By Yoon Won-sup
Staff Rerpoter
Defense Minster Kim Jang-soo said one of the achievements of the inter-Korean summit regarding military matters is that the maritime borderline in the West Sea will remain intact.
``Protecting the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea is an accomplishment (of the summit),'' Kim told reporters. ``The envisioned joint fishing area is a process enabling peace to take root.''
Kim stressed the establishment of a special zone for economic and cooperation in Haeju and the West Sea will not weaken the borderline.
A common fishing zone and an economic area will be set up in the region, according to a joint declaration signed by President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang Thursday.
``It is wrong to draw a common fishing area, assuming the NLL will be weakened,'' Kim said. ``The concept of a common fishing zone is possible based on the maritime borderline.''
He also dismissed reports that there will be reorganization of the Navy due to the special areas.
Asked about the prospects for the upcoming defense ministerial meeting next month in Pyongyang, he expressed optimism, saying, ``I am convinced (about the success of the talks).''
The defense chiefs of the two Koreas will discuss ways of guaranteeing and protecting various inter-Korean activities near the borderline.
His remarks allayed fears that the declaration may compromise the maritime borderline.
Kim accompanied Roh on the second inter-Korean summit on Oct. 2-4, becoming the first defense minister to visit the communist nation.