5 January 2018

Text of letter sent to NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Right Honourable Winston Peters,

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington,

New Zealand.

Winston.peters@parliament.govt.nz 

5th January 2018.

Dear Sir,

The 16 January Vancouver Group meeting, to which New Zealand has been invited, will achieve nothing unless the issue of replacing the 1953 Korea War Armistice with a peace treaty is addressed.

Since they wrote in 1974 to President Ford and the USA Congress formally proposing “talks be held for the conclusion of a peace agreement between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the United States of America,” [1] the DPRK has been repeatedly asking for a cessation of hostilities. 

The DPRK’s Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Kim In-ryong has made North Korea’s position clear in recent statements:

“The rolling back of the hostile policy towards DPRK is the prerequisite for solving all the problems in the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, the urgent issue to be settled on Korean Peninsula is to put a definite end to the U.S. hostile policy towards DPRK, the root cause of all problems.” [2]

“Unless the hostile policy and the nuclear threat of the US is thoroughly eradicated, we will never put our nuclear weapons and ballistic rockets on the negotiating table under any circumstances.” [3]

Announcing the Vancouver Group meeting, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated that in seeking to increase the pressure on North Korea “all of us share one policy and one goal, and that is the full, complete, verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." [4]

Denuclearization of the Korean peninsula will not be achieved by increasing pressure on the DPRK as is being proposed to the Vancouver Group. North Koreans are still traumatised by US bombing which literally flattened their country and killed 30% of their countrymen.  These memories make them absolutely determined that no consideration can be given to denuclearization until hostilities have ceased.  Increasing pressure will merely strengthen their determination to further expand their nuclear deterrent capability.

Since the first sanctions were established in 1950, the United States has been continually increasing economic and military pressure on DPRK. The six decades of besiegement have created a strong siege mentality in Pyongyang. It has been in response to this pressure that the DPRK has created its nuclear programme. Only diplomacy can address this state of mind, not more isolation and sanctions.  .

President Putin has indicated that he fully understands this DPRK phsyche : “They'd rather eat grass than abandon their [nuclear weapons] programme unless they feel secure.” [5]

Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can only be achieved through diplomatic discourse.

 The first step in this discourse is to end the state of war with a robust internationally agreed upon peace treaty. Given a guaranteed cessation of hostilities, the DPRK will have no further need for their nuclear deterrent.

Nothing will be achieved by the Vancouver Group unless steps are taken to initiate the negotiating of a peace treaty.

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

[1]  For full text see:  http://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/114199.pdf?v=cd0ef171ed9fcb19ebbe0b883d5103f7

[2]   https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear-usa-un/north-korea-says-u-s-has-to-roll-back-hostile-policy-before-talks-idUSKCN18F230

[3]  http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/north-korea-nuclear-war-break-moment-171017034147416.html

[4]   http://thehill.com/policy/international/365720-us-and-canada-to-co-host-meeting-on-north-korean-nuclear-threat-in

[5]    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41158281

Letter Published in the NZ Herald     28th December 2017

North Korea Wants Peace

Your report (NZ Herald 22 December) that “America is drawing up plans for a ‘bloody nose’ military attack on North Korea to stop its nuclear weapons programme”  is a matter for concern. This would precipitate a war. 

China has made it clear that it will support North Korea if attacked by the United States.

Another war in Korea can only be catastrophically disastrous. Millions of lives would be lost and the global economy, including NZ, very seriously disrupted.

There is no need for war. North Korea has been asking for a peace treaty to replace the armistice for decades, but the United States, enslaved by the military/industrial complex, has always refused. In desperation as a last resort North Korea has been developing a nuclear capability in the hope that this will drive the Unites States to the negotiating table.  

The Trump administration’s ‘bloody nose’  response is not the way to go. Only genuine dialogue can solve the problem.

The only time a US Secretary of State (Madeleine Albright) visited Pyongyang a peace settlement agreement was drafted and would have been signed by President Clinton had not George W. Bush said he would tear it up and not honour it.

New Zealand should speak out against any military action in Korea and actively advocate a negotiated peace settlement agreement as provided for in the Armistice.

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

Letter received from NZ  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston peters

Rt. Hon Winston Peters

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister for State Owned enterprises

Minister for Racing

30th November 2017.

Peter Wilson

nzdprksociety@gmail.com

Dear Peter Wilson

Thank you for your letter of 28th November 2107 regarding New Zealand’s relationship with North Korea.

New Zealand remains extremely concerned by North Korea’s threatening behaviour that continues to risk regional and international security. We agree that dialogue is important to de-escalating tensions in the current environment.

As a member of the UN, New Zealand supports international efforts to persuade North Korea to enter into dialogue with its partners in the region. We remain open to re-engaging with North Korea at such time that it abides by its international obligations and ends its illegal nuclear and missile programmes.

Yours sincerely

(Signed)

Winston peters

Rt Hon Winston peters

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Letter Submitted to  New Foreign  Affairs Minister, Winston Peters.

Right Honourable Winston Peters,

Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington,

New Zealand.

Winston.peters@parliament.govt.nz

27th October 2017.

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your press conference comments on North Korea.

It is a matter of concern that your predecessors have blocked any diplomatic contact with North Korea for the past three years. The primary function of diplomats is to talk to others, and this is especially important where there are perceived differences with the other country. Shackling the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this way has been counterproductive.

The danger this inactivity poses has been exacerbated by the volatility of the Trump administration. If we value our relationship with the US then we should seek to be a calming voice that promotes dialogue rather than confrontation. We cannot do that unless we ourselves are in dialogue with Pyongyang.

The DPRK government assigned Mr. An Kwang-il as Ambassador designate to New Zealand late 2015. A diplomatic note requesting Agrèment to Ambassador An’s appointment was forwarded to Wellington in January 2016, but to date no reply has been received by the DPR Korea Embassy in Jakarta.

During discussion with Ambassador An in Jakarta 12 months ago he intimated to me that he was planning a trip to present his credentials in both New Zealand and Fiji. He has subsequently visited and presented his credentials in Fiji but has not been invited to New Zealand. May I respectfully suggest that an Agrèment be issued as soon as practically possible so that a diplomatic dialogue can take place. A key objective in this dialogue should be to obtain an understanding of North Korea’s security concerns as this is the nub of the problem.

We hope you will take a fresh, bold approach to the crisis between the United States and the DPRK so that New Zealand can play a constructive role. Based on our regular exchanges with both the Jakarta DPRK Embassy and officials in Pyongyang, the NZ DPRK Society feel sure that any initiative you might make would be welcomed and reciprocated. We would further urge you to support the efforts of President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to encourage dialogue. The proposal of China and Russia to de-escalate tension with a freeze of war games for freeze of nuclear development in order to create a climate in which talks can take place should also be supported. 

Sincerely,

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

Letter Submitted to the DominonPost Newspaper

16th November 2017.

NZ should be promoting peace not starvation

It is disappointing to read that Prime Minister Ardern is advocating sanctions against North Korea. Sanctions if fully implemented would deliberately produce mass starvation, something which former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described as a war crime. We might have expected better from our new Prime Minister.

According to US State Department estimates North Korea’s annual defence budget is about US$3.5 billion – the US and its allies outspend that by a factor of 300 times. The idea of North Korea being a threat to the US is preposterous, but the US threat to North Korea is very real, hence the development of the nuclear deterrent.

New Zealand should be encouraging President Trump to accept the independence of North Korea (formally the DPR Korea) and recognise its right to self-defence, which is enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.  If that were done then the crisis would soon be resolved.  That would be good not merely for the people of the Korean peninsula, but for New Zealand as well.

Tim Beal,

Chairman,

NZ-DPRK Society

15th October 2017

Letter submitted to the NZ Herald newspaper, Auckland NZ.

North Korea a Bully?

On the Q + A  TV programme United States Ambassador Scott Brown twice described  North Korea as a bully.

Actually the boot is on the other foot.  The United States is the bully, not North Korea.

