Kim Is Concerned Over Standstill in Inter-Korean Ties

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung acknowledged Friday the standstill in inter-Korean relations, urging the unification and foreign affairs team to "gather its wisdom to overcome the instability in regional security."

Meeting with Unification Minister Lim Dong-won and Foreign Affairs Minister Han Seung-soo at his presidential office, Mr. Kim said, "We must promote national peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity by facilitating the Korean peace process and dismantling the Cold War structure."

Mr. Kim's remarks came as a surprise, as he had hitherto projected an optimistic outlook for inter-Korean relations despite a series of cancellations of key talks by North Korea and his disappointing summit with President George W. Bush last month, when Mr. Bush signaled that his administration would take a tougher line than his predecessor's did.

Mr. Kim, whose popularity ratings have dropped dramatically since he was elected in 1997, also seemed to take a cautious approach to the planned return visit by Kim Jong-il, the North Korean leader, which at one time was widely expected to take place this spring.

"Please prepare for the second inter-Korean summit carefully and thoroughly so that it can take place without problems, whenever it may take place," he said.

Recognizing the importance of close cooperation with Washington, South Korea's major ally, the president added, "Pay double attention so that there is no discord between South Korea and the United States on its perception [of North Korea] and on its defense system."

by Kim Jin-kook