Res. No. 1429 Title Resolution recognizing the gesture of hope and reconciliation carried out by the leaders of North and South Korea during the historic June 13th summit meeting in Pyongyang and noting the significance of the talks to Korean-Americans in and beyond New York City. Body By Council Members Fisher, Berman, Freed, Henry, Lopez, Marshall, Nelson and Golden; also Council Members DiBrienza, Eisland, Leffler, Linares, McCaffrey, Michels, O'Donovan and Abel Whereas, After decades of rivalry and antagonism, one of the most volatile regions of the world was brought one step closer to peace after South Korean President Kim Dae Dung and North Korean President Kim Jong Il engaged in talks that addressed numerous concerns of both nations and shared goals for the future, including the possibility of reunification; and Whereas, The summit which took place in the North Korean capital in Pyongyang marked a historic moment in the troubled relationship between the communist North and the democratic South, instilling hope and promise in both nations, with both leaders expressing a commitment to change and peace; and Whereas, Already, problems such as the restrictions placed on South Koreans who wish to visit or communicate with relatives in North Korea, and vice versa, as well as famine and poverty in the North, have been addressed by leaders and talks have been generally positive and forward-moving from the perspective of both nations and the world; and Whereas, This recent gesture toward peace between North and South Korea, nations that straddle one of the most heavily guarded borders in the world, has captivated all, and here in New York, there is no community that has been more concerned and affected by the talks than Korean-Americans; and Whereas, Several generations of Korean-Americans have made New York City their home and this community maintains close contact with relatives, friends and business associates in Korea; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes the gesture of hope and reconciliation carried out by the leaders of North and South Korea during the historic June 13th summit meeting in Pyongyang and notes the significance of the talks to Korean-Americans in and beyond New York City. MW:bg LS#3200 D-Res.#4 6/21/00 - 2 -