Just last week, US Air Force B-1B bombers from Guam carried out mock air to ground missile launches in a show of strength off both coasts of the Korean Peninsula. At the same time the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan was conducting exercises in adjacent waters.

Over 100 military bases are maintained by the United States in South Korea and Japan. US troops based in South Korea continually practise war games based on OPLAN 5015 which involves ‘surgical strikes’ into North Korea and ‘decapitation of the North Korean leadership’.

North Korea has no overseas military bases; their air force and navy have never held exercises outside of their own territory. Pyongyang’s words and actions are solely defensive against external threats.

The CIA fact book tells us the purchasing power parity GDP of North Korea is US$40 billion as compared to the United States at US$18 trillion. This makes the economy of North Korea 0.0022% the size of the United States economy.

The facts do not support Ambassador Brown’s assertion.

3rd October 2017

Letter submitted to the DomPost newspaper Wellington NZ.

The United States Ambassador to New Zealand has accused Kim Jong-un of being a bully to people of the region and the world.

Kim Jong-un represents a country with 8% the population of the United States and 1.25% the land area of the United States.

According to the Federation of American Scientists (2017 figures), the United States has 6,800 nuclear weapons against North Korea who do not have any operationalised nuclear warheads as yet.

The United States has hundreds of overseas military bases and facilities, some 115 of which are in N. E. Asia. United States military personnel regularly practice massive war games in the land, sea and air space surrounding North Korea.

North Korea has no overseas bases and has never carried out war games outside of their own territory.

The CIA fact book tells us the purchasing power parity GDP of North Korea is US$40 billion against that of the United States at US$18 trillion. That makes the economy of North Korea 0.0022% the size of the United States economy.

North Korea the bully?

Yeah right!

Letter to the NZ Listener - published 2nd October 2017

Contact With North Korea

  “Seeing the Light” (September 2) suggests that our Government has decided to cut off opportunities for North Koreans to visit NZ thus depriving them of taking a peek at the outside world.

Blindly following the United States policy of isolation and sanctions, our Government has also cut off our diplomats from visiting North Korea for the past three years.

This means that the only information our NZ policy makers are receiving about North Korea is filtered through Washington and USA-dominated media feeds. This does not enable our diplomats to develop a balanced, objective understanding of the Korean situation. Nor does it allow them to do the job we employ them for – finding peaceful solutions to difficult situations.

It is to be hoped that our new Government will follow a more enlightened policy and immediately restore diplomatic relations with North Korea so that our MFAT personnel and policy makers can be fully informed and able formulate a peaceful independent set of Korea

policy actions instead of myopically following Trump and the hawks of Washington.

Peter Wilson

Secretary

1st August 2017

Letter to the NZ Herald

Only North Korean Missiles are Unnaceptable !

Last weekend North Korea test fired a ballistic missile. Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee immediately issued a press statement stating that further testing of a ballistic missile by North Korea is completely unacceptable.

Wikipedia lists 27 countries that have developed missiles. This includes South Korea which has developed, tested and deployed 28 different types of missiles.

Neither Gerry Brownlee nor any of his predecessors have issued statements saying that missile development is unacceptable in the other 26 countries. Apparently only in North Korea is missile development unacceptable.

Peter Wilson

Secretary 

NZ DPRK Society

30th July 2017

Letter to the DominionPost

Why Denounce North Korea?

Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee has denounced the further testing of a ballistic missile by North Korea. According to Wikipedia another 26 countries have developed (and presumably test fired) missiles.This includes South Korea which has developed, tested and deployed some 30 different classes of missiles including cruise and ballistic over past decades. Why does Minister Brownlee single out North Korea?    Why does he not denounce South Korea or any of the 26 other countries?

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZDPRK Society

Letter to the New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, Gerry Brownlee

Honourable Gerry Brownlee,

Foreign Affairs Minister.

 g.brownlee@ministers.govt.nz

2nd May 2017

Dear Sir

Congratulations on your appointment to the position of Foreign Minister.

This comes at a time of heightened tension on the Korea Peninsula.

Your appointment is welcome because it opens the possibility of a change in New Zealand’s policy on Korea.

Your predecessor has closed down New Zealand diplomatic contact with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and fully aligned New Zealand with the USA’s policy of sanctions and military pressure in the hope of a regime collapse.

We now have 67 years of history to tell us that this policy is not working. The tighter the sanctions and the more intense the military pressure, the more the people of North Korea support their leadership and the greater their collective resolve not to buckle under.

It is claimed that sanctions are aimed at the elite and curtailing the military. They are clearly failing on both counts. More and more luxury goods continue to appear in Pyongyang shops. Their development of missile technology and a miniaturised nuclear warhead is accelerating.

There are two legitimate sides to every story, but Washington and the media overwhelmingly only present one side of the story.

Washington, aided and abetted by the popular media, portrays North Korea as a state led by a deranged madman hell bent on causing nuclear mayhem. Not only is this rubbish, it is particularly scary when one considers that the current President of the United States is said to get most of his information from populist hard right TV shows.

The North Koreans are neither crazy nor suicidal.. Their thinking and actions are the product of 70 years of restriction under an inhumane siege. Subjected to the same siege conditions, Kiwis would react in much the same manner.

Between 2000 and 2008 there were regular visits by NZ diplomatic personnel to Pyongyang. MFAT staff developed some understanding of the North Korean viewpoint and policies. Importantly, they were given the opportunity to practice their art of diplomacy and deal with the vexed question of the Korean stalemate.

From 2008, your predecessor curtailed these visits and some three years ago totally stopped all diplomatic contact.  Any knowledge about North Korea within MFAT today is gained at best second hand, mostly filtered through Washington whose interests are not NZ’s best interests. The art of diplomacy is to deal peacefully with difficult situations. Our professional diplomats are being prevented from practicing their art.

Where-as official government relations have been frozen and there is no dialogue or mutual understanding at government level, the opposite is true at a civil society level where several channels operate with good communications and involvement in various activities. Over recent times these activities have  including  numerous projects on the NZ Friendship Farm aimed at increased food production, the first Western teacher to teach in a North Korean school, supply of equipment to the NZ Friendship School, the joint monitoring of migratory birds, assistance for the disabled, contributing to English language curriculum development at primary secondary and tertiary levels, guest lectureships at several high schools and universities, climbing and photographing remote and rarely seen mountains, facilitating a peace ride by NZ motorcyclists from the top of North Korea to the bottom of South Korea, facilitating a peace march across the DMZ by 30 international women including three Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, food and clothing for folks in homes for the elderly, support for several orphanages, publication in South Korea of informative books about North Korea  and food for the recently flood ravaged NE of the country, as well as regular discussions with DPRK diplomats and senior government personnel.

It is an indictment on New Zealand policy that a better understanding of North Korea’s situation, viewpoint, policies and desire for peace currently exists within civil society than within the Ministry which you now head.

Our understanding in summary is as follows.

(1)  With 28,500 US troops in South Korea and 50,000 in Japan plus the massive annual Foal Eagle, Key Resolve, Ulchi Freedom Guardian and ever tightening sanctions, North Korea feels threatened and under siege.

(2)  Noting what happened to Iraq and Libya after they shed their weapons of mass destruction, North Korea has accelerated its nuclear deterrent capability development programme. In doing this they believe that: (a) this will keep the USA and/or South Korea from attacking; and (b) that ultimately this will drive the USA to the table to negotiate peace.

(3)  Regarding the terms of negotiation this is the North Korean Peace Policy position:

·  A cessation of hostilities.

·  Replacement of the Korean War Armistice Agreement with a Peace Treaty.

·  Guarantee of Sovereignty.

·  Lifting of all sanctions.

·  Removal of all foreign troops from the Korean Peninsula.

·  Declaration of the Korean Peninsula as a Nuclear Free Zone.

Given above DPRK will dismantle all nuclear armament assets and give them to a mutually agreed upon third party.

Although this position has been put before USA authorities on numerous occasions, Washington refuses to talk. North Korea says sign a peace settlement as provided for in the Armistice Agreement and we will get rid of our nuclear armaments. The USA says get rid of your nuclear capability and then we (might) talk peace.

