The South Korean Ministry of Unification has reiterated its official stance on North Korea’s most recent demand for dialogue, calling it hard to imagine that there is any sincerity in the plan but saying it will review the situation and keep an eye on North Korea’s future actions.
Talking about the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland suggestion, which was released on Saturday, spokesperson Cheon Hae Sung told a daily briefing this morning, “There are no comments on nuclear issues, the Cheonan incident or Yeonpyeong Island issue in the Committee spokesperson’s statement at all. Therefore, seeing its form and contents, our judgment is that it is hard to see it as a suggestion for dialogue of any sincerity.”
He added, “In terms of the issues of the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island, North Korea must take responsible measures our people can accept.”
Nevertheless, Cheon continued, “Since some details are included in this statement, the policy is to examine what they suggested while closely watching their attitude going forward.”
“The Ministry’s basic stance is that the door for dialogue is open once North Korea shows a sincere attitude on the nuclear issue and advancement of inter-Korean relations,” Cheong added.
In essence, the South Korean position is that an official call for dialogue from North Korea is needed, and that the North’s nuclear problems and the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island incidents must be on the agenda at any talks.
