Annan Hails Inter-Korea TalksVisiting U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Tuesday voiced his warm welcome to the upcoming talks between leaders of Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, saying that it is strongly hoped that the "historic talks produce substantive results."Annan, who is in Havana on an official visit and to attend the South Summit of the Group of 77 (G-77), said in a statement, "I warmly welcome the agreement to hold a summit between Kim Dae-jung, president of the Republic of Korea, and Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, on June 12-14, 2000 in Pyongyang." "It is my strong hope that these historic talks produce substantive results," he said. "I would also like to express my full support for the continuation of efforts aimed at advancing national reconciliation, exchanges, cooperation, peace and unification in the peninsula," he said. "As before, I stand ready to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promote mutual confidence in the region," he added. Pyongyang and Seoul announced Monday that Kim Jong Il and Kim Dae-jung would meet in Pyongyang on June 12-14. It will be the first such summit since the 1950-1953 war on the Korea Peninsula. Annan flew into Havana Monday night, and met Cuban President Fidel Castro Tuesday morning. The U.N. chief also spoke at Havana University, and toured the Cuban historic center in the capital. |
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