At the conference the DPRK ambassador briefed on the statement and referred to the fact that dialogues for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula had been held thanks to the consistent efforts of the DPRK government since the 1990s and, in this course, important bilateral and multilateral agreements were adopted.

However, the implementation of all those agreements stopped halfway or was overturned, he noted, saying that the course of the six-party talks proves that the issue can never be settled without confidence among the parties concerned.

It is our conclusion that priority should be given to building confidence between the DPRK and the United States, the parties chiefly responsible for the nuclear issue, to bring back the process for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula on track, he said, stressing the importance of the conclusion of a peace treaty between the two countries.

He said:

The conclusion of this treaty will help terminate the hostile relations between the DPRK and the U.S. and positively promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at a rapid tempo.

Talks for the conclusion of peace treaty may be held either at a separate forum as laid down in the September 19 Joint Statement or in the framework of the six-party talks for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula like the DPRK-U.S. talks now under way in view of their nature and significance.

If the parties to the Armistice Agreement sincerely hope for peace and security and the denuclearization of the peninsula, they should no longer prioritize their interests but make a bold decision to deal with the fundamental issue without delay.