This historic development is a shining example of the United Nations role in emancipating peoples from the shackles of colonialism.

It is the ardent wish, and also a firm belief, of the Korean people that the shackles of national division will soon be broken as the South and the North work together in the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation.

As the United Nations approaches its fiftieth anniversary no longer shackled by the cold war rivalry of the major Powers as it looks to the future, it has an extraordinary opportunity to fulfil the aspirations of the Charter which have so long remained mere words.