 |
|
Former President Kim Dae Jung is addressing a speech at the 13th International Meeting of the Leksell Gamma Knife Society held May 23 at Hotel Shilla in Seoul. Yonhap News
|
By Jang Jungsoo, Staff writer
Former president wants North weapons and U.S. sanctions out of picture
South Korea's former president Kim Dae Jung expressed hope that his planned visit to North Korea in late June could breathe new life into the stalled six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program, as well as to encourage inter-Korean cooperation and exchange.
Addressing attendees of the 13th International Meeting of the Leksell Gamma Knife Society held May 23 at Hotel Shilla in Seoul, Nobel Peace Prize winner Kim emphasized, "Even though a great deal of progress has been made since the inter-Korean summit in June 2000, without the resolution of U.S.-North Korean relations, the issue surrounding the divided Korean Peninsula cannot be solved."
"We are doing our utmost so that the current six-party talks can open the way to such a course," he added.
Regarding the contentious North Korean nuclear issue, Kim said, "North Korea must completely give up its nuclear weapons program, and in return, the United States must guarantee North Korea's safety and lift sanctions from its economy." He stressed that both processes should occur at the same time.
The former President called for the United States to cooperate with the other participants in the six-party nuclear talks. "First of all, the U.S. should designate South Korea to lead in the negotiations and should respect its views," he added. He also called for the U.S. to play a leading role in advancing relations between the two Koreas. Concerning the prospect of unification of the divided Koreas, Kim expressed optimism that despite many difficulties ahead, the Korean Peninsula would definitely be united in the future. Kim also said that Koreans need time to understand and reconcile with each other. In particular, he stressed that unification must be achieved in a democratic way, benefiting all, adding, "I believe that the people of Korea and the world support my 'Sunshine Policy' of peaceful coexistence and unification."
