The Elders welcome the news that North Korea has agreed to suspend its nuclear activities. They also commend the United States on its decision to send much-needed food aid to the North Korean population, and express hope that dialogue and trust-building between the two countries can be sustained.

The Elders warmly welcome the resumption of official dialogue between North and South Korea and call on all parties to seize this opportunity to build confidence and sustain dialogue on all outstanding issues.

The Elders welcome the release of US citizen Eddie Jun Yong-Su and say this demonstrates North Korea's willingness to negotiate on humanitarian issues.

Following their visit to North Korea, South Korea and China, The Elders call on all parties to resume dialogue as soon as possible. The group also urges international donors to increase food aid to North Korea, pointing to the government's recent commitment to allowing greater transparency and monitoring of aid delivery.

Jimmy Carter, Martti Ahtisaari, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson visit Beijing, Pyongyang and Seoul 24-29 April

The Elders announce that Jimmy Carter will lead an Elders delegation to China and Korean Peninsula, with the aim of contributing to an easing of tensions between North and South Korea and discussing long-term food security and health issues in North Korea.

The Elders confirm that a small group of Elders is considering travelling to the Korean Peninsula later this month.