Robinson in Far East on diplomatic mission

FORMER President Mary Robinson has travelled to the Far East to play a key role in an international delegation aiming to ease tensions between the warring North and South Koreas.

She joined former US President Jimmy Carter and other international peacemakers in Beijing this weekend and tomorrow they will fly to the North Korean capital of Pyongyang.

The Elders group, which was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, tries to use the experience and profile of former leaders to improve diplomatic relationships.

Mrs Robinson, who was also the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the food shortages in the internationally isolated north of the peninsula is a significant concern for the delegation.

“All governments have an obligation to prioritise the wellbeing of their own people, especially when resources are scarce.

“Ensuring there is ‘human security,’ including access to adequate food, is a basic right of all peoples and a requirement on the part of their governments. This is not a matter of ideology. It is about the shared humanity of us all,” she said.

The bitterness between the two neighbouring countries cranked up throughout last year with naval attacks and warring rhetoric threatening to escalate into a full blown war.

After three days in North Korea Mrs Robinson’s delegation will travel to the capitalist South to meet its senior officials and leaders in civil society on Thursday and Friday.