Statement by Press Secretary on the Expression of Regret by North Korea on the Submarine Incident

January 7, 1997

1. On December 29, a spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea expressed deep regret concerning the submarine incident of September 18th, and announced that it would take measures to prevent recurrence.
   
   
2. The Government of Japan has strong interest in peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and has stated its position that North Korea should deal sincerely with the submarine incident. The Government of Japan expects that the release of this announcement by North Korea will lead to easing of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and welcomes it.
   
   
3. The Government of Japan hopes that North Korea will make efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Government of Japan has been supporting the Four-Party Meeting for permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula proposed by the Presidents of the United States of America and of the Republic of Korea last April, and hopes that North Korea will soon accept the proposal.