Korean peninsula: Annan welcomes accord between two countries on dialogue

The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, today welcomed the agreement by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea to "bring back on track the inter-Korean relations."

The Secretary-General was "particularly encouraged by their pledge to actively pursue inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, which is crucial to establishing lasting peace and security on the Korean peninsula," a spokesman for Mr. Annan said at a press briefing in New York.

The Secretary-General also hoped to see an early resumption of dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the United States, Japan and other interested countries, in order to address issues of mutual concern, the spokesman added.