eninsula peace is on Seoul's mind Seoul wants to begin talks with Pyongyang at a meeting this week on steps toward inter-Korean peace, a senior Unification Ministry official said yesterday. But, he conceded in answer to reporters' questions, it is unclear whether Pyongyang is willing to talk about the subject.
Kim Chun-sig, the director general of the ministry's bureau for inter-Korean cooperation, told the press that this week's 16th round of ministerial meetings should be the start of steps for peace, initially by broadening the range of cross-border exchanges to include political and military affairs.
"We do not have a detailed agenda, but it is Seoul's position that peace discussions should begin," Mr. Kim said. "The South Korean government has been stressing the importance of peace and prosperity, but this will be the first time that we will hold realistic consultations on the matter. What the form of the establishment of a peace will be and whether the armistice should be replaced will be discussed further."
The Korean War ended in 1953 with a cease-fire agreement, and the two Koreas are still technically at war.
But Mr. Kim said the two sides have not reached a consensus yet on whether North Korea will respond to any overture from Seoul. "We believe that South Korea should take the initiative," he added.
The unification minister, Chung Dong-young, leaves for Pyongyang this morning. The talks there will continue until Friday. The agenda also includes the repatriation of South Korean prisoners of war and southern civilians kidnapped and taken to North Korea and setting a schedule for senior military talks.
# JoongAng Daily
- Sep. 13, 2005
- By Ser Myo-ja
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