Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 139: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the escalating situation between North and South Korea following a recent arms transaction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7167/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The hostilities on the Korean Peninsula on 27 January to which the Deputy refers have involved exchanges of artillery fire between the North and the South along the disputed western sea border between the two countries, the so-called Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea. It is both regrettable and counter-productive for the North Korean side to have initiated this exchange and to have indicated its intention to continue its military activities in the area.

These incidents have occurred in the context of a series of setbacks which include the decision by the DPRK to withdraw from the Six Party Talks process, to cease cooperation with the IAEA, to carry out a nuclear test and a missile test, and to restore its nuclear facilities in contravention of UNSC Resolution 1718. The testing of the nuclear device in May 2009 resulted in the adoption by the Security Council of UNSC Resolution 1874 which imposed a tighter arms embargo and new financial restrictions.

At the same time, paradoxically, the DPRK has also signalled its desire to engage in talks. This has encouraged key regional players to explore the potential for a resumption of the Six Party Talks process. The US Special Envoy for North Korea, Mr Stephen Bosworth visited Pyongyang in December. Last week, Mr Lynn Pascoe, UN Deputy Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs and Mr Wang Jiarui, Director of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party visited Pyongyang. President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea has also signalled his willingness to engage in direct talks, including the possibility of a summit meeting.

With our partners in the EU, we have consistently called on the DPRK, including through a Declaration by the European Council on 18/19 June last, to refrain from any violations of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to engage in dialogue and cooperation, including through the early resumption of the Six Party Talks.

The resumption of dialogue is the only way to achieve peace, stability and cooperation on the Korean peninsula. We must also keep to the forefront the suffering of the people of North Korea who face systematic, widespread and grave human rights abuses and endure sustained food insecurity and widespread malnutrition. Hope for relief for them lies in a successful talks process.