Thus the impasse continues. Meanwhile year by year the situation gets worse and the likelihood of war either by design or accident is increasing exponentially.

The externally inflicted division of the Korean Nation has caused the painful split of an estimated ten million families for the past seven decades. This is a tragedy of epic proportions. A speedy peace settlement agreement should be justified on purely humanitarian grounds alone.

The present verbal and military posturing is not only highly dangerous, it is unnecessary as all parties are actually in agreement that there should be peace and a denuclearised Peninsula.

A circuit breaker is needed to break the impasse.

New Zealand could provide that circuit breaker by actively advocating and working towards a peaceful non military resolution of the problem. 

The NZ DPRK Society urges you Minister to change NZ’s policy.

Specifically we recommend:

(1)    New Zealand should internationally signal its commitment to finding a peaceful non-military solution to the Korean stalemate by adopting a neutral position and stating that it will not take part in any military action on the Korean peninsula, irrespective of which side may be deemed to have precipitated the fighting.

(2)    Immediately issue an Agrèment accepting Ambassador to New Zealand designate An Kwang Il and arrange dates for presentation of his Credentials in Wellington.

(3)    On issuance of an Agrèment for Ambassador Kwang, instruct Ambassador Clare Fearnley to request dates for presentation of her Credentials in Pyongyang.

(4)    Allocate budget for MFAT and the Centre For Strategic Studies to identify actions NZ could take to initiate an international dialogue aimed at achieving a Peace Settlement Agreement as envisaged in Article IV, Clause 60 and Article V of the July 1953 Armistice Agreement.

(5)    Instruct MFAT staff to fully engage with their DPRK counterparts and explore possible pathways towards peace with them. This should include a programme of Track II discussions, expanded over time to include participants from other relevant countries.

(6)    If Moon Jae-in wins the South Korean Presidency, as widely expected, the New Zealand Government should wholeheartedly support his moves to defuse tension and promote peace. This is in our interest as well as that of all Koreans, South and North.

Tightened sanctions and increased military pressure as being advocated by the USA will not solve the problem, only make it worse. A widely repeated mantra in Washington, particularly in Republican circles is that to talk to North Korea is appeasement. This precludes precisely what is in fact required - diplomacy and negotiation of an internationally agreed upon peace treaty.

It is up to you Minister. The choice is stark.  You can follow the policy being advocated by the USA of tightened sanctions and increased military pressure which could lead to war – a war which would cost hundreds of thousands of human lives, and drastically disrupt New Zealand’s trade with NE Asia, thus causing our economy to take a drastic dive – or you can opt to work for a non-military resolution by actively advocating internationally for a process of peace talks.

Within the last 24 hours President Trump has stated that under the right circumstances he would be honoured to meet Kim Jong UN. New Zealand should encourage meaningful negotiations between the US and DPRK without preconditions on either side

Sincerely,

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

C.c.

Todd Muller

Melissa Lee

David Parker

Winston Peters

Kennedy Graham

Gareth Morgan

Brook Barrington

Andrea Smith

Clare Fearnley

Shee-jeong Park

Mitchell Bradley

David Capie,  Robert Ayson,  Robert Patman,  Kevin Clements,  Rouben Azizian    

Letter from the NZ DPRK Society requesting humanitarian emergency funding for the disastrous Lionrock Typhoon.

18th September 2016.

Mr. Brook Barrington,

Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Dear Sir,

We understand that the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) in Jakarta has submitted a request to the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeking humanitarian aid to assist people afflicted by the recent Typhoon Lionrock.

The NZ DPRK Society endorses this request and asks that a donation be made to one of the international agencies working on the ground in the afflicted area.

This is a major natural disaster with the Korean Central News Agency of DPRK stating that it is the “biggest cataclysm” since the devastation of World War II.

 Over the weekend we have been provided with the following information regarding the extent of damage by Mr. Hwang Sung Chol, Secretary General of our counterpart Society, the Korea NZ Friendship Society:

“Nine different local cities and counties- Hueryong city, Puryong County, Onsong County including Yonsa County and Musan County of North Hamgyong Province- were inflicted great damages. Total loss of lives including the missing counted as 538, and numbers of destruction of buildings are around 16,000 which resulted in more than 68,000 people displaced without any shelter. Around 29,000 hectares agricultural land has been washed out by a flood.

As you may recollect, even though Rason city was damaged by the flood last year, the scale of damage this area is almost ten-fold of Rason city.”

This is the equivalent to the population of Rotorua District being rendered homeless. The country is facing a herculean challenge to provide shelter to this number of hapless people within the next six weeks, before the sub-zero temperatures of winter set in.

It is now many years since NZ has made a special humanitarian grant to DPRK apart from routine support for the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

As this is a genuine humanitarian need, not a political issue, we urge a generous donation to one or all of the following: The World Food Program, UNICEF or the International Committee of the Red Cross all of whom we understand to be assisting the Government of DPRK relief work in the disaster area but are faced with inadequate financial resources to adequately meet the need.

Sincerely,

Tim Beal                   

Chairman

Peter Wilson              

Secretary

Stuart Vogel

Liaison Officer with Korea Christian Foundation

NZ Participation in US-led Korea War Games Foolish and Dangerous

http://search.scoop.co.nz/search?sort_by=relevance&q=NZ+Participation+in+US-led+Korea+War+Games+Foolish&date_from=&date_to=

http://www.zoominkorea.org/press-release-nz-participation-in-us-led-war-games-in-korea-is-foolish-and-dangerous/

12 North Korean Waitresses Held Incommunicado in South Korea

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1607/S00078/12-north-korean-waitresses-held-incommunicado-in-south-korea.htm

A Sad Example of Bureaucratic Cold-hearted Pettiness

February 2014    The NZ DPRK Society launches an appeal to raise funds for purchase of computers to replace circa 

early 1990s computers for school children in the NZ Friendship School in Pyongyang.

March 2014    The NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises that under a NZ Regulation supportive of a UN Security Council Resolution,

 computers are classified as a luxury item and that NZ citizens are thus banned from exporting or being in any way involved in transfer 

of computers to persons in the DPRK. The Ministry also advise that the Minister has  discretionary power to consent to the supply of 

luxury goods to a person in the DPRK.

April 2014       The NZ DPRK Society requests the Minister  to exercise his discretionary power and consent to the Society 

funding  new  computers.

June 2014   The Minister declines to consent.

Full correspondence below:

Letter From the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs

28th March 2014

Dear Mr Wilson,

We spoke on 14 March and I advised that I would be following up by letter our conversation regarding the Society’s plan to supply funds 

for the purchase of computers in DPRK.

All persons and entities in New Zealand, and in many  cases New Zealand citizens and companies overseas as well, must comply with

  regulations implementing Security Council sanctions.     It is accordingly  important to seek independent legal advice before 

engaging in any activities that may be affected by a sanction regime.

As you know, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is subject to sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

New Zealand, as a Member of the United Nations, is obliged to carry out the decisions of the Security Council. Security Council

Resolution 1718 (2006) includes an obligation on New Zealand to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK 

of luxury goods.

New Zealand implements this obligation through the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Regulations 2006. 

Regulation 5 bans the direct or indirect export of luxury goods to DPRK. Further, Regulation 10 bans New Zealand citizens from 

selling/transferring/delivering/dealing with luxury goods where those goods are to be supplied or delivered to a person in DPRK.

The Schedule to the Regulations lists the luxury goods to which the above restrictions apply. This list specifically includes computers.

In other words, New Zealand citizens, under these Regulations, are banned from exporting or being in any way involved in the  transfer of 

computers to persons in the DPRK.

  Regulation 10 does also allow the Minister of Foreign Affairs to consent to the transfer of luxury goods to a person in DPRK, where

the Minister is satisfied that the activity is not inconsistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions.

It is for the New Zealand-DPRK Society to decide whether to seek this consent. Should you decide to seek the consent please advise

me so that Imight assist you with presenting relevant information.

