‘N. Korea Wants Reform and Opening’
The following are excerpts of President Roh Moo-hyun’s statements on North Korea-related issues during his past years in office. -- ED.
Peace & Prosperity Policy
-- “Peace and stability are the core parts of our North Korea policy. Unification comes next. The foremost goal of our national security is to prevent a war on this peninsula.” (In a New Year’s message, Jan. 23, 2007)
-- “As long as peace is maintained, we must generously and patiently exert more effort. We should continually strive to persuade the North with sincerity.” (In a meeting with the National Unification Advisory Council, Dec. 13, 2004)
-- “My administration pursues the ‘Peace & Prosperity Policy,’ which we developed from the previous administration’s ‘Sunshine Policy.”’ (In a speech at the National Unification Advisory Council, Sept. 24, 2003)
Summit & 6-Party Talks
“I think that, irrespective of my office term, an appropriate time will come for the summit since it is needed to solidify and advance the results of the six-party nuclear talks.” (in an interview with AP, May 31, 2007)
-- “My position is clear. I could have a summit anytime and anywhere on any issue if my counterpart complies.” (in a New Year’s press conference, Jan. 13, 2005)
-- “I believe we could push for the summit if there is a major breakthrough in the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear problem.” (in an interview with Russian media, Sept. 21, 2004)
-- “A summit is not an objective in itself. It would be good if it helped resolve the nuclear issue and developed inter-Korean relations, but it would not necessarily be good if it is not efficient in these areas.” (in a meeting with chief editors of local news media, July 13, 2005)
S-N Economic Cooperation
-- “Now, we must develop the South-North economic cooperation into a more productive investment cooperation, a mutual cooperation, so that we can find investment opportunities there and the North can find a chance to revive its economy.” (in a speech on the National Liberation Day, Aug. 15, 2007)
-- “We will see a third special economic boom in North Korea, following the first and second in Vietnam and the Middle East in the past.” (during a visit to Saudi Arabia, March 26, 2007)
-- “If we help revive the North Korean economy, we can obtain excellent results that would exceed the Marshall Plan.” (during a visit to Italy, Feb. 16, 2007)
-- “Gaeseong Industrial Complex is the symbol of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Once a core strategic military point, Gaeseong has been turned into the heart of inter-Korean economic cooperation. This is a huge change.” (in a speech to the National Assembly, Nov. 6, 2006)
-- “Our assistance to the North is the cost of peace and unification.” (in a meeting with major military commanders, June 16, 2006)
-- “North Korea wants reform and an opening. There is no other choice. It is a matter of pace.” (during a state visit to Germany, April 12, 2005)