Minister of Unification Ryu Woo Ik claimed today that the government’s financial ‘Unification Pot’ can become a more powerful tool in the unification of the Korean Peninsula than nuclear weapons.

“If everyone puts a small amount, 1,000 won or 5,000 won, in the unification pot, then it will gradually become a more powerful means towards unification than nuclear weapons,” Ryu, who was speaking to the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, asserted. “North Korea will also see South Korea differently when they find out that the policy of a unification pot for the building of infrastructure is being advanced.”

He added, “40% of South Korean college students say that unification is not necessary, but through this unification pot we are not forcing unification but are sending them a message that the older generation is trying its best. If this message is passed down then the will for unification will be mobilized.”

Speaking also about the Lee Myung Bak administration’s policy towards North Korea, Ryu asserted, “Because he has not had dialogue and exchanges with North Korea, people say that the MB administration’s unification policy has failed. However, exchanges and cooperation are only possible if the other side responds, but in this case North Korea hasn't.”

He continued, “North Korea, even after causing the Cheonan sinking and Yeonpyeong Island shelling, continues to criticize President Lee Myung Bak and threaten major South Korean media organizations. In these circumstances, exchanges and cooperation are not necessarily good things.”