Yours sincerely

[SIGNED]

for Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Letter to Minister requesting his Discretionary Consent 

lOth April 2014

The Honourable Murray McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Private Bag I 804 1.

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington.

Dear Minister McCully,

To celebrate ten years of relationship with the NZ Friendship School in Pyongyang our Society is proposing to 

fund the replacement of the twenty year old computers currently being used in the school's IT room. 

While recognising that computers are listed as a sanctioned luxury item we understand that under Subclause (2), Clause l0 

of the United Nations Sanctions (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Regulations 2A06 (SR2006/382), you have the 

discretionary power of consent to waive this restriction.

The government of North Korea in 2A04 designated the Pyongyang Ryongbok June 9 Middle Schoolas the NZ Friendship School 

to commemorate establishment of diplomatic relations with NZ. As such, it has been visited by successive NZ Ambassadors.The 

school, of 750 students aged between 14 and 17, has one computer room. This is stocked with around 20 early 1990's vintage

 computers powered by the original Pentium chip These obsolete machines have become totally inadequate for modern software 

and the IT teacher struggles to impart the basics of computer use to her pupils.

As elsewhere in the world, computers are increasingly being used in all North Korean workplaces and it is essential that students 

become competent in their use. ln this context computers are a necessary educational tool, not a luxury.

For some years we have been asked whether we can fund new computers. In response to this we have decided to celebrate ten 

years of relationship with the school by funding up to 20 new computers. The actual number to be funded will depend on the amount

 of money donated by our members and supporters. Basic desk top computers suitable for the classroom are readily available for 

purchase in Pyongyang shops for around NZ$400.

Funding donated to the NZ DPRK Society will be transferred to our counterpart society in Pyongyang. the Korea NZ Friendship Society,

 who will purchase the computers and hand them over to the school. This modality has been used successfully for a number of

 humanitarian projects in the past. Projects valued at over NZ$25,000 have been funded using this mechanism over the past 

decade. Timing is dependent on when enough funding has been raised to make the project worthwhile, but it is hoped that the

 Korea NZ Friendship Societv will be able to purchase the new computers at the latest in third quarter of this year.

To accomplish this we request your consent.

[SIGNED]

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

Uncharitable Letter from the Minister Declining Consent

1 2 JUN 2011,

Mr Peter Wilson

New Zealand-Democratic People's Republic of Korea Friendship society

PO Box 82008

Highland Park

AUCKLAND 2143

Dear Mr Wilson

Thank you for your letter dated 10 April 2014 in which you seek my consent for the

People's Republic of Korea Friendship Society to fund up to 20 new computers for the

Pyongyang Ryongbok No. 9 Middle School.

As you are aware, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is subject to

sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council. New Zealand, as a Member

of the United Nations, is obliged to carry out the decisions of the Security

Council. Security Council Resolution 1718 (2006) includes an obligation on

New Zealand to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK of

luxury goods.

New Zealand has implemented this obligation through the United Nations Sanctions

(Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Regulations 2000, which bans

New Zealand citizens from being involved in the transfer of luxury goods to DPRK.

Luxury goods are defined at the Schedule to the Regulations, and include computers,

audiovisual equipment, data or software, and things on which data or software is or may

be recorded or stored.

ln this case, I am not prepared to consent to the activity as described in your letter.

Yours sincerely

[SIGNED]

Hon Murray McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand. Telephone 64 4 817 6810 

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30th July 2013

Open letter to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence.   

Kiwis Can Do it.

Yesterday a group of five Kiwis rode their motorbikes across the DMZ from North Korea to South Korea. They are on a ride from the top of North Korea to the bottom of South Korea. Significantly they have named the  venture “One People – Two Countries.” 

They are having fun.   They are also making a statement - specifically that it is a stupidity and a grotesque human tragedy that the Korean people have been divided at the 38th parallel for the past 60 years.

The NZ DPRK Society congratulates Gareth Morgan, Jo Morgan, Dave Wallace, Tony Armstrong and Brendan Keogh on their historic crossing of the 38th parallel thereby symbolising the peace and unity which should exist on the Korean Peninsula.

 The common assumption is that the DMZ can not be crossed. Since 1953 very few people have done so. It is not easy and it is fraught with risk. The last civilian who tried to do so is now in prison.  But a bunch of can-do common sense Kiwis have proved that it can be done.

The North and South Korean governments are united in their desire for peace – that is why they agreed to let our Kiwis ride across the DMZ.

Sixty years of untold unhappiness, split families and human tragedy are enough. It is time to end the nonsense. 

The NZ DPRK Society challenge the NZ Government to follow the lead of Kiwi civil society, to tread where others have feared to tread, and show that this nation is committed to peace in North East Asia.

 We call on the NZ Government to initiate what the world’s most powerful nations and the United Nations seem unable to achieve, through the convening of a Political Peace Conference as called for in Clause 60 of the Korean War Armistice Agreement, a conference which has never been consummated. The Conference to be attended by all countries from both sides who took part by fighting and supporting the Korean War.

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

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6 June 2013.

Craig Hawke,

Deputy Secretary

International Development Group

NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Dear Craig,

Thankyou for your letter of 2 June advising that NZ has contributed NZ$2 million to CERF and that NZ has an ICRC hospital project manager in the DPRK. 

While this information is appreciated, I still await a response to our specific request that NZ contribute to the UN appeal for urgent funding of their projects in DPRK. 

So far this year CERF has allocated US$227 million in emergency funding. NZ’s contribution of NZ$2million amounts to 0.007% of this total. To date this year CERF has allocated US$7 million to DPRK, which is less than 5% of the UN agencies 2013 budget.  At 0.007% NZ’s implied contribution to this is $49,000.  This is hardly a credible contribution to what (arguably Afghanistan apart) is currently by far the most desperate humanitarian emergency in the entire Asia Pacific region.

Attached please find copies of the UN’s Key Humanitarian Messages dated 15th March and their urgent appeal for $29.4 million to Respond to Critical and Life-Saving Needs dated 29th April 2013. The very modest, but critical UN programme in DPRK still remains seriously underfunded. 

As the Key Humanitarian Messages document states: 

“Provision of assistance must be based on the humanitarian principles: Humanity, Neutrality and Impartiality, and not be contingent on political developments.”

I look forward to your advice that the International Aid Group will be making a meaningful contribution to the UN’s DPRK appeal.

Sincerely

Peter Wilson

Secretary

NZ DPRK Society

NOTE.  Mr. Hawke has never bothered to answer this request. 

Some months later, in a meeting with NZ DPRK Society members, staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made it very clear that the International Development Group would not provide this humanitarian add to the DPRK.

..................................................................................................

Ms. Amanda Ellis,

Deputy Secretary,

International Development Group,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

195 Lambton Quay,

Wellington.

 20th March 2013

Dear Ms. Ellis,

Our Society wishes to draw your attention to the attached report released last week by Desiree Jongsma, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The report points out that “the majority of people (around 16 million) remain chronically food insecure and highly vulnerable to production shocks.” 

Since the collapse of trade with the USSR bloc in the early 1990’s the DPRK economy has been struggling to meet the needs of its people. 

The most vulnerable are the mothers and children. The 2008 UN-assisted DPRK census[1]  showed that during the 15 year inter-census period infant mortality rose from 14 deaths in 1,000 live births to 19 and maternal mortality has risen by about 30% to 77 maternal deaths in 100,000 live births. 

The November 2012  FAO/WFP Food Security Assessment Mission[2]  indicated that it has become the norm for pregnant women  to gain about 5kg of weight as against  a global recommended weight gain of 10 -15kg. This has seriously adverse long term implications for the health of both mother and child.

It is well documented that DPRK is the only country in the Asia Pacific region with a declining standard of population health.  For example, where-as in the 1980s DPRK citizens had a longer life expectancy than citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) it has now fallen to 11 years below that of the ROK. 

 Nowhere else in the Asia Pacific region is there a protracted humanitarian disaster of this magnitude. 

The modest UN humanitarian programme for DPRK in 2013 is currently 77% underfunded.

The UN Resident Coordinator points out: 

“Provision of assistance must be based on the humanitarian principles: Humanity, Neutrality and Impartiality, and not be contingent on political developments. Separating humanitarian needs from political issues is a prerequisite for a sustainable improvement in the condition of people.”

Acting as an advocate for the 16 million chronically food insecure fellow human beings in North Korea, the NZ DPRK Society requests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provide immediate and generous financial support to the 2013 UN Projects in DPRK. In doing this New Zealand can show moral leadership as befits an active member of the United Nations.

In doing this New Zealand can show moral leadership as befits an active member of the United Nations. 

We respectfully suggest that any unspent funding in the MFAT Humanitarian and Disaster Management Fund could be allocated for this purpose.

Sincerely,

Peter Wilson 

Secretary,

NZ DPRK Society. 

[1] http://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/2010_PHC/North_Korea/Final%20national%20census%20report.pdf

[2] http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/SRDPRK1112%255b1%255d.pdf

Note.  After two months a letter of reply was received stating that NZ had supported humanitarian aid for DPRK  in the past.  That was all !!

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Letter to the Editor Published in the Dominion Post, Wellington, 27th Feb.2013

                                                                  North Korea is only Building a Deterrent

    It is fortunate for the health of your editorial writers over the decades that the hysteria displayed towards North Korea’s third nuclear test ( 18 February ) was not aroused by American tests. 1,054 physical tests by official count, with a continuing programme of sub-critical tests to keep the nuclear arsenal lethal.

     The US has conducted about half the world’s nuclear tests and this has allowed it to produce the thousands of warheads which together with its massive conventional military forces ( as much as the rest of the world put together ) is a prime reason for North Korea to develop a deterrent. Nuclear weapons held by small nations are in themselves peace enhancing – no country attacks a nuclear power.

    The danger comes  from the excuse this gives Japan to go nuclear. Japan has a large nuclear industry, advanced rocketry, and a stockpile of uranium. If it breaks its Peace Constitution, as it may do under Shinzo Abe, it could rapidly become a formidable nuclear weapons state, far more powerful than anything North Korea could attain.

    That’s what worries China ( and many South Koreans ). This can be avoided if the US talks peace with North Korea.

                                                                                                                  Don Borrie

                                                                                                                  Chairman

                                                                                                              NZ DPRK Society 

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Mailed out to members, friends and supporter 13th February 2013

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully has issued a statement condemning North Korea.

"New Zealand continues to urge North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes, and instead to focus its energy on improving the lives of its people and on engaging constructively with the international community," Mr McCully says.

This is a cop out which ignores the real issues.

If Minister McCully is genuinely interested  in having the DPRK government engage constructively with the international community and in improving the lives of the people of North Korea, a more positive action would be  to instruct his officials to formulate New Zealand policies aimed at encouraging:

a.       Direct U.S.-DPRK negotiations

b.      Suspension of aggressive military exercises

c.       An end to the US-led punitive sanctions regime against the DPRK, which devastates the lives of the North Korean people. 

d.      An end to the Korean War by replacing the 1953 Armistice Agreement with a peace treaty

e.      Implementation of the commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty by the Nuclear Weapons States to achieve comprehensive nuclear

         disarmament.

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Request for  Financial Support  for United Nations Humanitarian Projects

On July 20th 2012 the Society (supported by  the  Anglican Social Justice Commissioner, Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand, Methodist Church of New Zealand, World Vision New Zealand, Anglican Diocese of Auckland, Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand, UN Women, Religious Society of Friends Bay of Plenty/Auckland)  wrote to the Hon. Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs presenting a case for NZ to provide support to the seriously underprescribed United Nations Humanitarian programme in DPRK. this was followed by a further letter on 15th August 2012.

In October a reply was received which completely ignores the request. 

Please draw your own conclusions from our  two letters and the Minister's ineffectual response below:

19th October 2012.

Dear Reverend Don Borrie,

Thankyou for your email of 15 August regarding the humanitarian situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). 

The New Zealand Government is committed to responding to humanitarian crises across the globe through contributions to the coordinated efforts of the international community, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross. 

New Zealand has provided humanitarian assistance to the DPRK through  international aid agencies and head of Mission Fund administered by the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul. More than NZ$4.1 million in aid has been given to UNICEF, the World Food programme and the International federation of the Red Cross in response to DPRK humanitarian appeals since 1995. 

I would like to reassure you that the new Zealand Government continues to monitor humanitarian crises across the world, including the DPRK, and contributes where the need is the greatest. 

Thankyou for taking the time to write

(Signed)

 Hon Murray McCully

Minister of foreign Affairs

15th August 2012

Hon. Murray McCully, 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 

Parliament Buildings, 

Wellington.

Dear Minister McCully,

I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the food supply situation in DPRK has deteriorated since our letter to you dated 20th July 2012.

Cyclones and heavy rainfalls in late July have caused extensive damage to private houses, agricultural fields and infrastructure in 61 counties in 10  of the 11 provinces of the country.

The latest UNDP DPRK Situation report (issued 13th August*) reports that that over 65,000 hectares of arable land have been affected, with crops (mainly rice and maize) either submerged or washed away.

This seriously exacerbates an already serious food deficit situation.

Mindful of the principle that humanitarian assistance should be totally divorced from political contingencies, and also that the DPRK Ambassador is shortly to visit NZ,   I reiterate our request that as a matter of urgency, the New Zealand Government make a substantial donation to the 2012 United Nations life saving humanitarian programme in the DPRK.

 Sincerely,

Rev. Don Borrie

Chairman

NZ DPRK Society

C.c.  John Key, John Hayes, Melissa Lee,  David Shearer, Phil Goff, Winston Peters, Kennedy Graham,

Rev. Dr. Stuart Vogel, Secretary of the Asian Council of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand on behalf of the Presbyterian Church.

Prince Devanandan, Secretary Mission & Ecumenical, Methodist Church of New Zealand.

Chris Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, World Vision New Zealand.

Pauline McKay, National Director, Christian World Service.

Rt. Rev’d. Ross Bay, Chair, Diocesan Council, Anglican Diocese of Auckland.

Kevin McBride, National Secretary-Coordinator, Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand.

Rae Julian, President, UN Women NZ National Committee.

Anthony Dancer, The Anglican Social Justice Commissioner.

Margaret Blakeley, religious Society of Friends, Clerking team Bay of Plenty / Auckland Monthly Meeting

*  http://kp.one.un.org/content/uploads/2012/08/DPRK-Situation-Report-2-Flooding-13-Aug-2012.pdf

20th July 2012.

Hon. Murray McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington

Dear Minister McCully,

Emergency Funding Request for United Nations Humanitarian Programme in North Korea (DPRK).

DPRK has the dubious honour of being the only country in Asia where life expectancy is dropping. The major reason for this is malnutrition.  The country has inadequate arable land to grow enough food. In a normal year it needs to import about 1 million metric tons of cereal.

With limited export income, the amount of cereal that can be bought and paid for is restricted. To top up, the country is dependant on food aid. This year it will need much more than normal because of the worst crop growing season drought in 105 years on the Korean Peninsula.

World Food Programme (WFP) has launched an Emergency Operation to meet the emergency food and nutrition needs of up to 3.5 million of the most vulnerable children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly.

 According to the recently published United Nations (UN) report “Overview Of Needs And Assistance in DPRK 2012”:[1]

• 16 million (66%) of the population face chronic food insecurity; 

• Infant mortality is increasing;

• 47% of four year olds are stunted;

• DPRK is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region not on track to meet Millennium Development Goals 4 (reduce child mortality), 5 (improve maternal health), and 6 (combat malaria, HIV, and other diseases).

 The 2012 UN humanitarian programme for DPRK is a minimalistic $198 million. As of 1st May 2012, only $74.9 million had been contributed - corresponding to 37.8 per cent of the overall requirement.

 The 24 million men women and children living in North Korea have had no say in creating the international geopolitical morass which has reduced their living standards and their life expectancy. These fellow human beings are innocent victims.

We the undersigned fully agree with the paragraph in the UN Overview which states:

“Contrary to the principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD), and at variance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality, humanitarian agencies note that there is an inherent link between the political environment and provision of funding to the UN and partners. The argument that the policies and actions of the Government need to change before an increase in assistance can be considered leaves the most vulnerable caught in the middle. The humanitarian needs of the people of DPRK are widely recognised and provision of assistance should be based on humanitarian principles, rather than be contingent on political developments.” 

Accordingly we request that the New Zealand Government make a substantial donation to the 2012 UN life saving humanitarian programme in the DPRK.

Sincerely,

Rev. Don Borrie, Chairman, NZ DPRK Society

Rev. Dr. Stuart Vogel, Secretary of the Asian Council of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa-New Zealand on behalf of the Presbyterian Church

Prince Devanandan, Secretary Mission & Ecumenical, Methodist Church of New Zealand

Chris Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, World Vision New Zealand

Pauline McKay, National Director, Christian World Service

Rt. Rev’d. Ross Bay, Chair, Diocesan Council, Anglican Diocese of Auckland

Kevin McBride, National Secretary-Coordinator, Pax Christi Aotearoa-New Zealand

Rae Julian, President, UN Women NZ National Committee

[1] http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OFD%202012%20(final%20version)%20-%2029%20May%202012.pdf

.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

To The NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs

NZ DPRK Society

https://sites.google.com/site/nzdprksociety/

15th November 2010

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington.

Dear Minister McCully,

The NZ DPRK Society listened with interest to your statement on yesterday's TVNZ current affairs Q & A programme that in relation to Fiji you “have always taken the view that we need to engage because unless we engage we won’t be able to take advantage of opportunities when they come along”.

May we suggest to you that the same principle should be applied to North Korea.

It is 18 months since our Ambassador visited and presented his credentials to DPRK. This compares adversely with your three visits to Fiji to date this year.

There appears to be no prospect of the Six Party Talks resuming any time soon. The need for engagement however remains stronger than ever.

Pyongyang continues to issue statements to the effect that they want peace and a nuclear free Korean Peninsula. They state that, given peace, they are willing to dismantle their  nuclear armament programme.

The NZ DPRK Society asks that our Ambassador be authorised to visit Pyongyang before the end of the year to find out what steps the DPRK believes need to be taken in order to achieve peace and a nuclear free peninsula.

Yours sincerely,

Don Borrie 

Chairman  NZ DPRK Society

Peter Wilson  

Secretary NZ DPRK Society

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

29 October, 2010. 

To The NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs 

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Private Bag 18041,

Parliament Buildings,

Wellington.

Dear Minister McCully,

Thank you for your letter 21 October, 2010, which acknowledges my letters (to you of 24 July, 2010, and to the Minister of Defence, Hon. Wayne Mapp, 30 August, 2010) but which does not answer the request made there-in- namely:

 We request that the New Zealand Government take a stand and declare that New Zealand troops will not participate in the event of war breaking out on the Korean peninsula, whether this be precipitated by either South or North Korea or their allies.

The reasoning in support of New Zealand taking this stand was provided in my two previous letters and I await your response.

Yours sincerely,

Don Borrie

Chairman

NZ DPRK Society

c.c.    Phil Goff, Maryan Street,  Pete Hodgson,  Melissa Lee,  Keith Locke.  

Note:  No response was ever received to this request

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Letter The NZ Minister of Defence

30th August 2010

 The Hon. Dr. Wayne Mapp,

Minister of Defence

New Zealand Parliament.

Dear Dr. Mapp, 

At this time when there is mounting tension on the Korean Peninsula the NZ DPRK Society feels it is important to raise with you the question of New Zealand’s continuing engagement in the area.

We request that the New Zealand Government take a stand and declare that New Zealand’s troops will not participate in the event of war breaking out on the Korean peninsula, whether this be precipitated by either South or North Korea or their allies.

The Cheonan incident (which took place in the dying days US/South Korean military exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle) has shown that war could easily be ignited between South and North Korea.

This situation has subsequently been exacerbated by further massive US/South Korean war games.  In July operation Invincible Spirit  involving 20 ships, 200 aircraft, and 8,000 sailors and airmen carried out drills in the sea of Japan. . This included a fleet of F-22 fighter planes and the USS George Washington, a 97,000-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. In August Operation Ulchi-Freedom  Guardian, claimed by the Americans to be the   largest command and control military exercise in the world, has involved some 500,000 South Korean troops and 27,000 US troops.

It is our conviction that military action is not the way to end the Korean impasse. Essentially the situation should be resolved by the two Koreas through dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that the impasse can readily be resolved by the parties being encouraged to enter into, mediated, negotiations, listening to each other’s concerns and acting to reach a mutually agreed solution. 

Former President Jimmy Carter, in a lecture at Korea University in Seoul, criticized international sanctions against Pyongyang, saying ordinary North Koreans take the brunt of the punishment. “In almost every case these sanctions were counterproductive” he said. 

He also urged Washington and Seoul to have direct talks with Pyongyang to resolve the nuclear standoff. 

“No one can predict the final answer from Pyongyang, but there is no harm in making a major effort, including unrestrained direct talks. The initiative must be from America and South Korea,” he said. 

A military solution is not the answer. The answer lies in genuine dialogue and diplomacy. 

We request that the New Zealand Government make its priority the support for peaceful negotiations and to make it clear that this country will not be involved in any future military action should this break out on the Korean Peninsula.

Yours sincerely,

 Don Borrie

Chairman 

Note:    No response was ever received to this letter.

Letter to the NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Parliament,

Wellington.

26 August 2010

Dear Mr. McCully,                              

On behalf of our Society I wish to draw to your attention the humanitarian crisis that now exists in the DPRK as a result of major floods in the last two weeks. 

Reports coming out of the DPRK indicate that the damage to agricultural land and infrastructure has been massive. With the DPRK already suffering from a shortage of food prior to the floods, the predicament that the Korean people now find themselves in is dire. For the first time in nearly a decade reference is being made to the impact of the floods in the 1990s when starvation resulted in widespread deaths of vulnerable people.

We therefore make an appeal to the New Zealand Government to make an emergency humanitarian grant to victims of the floods.

This grant can be channeled through the World Food Program or International Red Cross – both agencies being active in the DPRK and have appealed for assistance. 

Yours sincerely,

 Don Borrie

Chairman. NZ DPRK Society   

Note:  No response  

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Media Release.  August 2010

   Going under the name “ Ulgi Freedom Guardian” some 30,000 US troops and 56,000 South Korean troops are presently engaged in provocative military exercises on the land, sea and airspace surrounding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ( DPRK – North Korea ).

  This exercise is the latest of a number of exercises designed as much for an invasion of the DPRK as they are claimed to be for defense.

   The effect is to consistently increase the pressure on the DPRK Government and the general population, obliging the DPRK to channel more and more resources into the military, in the hope of destabilizing the society and even to provoke retaliation.

  For its part, when confronted with these massive war games, the DPRK has consistently resisted from retaliating like with like. However the situation becomes more dangerous by the day.

  We therefore call on the USA  and South Korean Governments to pull back from this brinkmanship and cooperate with China who have been negotiating with the DPRK for a resumption of the Six Party Talks.

   We urge the NZ Government to give its full support to the DPRK – China peaceful negotiations.

 Don Borrie

Chairman  NZ DPRK Society

In July 2010, the NZ DPRK Society sent a letter to the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs asking that the NZ Government declare that NZ troops will not participate in the event of a war breaking out on the  Korean Peninsula. Three weeks later an undated reply was received from the Minister. The reply did not address the issue of whether NZ troops would participate in future war on the Korean Peninsula. 

24 July, 2010.

Hon. Murray McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs,

Parliament,

Wellington.

Dear Mr McCully,

                              At this time when there is mounting tension on the Korean peninsula our Society felt it important to raise with you the question of New Zealand’s continuing engagement in the area.

    The Cheonan incident has shown that war could easily be ignited between South and North Korea. While we recognise that history plays a part in the current relationship we do not believe that the Cheonan incident should be assumed to be part of the 1950-53 war and should not be a consideration by New Zealand when any form of New Zealand intervention is contemplated.

    It is our conviction that military action is not the only way to end the Korean impasse. Essentially the situation should be resolved by the two Koreas through diplomacy. We believe that the impasse can readily be resolved by the parties being encouraged to enter into ,albeit mediated, negotiations, listening to each other’s concerns and acting to reach a mutually agreed solution.

   Former President Jimmy Carter, in a lecture at Korea University in Seoul, criticized international sanctions against Pyongyang, saying ordinary North Koreans take the brunt of the punishment. “In almost every case these sanctions were counterproductive”, he said

   He also urged Washington and Seoul to have direct talks with Pyongyang to resolve the nuclear standoff.

    "No one can predict the final answer from Pyongyang, but there is no harm in making a major effort, including unrestrained direct talks. The initiative must be from America and South Korea,” he said.

    We request that the New Zealand Government make its priority the support for peaceful negotiations and to declare that New Zealand’s troops will not participate in the event of war breaking out on the Korean peninsula, whether precipitated by either South or North Korea or their allies.

 Yours sincerely,

 Don Borrie

Chairman

NZ DPRK Society

Office of Hon. Murray McCully

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Private bag,

Parliament Buildings

Wellington

New Zealand.

Dear Reverend Borrie,

I refer to your letter of 24 July 2010 concerning the sinking of the Cheonan vessel and New Zealand’s engagement on the Korean Peninsula. 

New Zealand has a long record of support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. This has led the Government to support dialogue initiatives such as the Six-Party Talks process to achieve denuclearization and condemn provocative actions like the Democratic People’s Republic of Koreas (DPRK) rocket launches and nuclear tests which have undermined productive dialogue.

 Most recently, New Zealand condemned the DPRK’s involvement in the Cheonan sinking and urged it to refrain from further destabilizing acts and modify its behaviour to actively engage in dialogue.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Murray McCully

Minister of Foreign Affairs

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In June 2010, the NZ DPRK Society sent a letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, copied to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The letter asked for the postponed visit of the NZ Ambassador to North Korea to be rescheduled within two months.  A reply was received from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Both letters follow below. 

Rt. Honorable John Key

Prime Minister

Government of New Zealand

9th June 2010

Dear Mr. Key,

We have been disappointed to receive advice that the NZ Ambassador’s visit to Pyongyang  which was due to take place this week, has been postponed.

We request that this postponement be of a token nature and that the Ambassador’s visit be rescheduled within two months.

2010 marks the sixtieth year since the start of the Korean War and the 57th since a cease fire was signed. Few if any wars have lasted this long in the history of mankind. It should be unacceptable to NZ that we are a party to this prolonged state of war.

The policies of sanctions and isolation have failed. The situation on the peninsula today is possibly the worst it has been since the armistice was signed and an arms race is building up in North Asia.

The USA says it can not consider normalizing ties with Pyongyang and lifting sanctions unless North Korea takes irreversible steps toward dismantling its nuclear program.The DPRK says they will forego their nuclear armament programme when there has been a cessation of hostilities and the Korean War armistice has been replaced with a peace treaty.

This stalemate has now persisted for at least two decades and seems to also be applicable to the Six Party talks. A way forward has to be found.

It is our belief that neither increased sanctions, nor increased military actions are going to solve what is the most serious threat to peace in the Asian/Pacific region.

It is pertinent that the Chinese have called for peace and stability (i.e. diplomacy). Diplomacy is defined as “dealing with people so that business is done smoothly.” Not visiting Pyongyang is a negative move, opting out of diplomacy.

The DPRK has been consistently asking for a peace agreement for a long time now. We have documented on our website ten such calls that they have made just this year : http://sites.google.com/site/nzdprksociety/statements-from-pyongyang-re-the-need-for-peace

Given these statements, surely diplomacy can find a way through the impasse. At a time of heightened tensions, there is a need for more, not less dialogue.

NZ has already demonstrated that it can play a role in dialogue with North Korea as evidenced by the visit to Pyongyang of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters, which was followed by his immediate visit to Washington.

For these reasons we request that postponement of the Ambassador’s visit to Pyongyang be for a token period only and that the visit be re-scheduled within the next two months. 

Sincerely,

Don Borrie, Chairman

Peter Wilson, Secretary

NZ DPRK Society.

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28th June  2010

Office of Hon. Murray McCully

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Private Bag,

Parliament Buildings

Wellington

New Zealand.

Dear Reverend Borrie,

Thankyou for your email of 26 May inquiring about the timing of the next accreditation visit by New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Democratic People’s republic of Korea (DPRK).

The New Zealand Government took the decision to postpone a scheduled visit this month.

This reflects our grav e concerns at the findings of an investigation by international experts into the fatal sinking of the Republic of Korea naval vessel, the Cheonan.

The conclusions reached by the inquiry constitute a serious and unprovoked challenge to the security on the Korean Peninsula.  The DPRK leadership should be under no illusion as to the gravity  with which the international community views this matter.

New Zealand continues to urge the DPRK to alter its course from military and nuclear weapons development to engaging earnestly and  responsibly with the rest of the world.

It is my hope that they will heed this message and tensions on the Korean Peninsula will quickly return to a level that is conducive to a productive accreditation visit going ahead. 

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Murray McCully

Minister of Foreign Affairs

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26th May 2010

Rt Hon. M. McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs ,

Parliament,

Wellington.

Dear Mr McCully,

Noting your observation that “The North Korean leadership must refocus its efforts towards peace and dialogue” , on behalf of the NZ DPRK Society, I am seeking your assurance that the planned visit to the DPRK by the NZ Ambassador will be proceeding as planned.

At this time when international relations with the DPRK are in a state of tension it is important that normal communications are maintained wherever possible. Our Society is fully supportive of maintaining dialogue at the Ambassadorial level,

Yours sincerely,

Don Borrie

Chairman 

NZ DPRK Sociey

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The British current affairs magazine the New Statesman published an opinion piece entitled Bad Korea Moves by Nicholas Eberstad  in its 21st January 2010 issue.

http://www.newstatesman.com/economy/2010/01/north-korea-famine-currency

The following letter was submitted to the New Statesman, but does not appear to have been published.

Dear Sir,

It was disappointing to read the piece 'Bad Korea Moves' written by Nicholas Eberstadt for a right-wing America think tank, uncritically reprinted in the New Statesman as if it was an objective report.

As an agriculturalist who has worked on food production issues throughout the Asian region with UN agencies for 40 years, I (unlike Eberstadt) have travelled extensively through the North Korean countryside in the course of my duties visiting farm cooperatives and country food markets, freely talking with people at all levels of society. What this has taught me does not accord with Eberstadt's claims.

Given the area of arable land and the extreme winter - which means a short growing season - it is physically impossible for North Korea to produce enough food to meet its population's needs. The country has always been, and always will be, dependant on imports of fuel and fertiliser to maximise crop yields plus top up imports of grain. 

Prior to the 1990's North Korean yields were amongst the highest in Asia. These dropped dramatically when the USSR collapsed and imports of fuel, fertiliser and grain ceased. The US/UN sanctions have prevented development of alternative trade linkages and exacerbated this situation.

The famine of the mid '90's was not caused by a market collapse. The public distribution system did not 'fall apart' - it continued to operate but it did not have enough to distribute.

It is ingenious of Eberstadt to claim that 'North Korea became the only urban, literate society ever to suffer famine in peacetime.' The long history of mankind is replete with examples. Something we all should be becoming more cognizant of, confronted with the sceptre of climate change. That includes scholars at right wing think tanks.

