 |
Two sides disagree at inter-Korean event
GWANGJU-South Korea’s delegation to a joint inter-Korean commemorative event here expressed concerns about its North Korean counterpart issuing unexpected statements and blasting the South Korean government for blocking some pro-North foreigners from participating in the event.
"It is regretful that the North issued unexpected statements before departing for Gwangju and also during the event, statements which could harm the trust between the two sides," the delegation said.
The 150-member North Korean delegation came to South Korea to attend the event marking the sixth anniversary of the summit of their two leaders in June 2000, as well as the Joint Statement signed there. The event was held from June 14-17 here in Gwangju, 329 kilometers south of Seoul.
In a statement on Friday, a spokesman for the North Korean delegation accused South Korea of calling people who have ties with South Korea’s "unification activities" all espionage.
Before leaving Gwangju, the North Korean delegation also issued a statement without notifying its South Korean counterpart in advance, criticizing the local opposition Grand National Party for what they called a biased stance on North-South cooperative activities.
"This is not meddling in the South’s internal affairs, but the correct thing to say in the inter-Korean relationship," said Ahn Kyong-ho, who led the North’s delegation. Mr. Ahn is also a member of the North’s powerful Supreme People’s Assembly.
In response to the remarks, the South’s Unification Ministry said that it will consider taking necessary measures, but did not elaborate on details.
