol and ambassador Sun Joun-yung of South Korea and was co-sponsored by more than 150 other nations. Support for the resolution was so overwhelming that it was adopted by consensus, without a vote.

Ambassador Sun told reporters the resolution was truly historic because it changes the United Nations from an arena of confrontation on Korea to one of cooperation.

/// SUN ACT ///

In a sense, this reintroduction of the Korean issue at the United Nations signifies a crucially important turnaround in the history of the relationship between South Korea and North Korea. In other words, this is a new and fresh start for genuine peace on the Korean peninsula.

/// END ACT ///

In a statement on the resolution, the North Korean government said the General Assembly's action indicates "firm support of all member states for peace, security, and reunification of Korea."

On the subject of reunification, South Korean ambassador Sun said that while it is something to aspire to, reunification will probably take years to achieve. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/LSF/JWH