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The South Korean government said Wednesday it would abstain from voting if the European Union (EU) pushes another resolution on North Korea¡¯s human rights abuses when the UN Commission on Human Rights convenes in Geneva on Mar. 15.
Governmental officials had debated on whether or not it is advisable for South Korea to take any side concerning this resolution while the six-party talk on nuclear issues are still underway, sources said. South Korean officials are leaning towards abstaining this year while making a public statement as to why it is abstaining from voting.
Earlier, South Korean government did not vote when EU put up a human rights resolution for North Korea during the 59th conference of the UN Commission on Human Rights last April. The resolution passed by the commission last year called for the prohibition of punishment of North Korean refugees, a clear settlement concerning kidnapping of foreigners, and a pact that prevents torture and racial discrimination. Reportedly, a new draft resolution is being devised by Ireland, the current holder of the EU¡¯s rotating presidency.
(Yi Ha-won, may2@chosun.com )
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