The statement said:

The experience in the past period proves that even a trifling accidental case on the Korean Peninsula may be a grave challenge to the regional and world peace.

The tense situation which prevailed on the peninsula in last August finally proved that the existing AA could no longer avert a conflict and defuse the danger of a war.

It is self-evident that the discussion of any issue related to the peninsula cannot be otherwise than an empty talk and the denuclearization of the peninsula, the issue of interest of all countries concerned including the U.S., can hardly be solved unless the Korean Armistice Agreement is replaced with a peace treaty.

If the U.S. persistently pursues its hostile policy toward the DPRK and continues its military provocations such as the U.S.-south Korea joint military exercises, they will chill the atmosphere of all negotiations and deteriorate the situation.

In the light of this reality we consider that only by replacing the AA with a peace treaty is it possible to preserve peace and security on the peninsula and voice full support for the above-said statement of the DPRK FM.