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Ruling, opposition parties commemorate inter-Korea declaration
By 임정요Published : June 15, 2016 - 12:43
South Korea's ruling and opposition parties celebrated the historical inter-Korea declaration announced 16 years ago on Wednesday, while taking different approaches on the deadlock between Seoul and Pyongyang following the North's continued provocations.
In 2000, then-South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il held a historic inter-Korean summit, which gave the birth to the so-called June 15 joint declaration which aimed to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.
The two Koreas technically remain at war, since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with only a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.
Amid rising tensions between the two Koreas in the wake of Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and the launch of a long-range missile the following month, the ruling Saenuri Party marked the day by visiting a military base located in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.
The move by the conservative party is aimed at highlighting its credentials for standing firm on security issues and standing up to North Korea's relentless threats.
Such a stance appeals to conservatives who are weary of liberal policymakers that are more conciliatory towards the communist country.
The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, which can trace its political roots to then-president Kim, held a meeting of officials in the border city of Paju, located north of Seoul, apparently to show its eagerness to overcome tensions between the two Koreas.
Political pundits said Wednesday's schedule reflects the two parties' different approaches to the North Korean issue, with Saenuri putting more emphasis on pressure over dialogue.
Saenuri lawmakers for the most part have emphasized the need to fully implement sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in early March.
"Even if the government joins the international moves to impose sanctions on North Korea, it also needs to make efforts to induce inter-Korea talks," said Kim Chong-in, the interim leader of the opposition.
The minor People's Party also urged the government to take more dovish stance on the inter-Korean issue.
"At the end of the North Korean sanction stands the negotiation table," said Ahn Cheol-soo, a co-chairman of the minor party. "No regime has been demolished solely from sanctions and pressures."
The co-chairman added South Korea should prepare for potential economic and cultural exchanges with Pyongyang once the on-going deadlock is lifted. (Yonhap)
In 2000, then-South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il held a historic inter-Korean summit, which gave the birth to the so-called June 15 joint declaration which aimed to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.
The two Koreas technically remain at war, since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with only a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.
Amid rising tensions between the two Koreas in the wake of Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and the launch of a long-range missile the following month, the ruling Saenuri Party marked the day by visiting a military base located in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul.
The move by the conservative party is aimed at highlighting its credentials for standing firm on security issues and standing up to North Korea's relentless threats.
Such a stance appeals to conservatives who are weary of liberal policymakers that are more conciliatory towards the communist country.
The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, which can trace its political roots to then-president Kim, held a meeting of officials in the border city of Paju, located north of Seoul, apparently to show its eagerness to overcome tensions between the two Koreas.
Political pundits said Wednesday's schedule reflects the two parties' different approaches to the North Korean issue, with Saenuri putting more emphasis on pressure over dialogue.
Saenuri lawmakers for the most part have emphasized the need to fully implement sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council in early March.
"Even if the government joins the international moves to impose sanctions on North Korea, it also needs to make efforts to induce inter-Korea talks," said Kim Chong-in, the interim leader of the opposition.
The minor People's Party also urged the government to take more dovish stance on the inter-Korean issue.
"At the end of the North Korean sanction stands the negotiation table," said Ahn Cheol-soo, a co-chairman of the minor party. "No regime has been demolished solely from sanctions and pressures."
The co-chairman added South Korea should prepare for potential economic and cultural exchanges with Pyongyang once the on-going deadlock is lifted. (Yonhap)
