The North Korean delegation to the fifteenth round of intra-Korean ministerial-level talks arrived Tuesday in Seoul and began for four days of discussions. Expectations for these talks are higher than for any previously, because the larger outlines of big questions were put in motion when Unification Minister Chung Dong Young met with North Korea's National Defence Commission Chairman Kim Jong Il. However, building the concrete plans that would make what was discussed a reality is a whole different issue.
There is much to waiting to be resolved at these talks, particularly because it is the first time in 13 months there has been cabinet level dialogue. To begin with there needs to be a decision on a date for talks between generals on both sides and on an agenda, so as to reduce military tensions. There also needs to be productive progress on scheduling talks between fishing authorities, who will discuss preventing accidential clashes on the West Sea and a joint agreement on blue crab fishing.
It has basically been agreed that the family reunions that have been stalled during the long breakdown in intra-Korean dialogue will be restarted beginning on Liberation Day (August 15) at Mount Geumgang. However, for even more separated families to be able to know of news of their relatives, the online video reunions discussed by Chung and Kim need to be worked on thoroughly so that they happen. Both sides need to rack their brains over ways to have more families meet with the least further delay possible, especially when you think of the many elderly people separated from their family members and relatives who are desperate for not knowing how much longer they will be among the living.
Most important will of course be finding ways to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis. If the North has decided that it is going back to the six-party talks there is no reason for it to delay things any longer. The South's government needs to play a constructive role in getting the North back to that format. It needs to promise the North what the North is going to be promised, and boldly be given the aid that should be given. Nothing could be as substantially beneficial for the future of the Korean nation as having progress in intra-Korean relations, a resolution to the nuclear conflict, and a normalization of relations between the North and the United States, thereby bring peace on the Korean peninsula closer.
The Hankyoreh, 22 June 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Real Progress Must Be Made at Ministerial Talks |
