§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to help to bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation in North Korea; and if he will make a statement. [109007]
§ Mr. RammellWe believe that multilateral diplomatic efforts can bring about a peaceful settlement. Her Majesty's Government are working closely with key international partners to find a peaceful and durable solution to this issue. We continue to engage directly with the North Korean Government on this matter through our embassy in Pyongyang, and with DPRK officials based in London.
§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of China on the repatriation of North Korean refugees. [108696]
§ Mr. RammellWe regularly raise the issue of North Korean refugees with the Chinese, including at the biannual UK/China Human Rights Dialogue. At the last round of the dialogue, on 21 November 2002, we urged China to allow the UNHCR access to the border areas and to observe its obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
We will continue to encourage greater co-operation between China and UNHCR on this issue.