ID :
207918
Mon, 09/19/2011 - 06:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/207918
The shortlink copeid
Unification minister vows efforts to reopen dialogue with N. Korea
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new unification minister on Monday vowed to do his best to reopen long-stalled dialogue with the North while holding fast to the Lee Myung-bak administration's tough policies toward the communist regime.
Relations between the two Koreas have been tense since President Lee Myung-bak took office in early 2008 with a pledge to link aid to the impoverished neighbor to progress in efforts to end its nuclear programs. The already-frayed ties plunged to the lowest level in decades after the North's two deadly attacks on the South last year.
"The Unification Ministry will consistently cling to the government's policies and principles in dealing with North Korea," Yu Woo-ik said in his inaugural speech. "With a stern but flexible attitude, however, the ministry will try to create atmosphere for dialogue and untangle knots in relations."
He then urged Pyongyang to show its sincerity in giving up its nuclear weapons programs and take responsibility for its attacks on the South if it wants to reopen dialogue with Seoul.
In March last year, North Korea torpedoed the South Korean warship Cheonan, killing 46 sailors aboard. Eight months later, it bombed the border island of Yeonpyeong and killed four, including two civilians. The North has denied any responsibility for the ship sinking.
Relations between the two Koreas have been tense since President Lee Myung-bak took office in early 2008 with a pledge to link aid to the impoverished neighbor to progress in efforts to end its nuclear programs. The already-frayed ties plunged to the lowest level in decades after the North's two deadly attacks on the South last year.
"The Unification Ministry will consistently cling to the government's policies and principles in dealing with North Korea," Yu Woo-ik said in his inaugural speech. "With a stern but flexible attitude, however, the ministry will try to create atmosphere for dialogue and untangle knots in relations."
He then urged Pyongyang to show its sincerity in giving up its nuclear weapons programs and take responsibility for its attacks on the South if it wants to reopen dialogue with Seoul.
In March last year, North Korea torpedoed the South Korean warship Cheonan, killing 46 sailors aboard. Eight months later, it bombed the border island of Yeonpyeong and killed four, including two civilians. The North has denied any responsibility for the ship sinking.
