§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to North Korea following the latest incidents involving infiltration into South Korean territory. [50717]
§ Mr. FatchettThe UK does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea and no talks between officials have been held since these incidents.
In his capacity as a member of the United Nations Command, our Defence Attaché in Seoul has taken part in the investigations into these events. He is also participating in the General Officer talks between the US-led United Nations Command and the North Korean People's Army, to discuss the 1953 armistice agreement and related issues arising from the latest incidents.
North Korea has recently expressed an interest in political dialogue with the EU. Any such dialogue would need to include the subject of the recent incursions by the North.