FOREIGN Office Minister and Nazeing, Roydon and Sheering MP Bill Rammell has returned from a landmark visit to the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea), the first ever by a British Minister.
During his visit key issues including human rights and fears of a nuclear weapon programme in the country were discussed.
Mr Rammell said: "We went with limited but clear objections and made progress on both aspects regarding human rights and nuclear discussions."
He admitted that although the trip only appeared to have resulted in small steps towards change, he was optimistic about the future.
During talks he made it clear that to ensure normal relations with Britain the dreadful reports that continue to be heard about the human rights situation could no longer be denied and urged the North Korean authorities to comply with the resolutions of the UN Commission on Human Rights.
As a result it was agreed that the head of head of human rights could make another visit at a later date to assess the situation.
In another step forward, the British ambassador was allowed to visit the site of a major explosion that happened during the trip to verify it was not a nuclear test, but instead part of a hydro-electric project.
Mr Rammell said: "All in all this is the start of a very long process dragging them back from isolation, but it's the right thing to do at the moment."
