PHILADELPHIA (October 12) - - The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), an international social justice organization working on the Korean peninsula for decades, is deeply concerned that escalating tensions in Northeast Asia may move the United States toward supporting an unworkable policy of isolation and economic sanctions against North Korea, formally the Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK). The only feasible U.S. policy for continued peace in the region is diplomacy, trade and negotiation — not military threats.

"Given the recent nuclear and missile tests, the window to halt the introduction of nuclear weapons to the Korean peninsula is rapidly closing," states James Reilly, the AFSC Quaker International Affairs Representative based in East Asia. "The U.S. and its allies must immediately pursue diplomatic measures to convince North Korea to halt its pursuit of a nuclear weapon capacity. Diplomatic progress will require compromises on all sides."

The Service Committee opposes the development and possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea, or indeed by any nation. Monday's reported nuclear test by North Korea is an ill-advised escalation of an already dangerous situation.

"AFSC has hosted North Korean delegations in the U.S and sponsored delegations from the U.S. to North Korea - making it possible for North Korean agricultural scientists to increase contact with their counterparts and other individuals worldwide" Reilly states. "Ten agricultural study delegations have visited counterparts in the U.S., Canada, China and Vietnam."

North Korea must return to the negotiating table and declare its willingness to freeze its nuclear weapons program. The U.S. should offer security guarantees, and the nations of the region should cooperate to promote economic, technical and cultural cooperation with North Korea.

Negotiation with North Korea should include:

• Security assurance — a negotiated non-aggression pact will reduce DPRK anxiety about US military intentions • Progress toward diplomatic recognition — respect for the DPRK as a legitimate and viable government is essential for bringing it into the international community as a responsible member • Economic assistance — will encourage internal reform policies while strengthening peaceful sources of income and legitimacy

Our experience over the last fifty years of working with both North and South Korea strengthens our conviction that only diplomacy offers a road to peace in Northeast Asia. We call on the U.S. and the international community to pursue alternatives to military options. Any military strike in the region would be catastrophic.

Backed by an 89-year history working for peace, justice and reconciliation in troubled areas of the world, the American Friends Service Committee is a faith-based organization grounded in Quaker beliefs respecting the dignity and worth of every person. The search for regional peace has been a major focus of the Service Committee's highly regarded international affairs work and the organization has a long history working for peace and reconciliation in an atmosphere of war. In 1919 the Service Committee launched massive programs to feed millions of starving children in post-war Germany at the request of Herbert Hoover, director of the American Relief Administration. During World War II, AFSC provided temporary aid, housing and other assistance to Japanese-Americans in efforts to get them out of internment camps.

In 1947, the American Friends Service Committee and its European counterpart, the British Friends Service Council, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of Quakers worldwide for humanitarian relief.

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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.