Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Human Rights)

That is certainly not the case. The comments by the hon. Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Hands) said a lot about the atrocities against women, and I notice that I am the only woman taking part in the debate. I am trying to say that I do not want the threats being made now to be replaced by another war, because it is women and children who usually suffer most in such conflicts. What are the Korean people to think when the war against Iraq was prefigured by President Bush’s characterisation of Iraq, Iran and North Korea as the ““axis of evil””? The most important remark that Ambassador Ri made to me in our conversation was, ““We are not applying for membership of the nuclear club. We are not seeking a permanent nuclear power status.”” That is unlike our country, the United States, France, Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Israel. As a long-time supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, I am doubtful that nuclear weapons can ever guarantee a country’s security. If the Government want to play a constructive role on the Korean peninsula—as I believe we can—we should help to find ways to end the deadlock in the six-party talks, which represent the only realistic prospect of securing a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. The Nobel peace laureates said:"““We urge the DPRK to completely abandon its nuclear weapons policy and accept international inspections.””" In addition, they said:"““We also call for the U.S. to end financial and economic sanctions on the DPRK and offer security guarantees.””" I commend to the Government that balanced approach. At the start of the new century, the Government took a bold step to establish diplomatic relations with North Korea. I see that as one of our positive achievements, in which we can take pride. We should build on it, not waste the opportunity that we have created. We should take further steps to enhance channels for dialogue and engagement, such as exchanging students, encouraging investment and trade, and developing dialogue between the politicians of our two countries and the two Governments on human rights and all other issues.