Annan Hails Progress Made by DPRK, US in Building New RelationshipUN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Tuesday welcomed the progress made by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States in building a new relationship during the recent visit to Washington by Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok, first vice chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK.In a statement issued by his spokesman's office, Annan saluted in particular the decision of the two countries to take steps "to fundamentally improve their relations" and their commitment to make every effort "to build a new relationship free from past enmity." "The inter-Korean process of reconciliation and cooperation is reinforced by these actions," the UN chief said. Annan called on the international community to positively respond to the historic changes on the Korean Peninsula. Noting Tuesday's decision by the United Nations General Assembly to include on the agenda of its current session an additional item entitled "Peace, Security and Reunification on the Korean Peninsula," the UN secretary-general said he viewed this initiative as conducive to increasing the support by the international community for the positive development on the Korean Peninsula. Vice Marshal Jo Myong Rok visited Washington on October 9-12. A joint communique was issued by the end of his visit which said the DPRK and the U.S. are prepared to undertake a new direction in their relations. |
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