Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on issues related to the Korean Peninsula

The Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General Maurice F. Strong had a round of high-level discussions last week in Seoul on issues related to the Korean Peninsula. There was a sense of cautious optimism, in the context of the six-party meetings in Beijing, on the prospects for a peaceful resolution of the current impasse. Mr. Strong also visited Beijing this week, where he welcomed the holding of the six-party talks and commended China's important role in convening this useful forum. In both Seoul and Beijing, Mr. Strong reaffirmed the active support of the Secretary-General for continuation of the negotiating process towards a comprehensive settlement. The Secretary-General will continue to consult closely with the parties involved on this critical issue.