PM Transcripts

31/'
? t r
AU'JTK t. . T
/ U f Yj\ p I r I I-
77) 1 S.-
FOR PrjESSSFRIDAY, JANUARY 23 1981
COMMUTATION OF DEATH SENTENCE OF KIM DAE JUNG
The Government welcomes the decision to commute the sentence
of death imposed by a military court on 17 September on the
Korean opposition leader Mr Kim Dae Jung.
In urging clemency for Mr Kim I had. made-" clear to the ROK
the deep concern of the Australian Government, the
rarllament, Church leaders, businessmen and of the Australian
community in general.
We value the decision that has been taken. Had Mr Kim been
executed this would clearly have been an obstacle to the
continued growth and development of. our relationship with
the ROK.
The new ROK Government has proposed many great changes to
the political, social and economic structure of the country.
We wish President Chun well in these endeavours and express
the hop-that further Steps taken may broaden national and
international respect and support for his Government.
S. o0o---