News
"Reconciliation between the United States and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) remains the key to diffusing tension in the region," said participants in a 17-20 October consultation held under the auspices of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) in Tozanso, Japan.
"Normalization of relations between the DPRK and the USA, and the adoption of a non-aggression pact will provide a solid foundation for ending the armistice and replacing it with a peace treaty," some 55 church representatives from nine Asian countries - including North and South Korea -, Europe, and North America affirmed in a communiqué issued at the close of the consultation.
"Humanitarian support for food, medicine, and other inputs should be continued by Japan, USA, and other countries without conditions attached. Humanitarian assistance should not be abused for political ends," the participants urged, adding that "the US and Japan should refrain from using sanctions as a political leverage in their policy of confrontation and isolation".
Addressing the consultation's host country, the communiqué suggested that "a more independent regional policy and role by Japan is essential to create a climate for peace, security and regional stability".
Reflecting on the role of the churches, it urged participants to "encourage the WCC and the CCA to convene a working group to build an ecumenical network of churches, individuals and organizations interested in promoting peace and the reunification of Korea."
The final communiqué of the consultation is available on our website
www.wcc-coe.org/wcc/what/international/tozanso2004.html
See also our press release of 13 October, 2004
www2.wcc-coe.org/pressreleasesen.nsf/index/pr-04-47.html
The executive committee statement on Korea is available at: