Story number 1 for 24 Oct 2000

Topping the news, U-S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright recently held historic talks in Communist North Korea. The visit is seen as opening a new chapter in relations between North and South Korea, pursuant to reunification. International Aid’s Ambassador-at-large, Ralph Plumb gives his thoughts on the events. “In my opinion, the process of total reconciliation is going to take some time. There’s still a great deal of mistrust and it’s going to take quite a bit more than a few meetings that have taken place. On the other hand, these are positive signs and one can only continue to pursue the open doors.” Plumb added that: “Our work, which includes evangelistic outreach, is very strong in the south. In the north, we have access and opportunity for humanitarian assistance, but, open evangelism is certainly not yet allowed. But the assistance is clearly given on behalf of the Christian church, in both America and South Korea; so, in that regard, Christian testimony is taking place.”