§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the European Council of Ministers last discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladThe European Council has not discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula in the last two years.
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§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.
§ Mr. GoodladWe have consistently supported efforts to achieve this through direct contact between North and South Korea. We hope that these contacts will soon resume and make progress.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation on the Korean peninsula; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladThe situation on the Korean peninsula gives cause for concern. Contacts between North and South Korea to follow up their 1991 agreement on reconciliation, non-aggression, exchanges and cooperation seem to have stalled. North Korea has not co-operated with the International Atomic Energy Agency on all the necessary inspections of its nuclear facilities. North Korea's attitude has serious implications for stability in the region. We hope that early progress can be made on both these issues.