§ Mr. BatesTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on North Korea's recent suspension of its intention to withdraw from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
§ Mr. HurdWe welcome this announcement and the news that the North Korean and United States Governments have agreed to continue their discussions. We hope that these will lead to a permanent solution of the 89W problem of North Korea's nuclear intentions. We urge North Korea to folow this positive step by reaffirming its commitment to the non-proliferation treaty and complying fully with its safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
We also call on North Korea to reaffirm its commitment to the north/south bilateral nuclear agreement with the Republic of Korea.