Pyongyang Roh Crosses Border Line on Foot

South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and first lady Kwon Yang-suk crossed the inter-Korean border line by foot and entered the communist North early Tuesday morning for the summit in North Korea's capital Pyongyang.

Roh, who has vowed to put a Korean Peninsula peace arrangement to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War at the top of his summit agenda, became the first South Korean head of state to travel overland to North Korea.

Before the presidential motorcade approached the heavily fortified inter-Korean border line, formally called the military demarcation line (MDL), Roh, Kwon and the 13 official delegates stepped out of their cars and walked about 30 meters to cross the border on foot, a symbolic gesture intended to demonstrate their enthusiasm for permanent peace on the peninsula.

Prior to walk across the line, Roh said that he had mixed emotions standing at the inter-Korean border.

"This is an important day. I'm excited, but I feel complicated. I can see nothing around here. But this (invisible) border line has been a barrier separating the Korean people for the past half a century," said the president.

"The Korean people have suffered too much pain because of this border line. I'll work hard to pave the way for (inter-Korean) peace and prosperity," said Roh.

Roh's historic walk was broadcast live around the world.

The MDL, which runs along the middle of the 4-kilometer-wide demilitarized zone, known as the DMZ, is also referred to as the armistice line, after the agreement that ended the Korean War.

Roh and his 300-member delegation were to arrive at the entrance of Pyongyang about three hours later before attending the North's official welcoming ceremony to be held at the Monument to Three Charters for National Reunification.

Roh's talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il come during an upbeat mood in negotiations for North Korea's nuclear disarmament and a permanent peace mechanism on the Korean Peninsula.

(Yonhap)