'NK Nuclear Row Should Be Solved Peacefully'
2003-04-10
South Korea and China on Thursday (April 10) agreed to closely cooperate to resolve the simmering crisis over North Korea's nuclear program in a peaceful way through diplomacy.
They also agreed on the need for China to play more active role in persuading North Korea to close down its nuclear program and open dialogue with the relevant nations including the United States.
South Korean Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan and his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing reached the agreement during a meeting held in Beijing, a ministry official said.
They discussed Seoul's plan for finding a solution to the nuclear standoff and other issues of mutual concern.
Seoul has already submitted its plan for resolving the crisis to major allies, the United States and Japan.
Regarding the issue of North Korean defectors to China, Yoon conveyed Seoul's stance that they should be treated in a humanitarian manner and should not be returned to the reclusive nation against their will.
He also said South Korea is open to receiving them from a humanitarian perspective.
The two ministers also discussed the itinerary of President Roh Moo-hyun's visit to China.
Beijing has been wielding influence on North Korea as it maintains a significant level of contact.
Yoon will stay in Beijing until Saturday and hopes to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Communist Party liaison chief Wang Jiarui.
Source : www.korea.net
