§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed the situation in North Korea with the United States Government; and if he will make a statement. [9830]
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed North Korea with the US Secretary of State on 10 December when he raised our concern over the increased tension on the Korean peninsula since the submarine incident in September. Since then, the North Korean Government have issued a statement of apology on 29 December.
§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed the situation in North Korea with the Government of the Republic of South Korea; and if he will make a statement. [9831]
§ Mr. HanleyMy right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary had a meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Korea on 3 December, and I held talks with the Vice-Minister on 17 December. At both we discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula in the aftermath of the submarine incident. The statement of apology issued by North Korea on 29 December undertaking to ensure no recurrence of such incidents has led to a welcome easing of tension on the peninsula.