Deep concerns about North Korea-Russia arms deal, calls on the two
countries to abide by international standards
Minister Kim Yung Ho attends a press conference (September 14)
On September 14, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho held his first
press conference as the Minister of Unification at a conference hall
in the Office of Inter-Korean Relations.
Minister Kim provided an overview of various current affairs,
including the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, the
promotion of North Korean human rights, and preparations for unification.
Firstly, the minister expressed deep concerns regarding the North
Korea-Russia military cooperation and arms deal discussions brought up
during the North Korea-Russia summit.
He urged “Russia and North Korea to cease illegal and reckless acts
that deepen their own isolation and regression, and abide by
international norms, including the UN Security Council resolutions.”.
Regarding North Korean human rights, Minister Kim stated his
intention to establish a “North Korean Human Rights Roadmap” to
progressively improve them. He also mentioned plans to promote the
National Center for North Korean Human Rights (tentative) and engage
in North Korean human rights dialogues, expanding opportunities for
both the private sector and the international community to join in
improving North Korean human rights.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the need for a clear direction
towards unification based on a free and democratic basic order,
stating that the ministry will work on strengthening education in
liberal democracy and security.
Additionally, he highlighted that he “will make every effort to
advance progress on issues related to separated families, abductees,
detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.”
