[imText1]Kim Mun Soo, a Grand National Party assemblyman submitted the North Korean Human Rights Bill Enactment to the National Assembly yesterday, to match the day’s event for the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean Liberation, “Conference to Urge for the North Korean Human Rights Improvement.” Kim participated in the event and gave a speech of encouragement and gained a warm welcome from the participants.
In the quick interview with the reporters, assemblyman Kim explained the significance and future prospect of the North Korean Human Rights bill.
– Please give us an overview of the North Korean Human Rights Bill Enactment.
“The state of Republic of Korea must guarantee basic rights of the North Korean people who are also citizens of Republic of Korea. According to the (SK) constitution, North Korean residents are also nationals of Republic of Korea. The North Korean Human Rights Bill is a proposal to solve the problem of North Korean people not being able to eat, to clothe, and to live freely.”
– Is there a reason why you submitted today?
“I thought it would be more meaningful if it was submitted on the same day as the “Conference to Urge for the North Korean Human Rights Improvement.”
– How is it different from the North Korean Human Right Bill formerly being prepared by the Grand National Party?
“One of the main differences is setting up systemized mechanism for collection of information on inhumane crimes in North Korea such as “North Korean Human Rights Record Preservation Department.”
– How is the possibility of its passage in the National Assembly?
“The possibility as of now is pretty low. This is because the Uri Party and the Democratic Labor Party believe such a bill will negatively influence the inter-Korean relations. However, if the change continues in the international and domestic societies, I believe that its acceptance could become possible for the Uri Party.”
– What do you mean by “change”?
“Today’s conference is one of the efforts for the change. Voicing out of the young students without political or economic understanding. North Korean democratization movement is a hopeful thing.”
– What do you think about the argument that this bill will be an evil influence to the inter-Korean relations?
“I do not believe it will be a negative influence to the inter-Korean relations in any circumstances. It is a requirement for a sincere inter-Korean relation building.”
– How much can it be effective once it is passed in the National Assembly?
“It will be effective for real. It will be a very positive and good influence. We have the same experience in South Korea. When I was in prison, I gained strength when I heard that people remember me. People become weak when they think history and the people do not remember them. If our brethren in the North learn about South Korean people understanding their sufferings, they will become a hundred times more brave. Also, it will work as a strong pressure on the human rights violators.”
– Spirit of the constitution is that North Koreans are South Korean citizens too, but in reality it is not so.
“That is not true. Those people who come from the North are provided with the citizenship without a special procedure, settlement money, and state owned (long-term leased) apartments. Does our government do the same to foreigners?”
– I do not see the current North Korean regime as a negotiating partner. Do you think everything will be solved if the Kim Jong Il regime collapses?
“Of course there is a double sidedness in the negotiations with the North. Although we are facing the Kim Jong Il regime as a partner in the talks, we must set our goals toward North Korean people’s self referendum and thus realizing the democratization of North Korean people by themselves. That is how we can become true partners.
