Unification Spokesperson Statement
June 23, 2015
It is deeply regrettable that North
Korea has unilaterally conducted a pro forma trial of our detained
citizens Kim Kook Kie and Choi Chun gil in the North and sentenced a
severe punishment of ‘hard labor for life’ today(6.23).
Our
government has repeatedly requested the North to inform us the
whereabouts and health conditions of Kim and Choi, and allow the
family and the counsel to access them.
However, North Korea
has made unsubstantiated allegations about Kim and Choi without any
advance explanation. Such inappropriate measures by the North run
counter to not only the international norms but also the universal
value of human rights and humanitarianism.
Our government
clearly states that we cannot accept the trial result unilaterally
imposed by the North.
We once again urge the North to
immediately release our citizens Kim Kook Kie and Choi Chun gil and
repatriate them without delay.
Furthermore, we once again
urge the North to release and repatriate our citizens Kim Jung wook,
and Joo Won-moon and send them back to their families.
The
R.O.K. government will put its utmost effort for the repatriation of
Kim Kook Kie, Choi Chun gil, Kim Jung wook, and Joo Won-moon placing
top priority in securing the safety of our citizens.