election Chung Supports Free Trade Accord Between S. Korea, EU
By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
Presidential candidate Chung Dong-young of the United New Democratic Party Thursday stressed that confidence-building is essential to resolve North Korea's nuclear issue during a meeting with a delegation European Parliament lawmakers.
The delegation visited Pyongyang from Oct. 20-26 to participate in a seminar on economic issues between the EU and North Korea.
He also said he supports the free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union.
``Confidence is the key to solving the nuclear issue but I think Pyongyang and Washington have yet to buttress trust,'' he said. ``If elected president, I will focus on improving inter-Korean relations based on trust, which we have strengthened over the last 10 years.''
Hubert Pirker, leader of the delegation, said he felt that the communist state has changed compared to the situation two years ago.
He said North Korea seemed more eager to upgrade its economy and engage more openly with the world by sending its people abroad for exchanges and training.
The lawmakers met senior North Korean officials including Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il and members of the Supreme People's Assembly during their weeklong visit.
Pirker also quoted North Korean officials as saying Pyongyang would accept an agreement, which the six-party talks would produce.
Chung said he hopes for peaceful settlement on the issue even though some are viewing it critically.
Chung who served as unification minister between 2004 and 2005 said European businesses can invest in North Korea if legal and security problems are solved.
``We can also encourage North Korea to engage more openly with the world if European businesses invest in the North,'' Chung said, predicting that the Gaeseong Industrial Complex would be 400 times bigger than it is now.
As for the Korea-EU FTA, the UNDP nominee said, ``For the last five years, South Korea has signed agreements with 10 countries and is negotiating for the deal with 50 other nations,'' he said. ``I think it is necessary to propel the FTA with the EU first.''