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Former chairperson of the Grand National Party Park Geun Hye, who is on the tour to Europe, shakes hands with former Prime Minister of East Germany Lothar de Maizière on September 28, local time. Berin, Yonhap News
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World must offer carrot to N.K. if it gives up nuclear program: Park Geun-hye
Rep. Park Geun Hye, former chairwoman of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP), on September 28 said that "if North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons, it is necessary to establish a Northeast Asia development bank to support economic development of the communist nation." During a speech under the theme of "Germany and South Korea, opening a future together," given at Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the late dictator Park Chung-hee's daughter said, "North Korea needs to be given a concrete and practical suggestion in return for giving up its nuclear weapons program." Concerning the bank idea, Park said, "Under this plan, not only the six countries involved in the nuclear talks [the two Koreas, Japan, the U.S., Russia, and China] but also international organizations such as the European Union (EU) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development would jointly invest US$5 billion to support the economic development of North Korea and the regional development of China’s three northeastern provinces. If this idea is realized, a basis of lasting and stable economic cooperation will be able to be established within both the South-North relationship and in Northeast Asia," Park added. The idea was developed in the wake of the "bold and comprehensive approach" mentioned as a solution to the North Korean nuclear issue in a speech Park gave at the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation in March last year. Park is seen by some observers as focusing attention on North Korea policy in anticipation of a bid for the presidency next year.In connection to security, Park said, "I hope the six-party talks will develop into a Northeastern Asia security organization after solving the North Korean nuclear problem. If the Northeastern Asia development bank and the security organization are operated successfully, we will be able to expand them to a Northeastern Asia security and economic community." Prior to delivering a speech at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Park met German Chancellor Angela Merkel. During the meeting, Park reportedly said, "I agree with the direction of your reforms, and I am watching with interest." In response, Chancellor Merkel allegedly said, "When is the South Korean presidential election? I hope you will succeed."
