DPK backs Moon's bid to ratify inter-Korea agreement
By Park Ji-won
Ruling party members welcomed the President's move to seek National Assembly ratification of inter-Korea agreement, Thursday.
Woo Won-shik, the floor leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), emphasized Thursday the importance of follow-up actions after the historic inter-Korea summit, stressing the need for the National Assembly to ratify the agreement. His remark came after President Moon Jae-in highlighted Wednesday the need for the Assembly to ratify the agreement with the North, saying the legacy can continue to be pursued regardless of political changes.
“If the agreement will be ratified by the Assembly, its outcome can be shared and can lead to creating eternal peace for the Korean Peninsula for every future government,” said Woo, echoing what Moon told the summit preparation committee.
“We established the basis for peace last Oct. 4; however, it has been overshadowed on every government transition bringing down inter-Korea relations.”
Woo emphasized the need to implement the agreement with the North after the summit to build a peaceful mood.
Kim Tae-nyeon, chief policymaker of the DPK, also welcomed the move. Kim pointed out the Oct. 4 declaration includes holding a three-way summit between the two Koreas and the United States as well as having talks to end the Korean War. However, he said no progress has been made since Lee Myung-bak's administration.
Kim emphasized that South Korea is becoming a fixer rather than a mediator between the North and the U.S.
The preparation committee for the inter-Korea summit has decided to propose holding high-level talks with North Korea next Thursday to discuss details of the upcoming summit, the Cheong Wa Dae spokesman said.