In the course of his fact-finding visit from 6 to 13 September 1983, Dr. Hans Köchler, President of the International Progress Organization, talks to North Korean military officers at the ceasefire demarcation line (along the 38th parallel) between North and South Korea in Panmunjom. In the background: two DPRK officers standing guard in front of military barracks used for talks between officers from both sides. (The ceasefire demarcation line passes through the middle of the barracks; it is marked by a dark line between the barracks. The two barracks painted in light blue are under the control of the "United Nations Command," the one to the left is under the control of the DPRK.)

Dr. Hans Köchler, second from left, is being briefed by an officer of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) about the situation at the demarcation line.

On the basis of the President's fact-finding missions, the I.P.O. launched a number of initiatives for the peaceful reunification of Korea. See the Appeal adopted at the International Seminar on the Reunification of Korea through Confederation organized by the International Progress Organization in Vienna (23 June 1989).