Hague: Kim's death 'a turning point'

The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il could be a “turning point” for his country, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said today.

In a statement, Mr Hague urged his successors to recognise that engagement with the international community offered the best hope of improving the lives of their people.

“The people of North Korea are in official mourning after the death of Kim Jong Il. We understand this is a difficult time for them,” Mr Hague said.

“This could be a turning point for North Korea. We hope that their new leadership will recognise that engagement with the international community offers the best prospect of improving the lives of ordinary North Korean people.

“We encourage North Korea to work for peace and security in the region and take the steps necessary to allow the resumption of the Six Party Talks on denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.”