An international conference aimed at discussing a wide range of issues related to the Korean Peninsula opened in Seoul attended by leaders and scholars from around the world.
Hosted by Seoul's Unification Ministry Korea Vision Forum primarily focused on the division of the two Koreas and the pending North Korea's nuclear problem.
It seeks a new paradigm that could help ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Minister Hyun In-taek in his opening speech called on the North to commit to disarmament the first step towards achieving peace in the region in line with the global movement towards reconciliation and cooperation.
[Interview : Hyun In-taek, Unification Minister] "Twenty years have passed since West and East Germany reunited following the Berlin Wall's collapse. The Korean Peninsula should not be isolated from such a global trend, but draw up a new paradigm to realize unification between the two Koreas."
Participants of the meeting also looked back on visible signs of tension between the two Koreas in recent years including the stalled inter-Korean tourism projects, North Korea's ongoing nuclear program and the recent sinking of a South Korean naval ship, the Cheonan.
Wendy Sherman former US State Department Policy Coordinator on North Korea stressed the significance of close cooperation within the international community in dealing with the North if the investigation into the deadly naval disaster finds Pyeongyang at fault.
[Interview : Wendy Sherman, Vice Chair
Albright Stonebridge Group] "When the investigation comes to a close on Cheonan later this month, the international community must speak with one voice to ensure robust response and the response that doesn't escalate insecurity. UN action, bilateral action, military preparedness and other elements may all be a part of appropriate response."
Leaders and pundits at the forum agreed upon the significance of "peaceful change" as the two Koreas move towards reunification despite the fact that it will require a long-term strategic plan to overcome difficulties with economic and cultural integration.
[Reporter : Yoo Ji-hae
julz1201@arirang.co.kr] "The conference is slated to go on until Friday where more issues on North Korea's denuclearization, economic vision and peace and democrarcy on the Korean Peninsula will be discussed.
Yoo Ji-hae, Arirang News."
MAY 13, 2010
|
|
 |
in National News |
|
|
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
Friday, SEP 03, 2010, (KST) 
