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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 97-09-19
From: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>
MIDDAY EXPRESS
News from the Spokesman's midday briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi du Porte-Paroleb
19/09/97
CONTENTS / CONTENU
[01] EU joins North Korea nuclear security body
[02] Hans Van den Broek welcomes Landmines Convention
[01] EU joins North Korea nuclear security body
The European Union (EU) formally joins the Korean peninsular Energy
Development Organisation (KEDO) today, paving the way for a more important
European political and economic role in East Asia. KEDO is the body set up
two years ago to increase nuclear safety and reduce the threat of
proliferation in North Korea. Under the Accession Agreement, the EU,
through the Euratom Treaty, will work towards KEDO's objectives as a full
member of the Executive Board, on the same terms as the original members
(South Korea, Japan and the USA). The EU envisages a financial contribution
of ECU 75 million over five years, broadly comparable to the USA's
contribution.
[02] Hans Van den Broek welcomes Landmines Convention
Hans van den Broek, European Commissioner responsible for Foreign Affairs,
lauded the conclusion of the Oslo Conference on anti-personnel landmines as
a landmark in helping rid the world of these inhumane weapons. He said:
"The European Union remains committed to the objective of the total
elimination of anti personnel landmines. Ottawa will not be the end of the
process. A number of important countries have not yet given their support
to the Convention and we hope they will do so soon. Our work will not be
completed until there is an effective global ban, implemented by all
states; until all mines are cleared from areas of habitation and economic
use; and until all victims are properly cared for. This is an daunting task
and the European Commission will continue its substantial practical,
financial and political contribution to this cause." He congratulated all
those that have participated so effectively in this work and called upon
all states to subscribe to the Convention when it is open for signature in
Ottawa on 3 December.
MIDDAY EXPRESS
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/
© ECSC - EC - EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg, 1995, 1996
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