26 February 2004 – The Philippines remains hopeful that the Six-Party talks that are being led by China will provide the venue for a peaceful and meaningful resolution to the situation on the Korean peninsula.  The current round of talks began yesterday in Beijing.

“The Philippines continues to be deeply interested in the peaceful resolution of the differences that beset the Korean peninsula.  We have a stake there in the peace and stability of the peninsula,” the Secretary said.

“We have shed Filipino blood in the name of peace on Korean soil and we have a large number of Filipinos there.  We welcome the continuation of the six-way talks and support the efforts of the parties to come to an understanding,” the Secretary emphasized.

The Secretary noted the positive messages that were coming out of the meeting, including the holding of bilateral talks between the US and the DPRK.  “In spite of deep divisions and inherent difficulties, we note the positive messages that are being sent by the parties.  We welcome in particular the holding of bilateral talks between the US and the DPRK,” the Secretary said.

“The reiteration by the US of its willingness to issue security assurances and the categorical statement that the US has no aggressive intentions against the DPRK and a positive response from the DPRK could be the key to moving the talks forward,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that aside from supporting efforts to give the DPRK security assurances, “another important pillar of a possible solution would be efforts to engage the DPRK on a fundamental level by bringing the DPRK into the economic mainstream of the region.”

“We know that the talks could be complicated and protracted, but we prefer to remain optimistic,” the Secretary added. END.