Ban welcomes Korean family reunions, looks forward to more dialogue, exchanges

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the holding of reunions of separated families of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and stressed that humanitarian measures such as this should be regularized and not subject to political security and considerations.

According to a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York, the reunions are being held from 20 to 26 October at Mount Kumgang in DPRK.

“The Secretary-General is encouraged by the positive trends related to inter-Korean relations, particularly the 'August Agreement.' He hopes that the recent momentum will pave the way for greater inter-Korean dialogue, people-to-people contact, reconciliation and cooperation,” said the statement.

The Secretary-General also urged for more dialogue and exchanges between the two governments to 'contribute the promotion of human rights, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula'.