It is also ingenious to claim that the famine occurred during peace time. Ask the North Koreans what they think of that! They would say that is a very sick joke. As far as they are concerned, the US is still at war with them. Their evidence? How about 28.500 US troops in 37 bases in South Korea and 50,000 US troops in 66 bases in Japan for starters? And sanctions which seriously hamper their attempts to trade and attract foreign investment and prevent them developing an economy which can produce and buy adequate food?

The North Koreans have turned things around considerably since the 1990s but the big constraint on agricultural and economic development is the external one imposed by US policy. Since the collapse of the USSR, North Korea has been consistently asking for a cessation of hostilities and a Peace Agreement. A more useful article from Eberstadt would be an explanation as to why his government continues to rebuff this plea for peace. 

The losers in all of this are the 23 million innocent citizens of North Korea (fellow human beings) who continue to be short of food because of unhumanitarian US/UN sanctions. The US taxpayers are also innocent victims - they have to fork out the conservatively estimated US$40 billion annual cost of all those overseas bases and troops!

Peter Wilson.

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Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan, Chairman 2010 Review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty  (NPT). January 2010

His Excellency,

Ambassador Libran N. Cabactulan,

President Elect,

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

21st January 2010.

 Dear Sir,

 The NZ DPRK Society has noted with interest that North Korea is one of the topics proposed for discussion at the Philippine NPT Workshop. In this regard we wish to offer you some comments and ask you  two questions.

As a civil society organisation in a country which, along with the Philippines and other countries, sent troops to the Korean War, it is a matter of dismay to us that no progress is being made towards ending the Armistice and signing of a Peace Agreement.

Within the past few weeks North Korea has once again asked for Peace Agreement. The message back from the USA has been that there can be no consideration of a Peace Agreement until the North Koreans dismantle their Nuclear armament capability. This totally ignores the North Korean position which is that they only maintain a nuclear capability as a defensive posture and that given cessation of hostilities and agreement on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, they will completely forego any nuclear weapons capability. 

History is merely repeating itself in this exchange. For at least 20 years, the North Koreans have been asking for a cessation of hostilities and a peace agreement with the USA. The USA has proved incapable, or unwilling to enter into such an agreement.

In a pointed statement six days after President Obama’s inauguration 12 months ago, former President Jimmy Carter said: “It could be worked out, in my opinion, in half a day........North Koreans, in my opinion, whom I know fairly well, have always been willing to forego their nuclear capability if they have diplomatic relations with the United States.” [1]

Our Society has been monitoring North Korean affairs for over 35 years. From everything we have learned over this period of time, we concur with what President Carter said. 

Despite visits to North Korea by both former President Bill Clinton and Ambassador Bosworth, the situation has not changed in the past year. We are no closer to a Peace Agreement. The stalemate continues. 

North Korea considers that its adversary is the USA and that is why they have been asking the USA for a Peace Agreement. In fact the War was fought by a United Nations Force. The Armistice was signed by William K. Harrison, Lieutenant General, United States Army Senior Delegate on behalf of the United Nations Command Delegation. 

One would think that it is the UN’s responsibility to end the war with a Peace Agreement, but the UN seems to have abdicated this role to the USA who after 57 years seem incapable of carrying out this step. 

The North Korean position is that they want a Nuclear Free Korean Peninsula. A necessary pre-condition for this however is a cessation of all hostilities which means a Peace Agreement. To us this suggests that the NPT could perhaps act as a catalyst for the UN to take an active part in negotiating of a Peace Agreement. 

My first question to you is whether the NPT can play a role in re-activating the UN so that it takes the lead in reaching a Peace Agreement satisfactory to and signed by all parties as a first step to a Nuclear Free Zone.

As you have extensive experience within the UN, my second question is what other agencies  or offices within the UN System should, or could be involved in the facilitation of a Korean War Peace Agreement.

Yours sincerely,

 Peter Wilson

Secretary,

NZ DPRK Society

[1] http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/26/carter-says-north-korea-nuclear-weapons/

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 Honourable Murray McCully, NZ Government Minister of Foreign Affairs. January 2010

11th January 2010.

The Hon. Murray McCully,

Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Dear  Sir,

The NZ DPRK Society requests that you raise the issue of North Korea in your discussions with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

We ask that you assure her of the full support  of New Zealand Government and the people of New Zealand in negotiating a rapprochement with the DPRK and the signing of a Peace Agreement to formally end the Korean War.

Fifty seven years after the signing of the Armistice, it is ridiculous that NZ. along with all the other countries who took part are still technically at war with North Korea. Only the USA can resolve this situation. All it requires to defuse the most serious threat to peace in the Asian Pacific region is the stroke of a pen.

North Korea claims that it wants a cessation of hostilities and a nuclear free peninsula. This means signing of a peace agreement commits them to become nuclear free. Just like NZ.

There does not appear to be much support domestically within the USA for a rapprochement with North Korea. It is therefore very important that Secretary Clinton be made aware that there is international support for the signing of a Peace Agreement.

Yours Sincerely,

Don Borrie, Chairman.    

Peter Wilson, Secretary    

C.C.  Prime Minister John Key; Minister of Defence,Wayne Mapp; Chiarman of the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Select Committee, John Hayes: Hon. Phil Goff, Leader of the NZ Labour Party (opposition).

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 Honourable Murray McCully, NZ Government Minister of 

The Minister,

Foreign Affairs and Trade,

Parliament,

Wellington.

15 May,2009.

Dear Mr. McCully,

On behalf of the Society I am writing to ask that the New Zealand Government give urgent consideration to making a priority food aid grant to the DPRK.

According to the World Food Programme spokesperson in the DPRK, Lena Savelli, the situation in the DPRK is becoming dire. Entering into the lean season crops of rice and maize are rapidly running out. The WFP puts the deficit at 1.8 million metric tons.

The WFP hopes to feed 6.2 million people in 2009 but to date have been unable to raise enough resources to reach all the affected people.

With food in short supply the fear now is that disease ,such as swine flu, could more readily take hold.

The Society asks that a distinction be made between humanitarian aid and  policies relating to international disputes with the DPRK.

 Yours sincerely,

 Rev. Don Borrie,

Chairman,

NZ DPRK Society.     

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Letter From the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

18 September 2007

Clare Morrison, Clerk

Presbytery of Wellington 

WELLINGTON, N.Z.

Dear Clare

Thank you for the letters dated 20 April 2007 and 30 August 2007 from your Presbytery calling for the New Zealand Government to enter into a peace agreernent with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

New Zealand is a firm believer in the importance of multilateral and co-operative efforts for achieving peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. The Six Party Talks appear close to making progress, and New Zealand supports that process. Thus I do not think unilateral action by New Zealand at this time would be warranted.

The issue you raise also touches on aspects of international law. A peace treaty or a declaration of peace is no longer considered the sole determining factor of whether a country is still at war or not. That is particularly the case since the establishment of the United Nations.

Thank you for writing. I would like to reiterate the New Zealand Government's commitment to a peaceful, stable, and denuclearised Korean Peninsula

Yours sincerely,

Helen Clark

 Prime Minister

Letter to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Helen Clark from Moderator of Moderator, Presbytery of Wellington 

Dear Prime Minister,

Greetings from the Wellington Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Thank you for your letter of 4 December 2006 regarding the situation in North Korea.

At the 2007 April meeting the Presbytery considered your response and agreed that dialogue was important. 

The following motion was unanimously passed: 

"That Wellington Presbytery supports a call to the Government of New Zealand to enter into a Peace Agreement with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and that copies of this letter be sent to our sister churches." 

The Revd Don Borrie spoke to the motion with the address appended to this letter. 

The Presbytery was alerted to the fact that New Zealand is still officially at war with North Korea (having never moved beyond the Armistice). Presbytery urges the Government to attend to this unfortunate situation for the sake of the process of peace -building.

Such over-sights can be speedily rectified when explanation is made to Members of Parliament.

We trust attention will be given to this as soon as expedient. 

Yours sincerely 

Margaret Inch 

Moderator, 

Presbytery of Wellington

cc. Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army Churches