ID :
191603
Tue, 06/28/2011 - 16:19
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/191603
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Opposition leader says N. Korea must be pushed to reform, open up
(ATTN: UPDATES with Sohn's meeting with Kan in last 4 paras; ADDS photo)
TOKYO (Yonhap) - South Korea's main opposition party leader said Tuesday the reclusive regime in North Korea must be pushed to reform and open up, indicating that a prolonged standoff between the Koreas will only aggravate tensions between the sides.
Speaking at a meeting with Japanese reporters in Tokyo, Sohn Hak-kyu, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), voiced his opinions on how North Korea should be handled amid Pyongyang's repeated provocations.
"For a peaceful solution to problems on the Korean Peninsula, (we should) patiently continue to persuade North Korea to reform and open up," he said.
"North Korea is most dangerous when in its current state of isolation. Holding dialogue and boosting exchanges with North Korea should not be regarded simply as a means of strengthening the North Korean regime, but as a way of achieving the country's reform and openness" he added.
Sohn indicated, however, that he also will not tolerate North Korea's violation of international norms.
"Regarding North Korea's human rights situation, nuclear weapons and missiles development, (I will) maintain a firm stance together with the international community," he said.
In particular, he pointed to North Korea's reported preparations for a power succession from its current leader, Kim Jong-il, to his third and youngest son, Jong-un, as a "clear mistake" that does not fit into the 21st century.
"However, the other side of reality is that we have to deal with North Korea," he said.
Sohn also met with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan later in the day and asked for his support for South Korea's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in the alpine city of PyeongChang.
"I asked Prime Minister Kan for Japan's active support, saying that if the Winter Olympics are held in PyeongChang, it will contribute to expanding economic and cultural exchanges between our two countries and also help revive Japan's economy," Sohn told reporters after his meeting with Kan.
The Japanese prime minister responded that PyeongChang is a "very beautiful place" and promised to pass on the message to Japanese members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Sohn said.
The host city for the Olympics is scheduled to be chosen at the IOC's General Assembly in Durban, South Africa, on July 6.
TOKYO (Yonhap) - South Korea's main opposition party leader said Tuesday the reclusive regime in North Korea must be pushed to reform and open up, indicating that a prolonged standoff between the Koreas will only aggravate tensions between the sides.
Speaking at a meeting with Japanese reporters in Tokyo, Sohn Hak-kyu, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), voiced his opinions on how North Korea should be handled amid Pyongyang's repeated provocations.
"For a peaceful solution to problems on the Korean Peninsula, (we should) patiently continue to persuade North Korea to reform and open up," he said.
"North Korea is most dangerous when in its current state of isolation. Holding dialogue and boosting exchanges with North Korea should not be regarded simply as a means of strengthening the North Korean regime, but as a way of achieving the country's reform and openness" he added.
Sohn indicated, however, that he also will not tolerate North Korea's violation of international norms.
"Regarding North Korea's human rights situation, nuclear weapons and missiles development, (I will) maintain a firm stance together with the international community," he said.
In particular, he pointed to North Korea's reported preparations for a power succession from its current leader, Kim Jong-il, to his third and youngest son, Jong-un, as a "clear mistake" that does not fit into the 21st century.
"However, the other side of reality is that we have to deal with North Korea," he said.
Sohn also met with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan later in the day and asked for his support for South Korea's bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in the alpine city of PyeongChang.
"I asked Prime Minister Kan for Japan's active support, saying that if the Winter Olympics are held in PyeongChang, it will contribute to expanding economic and cultural exchanges between our two countries and also help revive Japan's economy," Sohn told reporters after his meeting with Kan.
The Japanese prime minister responded that PyeongChang is a "very beautiful place" and promised to pass on the message to Japanese members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Sohn said.
The host city for the Olympics is scheduled to be chosen at the IOC's General Assembly in Durban, South Africa, on July 6.
