Russia Maritime Region to Be Refugee Settlement, “Part of Far East Development” Says NYT

The New York Times, on December 7, reported that the area surrounding Slavyanka, Russia’s far eastern region, approximately 80 km away from the North Korean border along the Dooman River, is rising as a new settlement for North Korean refugees.

The paper quoted Sergei Darkin, the Maritime Region Governor, saying, “The U.S is moving in the right direction to solve the North Korean refugees issue, and I support its policy,” on a visit to the Khasan area near Slavyanka on December 5, clearly stating his intention of taking in the refugees. Governor Darkin added, “We are prepared to give financial support, and we welcome more than 200,000 refugees.”

The U.S. Senate recently introduced the “North Korea Freedom Act of 2003,” aiming at furnishing $140.5 million every year for four years until 2006, providing a total of $562 million to assist North Korean to enter the U.S.

The decision of the Russian Maritime government to establish a refugee settlement in Slavyanka seems to be a part of the Far East development policy. Russian President Vladimir Putin once said, “It is strategically wise to move more people to the east of Russia.” Pyotr Samoilenko, Russian government spokesperson for the Far East, said, “All that the North Koreans have to provide is low-price labor.”

Meanwhile Kenneth Bacon, President and CEO of Refugees International in Washington, expressed hope, saying, “Russia’s statement shows its willingness to share (the U.S.’s) burden. A block could be formed to deal with the human rights issues of North Korea.”

Jin Lee leej@donga.com