Brussels/Bangkok, 27/07/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Union initiated informal relations with North Korea, on the sidelines of the Forum on regional security in Asia organised, on Thursday, by the ASEAN countries with their ten international partners. Windows and doors are starting to open. The permafrost is starting to melt, announced to the press the Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten, who yesterday met the North Korean Minister for Foreign Affairs, Peak Nam-Sum. The EU would like to contribute towards the modernisation of the North Korean economy in this period of thawing between the two Koreas. "We are trying to find out if there exist judicious measures that may contribute to modernising and opening the North Korean economy, announced the Commissioner. "We do not have a wish list and even less conditions," he added. The High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, nevertheless added that the EU will maintain its critical attitude as long as the problem of weapons of mass destruction has not been resolved and that the human rights situation is not improving. Even if Korea starts to open its windows, we must remain careful and assess the progress of this overture, also added Chris Patten.
The Korean Minister should meet the American Secretary of States Madeline Albright. North Korea has officially become the 23rd member of the regional forum of South East Asian countries during this annual meeting on security in Asia, thus putting an end to years of diplomatic isolation.