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U.S. delegation arrives in DPRK for remains of U.S. soldiers http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-04/09/content_5953293.htm
2007-04-09
BEIJING, April 9 --A U.S. delegation led by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has arrived in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The visit coincides with a US announcement that it's found a way to return frozen funds to Pyongyang. During the four-day trip, the delegation will focus on recovering the remains of US soldiers killed during the Korean War. Over 33,000 US troops were reportedly killed in action.
Bill Richardson said, "More than 8,100 American soldiers are listed as missing following the Korean War. Their families deserve closure and they -- what we want to do, is -- Dr. Principi and I -- is bring back some remains."
The group is expected to meet with DPRK officials in Pyongyang, before traveling on to Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone. Once there, they will monitor the transfer of remains from the Korean People's Army to UN command personnel. The remains will then be turned over to US custody.
The Bush administration has made it clear that the focus of the trip is not on nuclear negotiations. But analysts say Richardson's visit may nonetheless help ease tensions between the U.S. and the DPRK.
On Friday, the U.S. State Department announced that a way had been found to transfer frozen funds to the DPRK, and that the chief U.S. negotiator, Christopher Hill, will leave for East Asia on Sunday to refocus attention on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
(Source: CCTV.com)
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