Appendix B

PRESS RELEASE – 19^th Sep 2003

House of Lords delegation returns from 6-day visit to North Korea.

Two members of the British House of Lords (Baroness Cox, a Deputy Speaker of the House and Lord Alton) returned today (19^th Sep) to Beijing after a 6-day trip to North Korea, accompanied by James Mawdsley, a human rights advocate who organized the trip.

The visit was facilitated by Jubilee Campaign and Christian Solidarity Worldwide – UK (CSW).  Lord Alton is one of the founders of Jubilee Campaign and Baroness Cox is Honorary President of CSW-UK.

On the first day, the delegation attended services at two churches in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.  Following the Protestant service at Bongsu Church, Baroness Cox said, “We were encouraged by the visit of 19 pastors from South Korea who had come to celebrate the opening of a seminary in Pyongyang, close to the church.”

David Alton said, “We were saddened that there was no Catholic priest in North Korea.  Although a service is permitted in the country’s Catholic Church, it is led by lay people without the possibility of celebrating the Eucharist.”

The delegation also visited the town of Anju, 80km north of Pyongyang, where they were told that a catholic church which had been destroyed 50 years ago during the Korean War.  However, the site is still visited by believers who have faithfully continued to worship there.  The delegation offered to try to secure funding to rebuild the church.

The delegation raised concerns expressed by the international community over the unknown fate of two Christian pastors:

-         Rev Ahn Seung Woon, who disappeared in 1995

-         Rev Kim Dong Shik, who disappeared in Jan 2000.

The British Parliamentarians have a deep concern for the plight of North Koreans who have fled into China where many live in conditions of acute deprivation, for fear of being identified by the Chinese authorities who forcibly repatriate them.  While in Beijing, the group made a formal protest, urging China to honour its international obligations.

One of the causes for the exodus from North Korea has been widespread famine and the inability of aid organizations to reach those in greatest need, due to political constraints.  Therefore, during the discussion with a Director of the North Korean Relief and Development Programs, Jong Yun Hyong, the group was pleased to hear of recent improvements in access for aid agencies.  This improved situation was confirmed by representatives of the World Food Program, World Vision, other aid agencies and the British Ambassador.

The delegation met senior members of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) government including –

-         the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) Kim Yong Nam

-         Vice-Chairman of the SPA Kang Nung Su

-         a Minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chae Su Hun.

During their visit they traveled widely in Pyongyang, visited Anju 80km north of Pyongyang and also visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which divides North and South Korea.

Besides raising political and religious liberties, they also had detailed discussions on the nuclear stand-off between North Korea and the US.

Lord Alton said, “We believe the nuclear confrontation can be resolved without conflict.  The DPRK has been considerably isolated for many years, but concerted international engagement can resolve two outstanding issues:

-         assurances of no pre-emptive attack by the US

-         commitment to peaceful co-existence on the Korean peninsular.

“We believe that there could be speedy de-escalation of tension and a willingness to de-nuclearise the peninsular.”

Baroness Cox said, “The possibility for North and South Korea to operate two systems within one country and to live together peacefully is, we believe, achievable.  The stark division of Korea at the DMZ is clearly impeding economic prosperity and the development of a truly open society.  The authorities in Pyongyang described how the collapse of their former economic partners in Eastern and Central Europe had a ruinous effect on their economy.  Combined with the natural disasters of recent years, these problems are stimulating a reappraisal of their best interests.”

Following wide-ranging discussions, the delegation has decided to establish the first-ever British-North Korean All Party Parliamentary Group to continue the dialogue.  They also extended an invitation to the President of the Presidium of the SPA to instigate a comparable visit to the UK.

At every meeting with government officials, the Parliamentarians presented Bibles in the Korean language, explaining that every Parliamentary day in Britain begins with readings from Holy Scripture.

They were deeply inspired and encouraged when one of the most senior North Korean politicians asked them if they would, as Christians, ask people in the west to pray for the people of North Korea.

ENDS

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