Former Soviet Figure Backs Seoul's Policy

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Former Soviet Figure Backs Seoul's Policy

TBILISI, Georgia - President Edward Shevardnadze of Georgia, who played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War as the last foreign minister of the Soviet Union, has voiced praise for South Korea's approach to reconciliation with North Korea.

In an exclusive interview with JoongAng Ilbo earlier this month in the Georgia capital, Mr. Shevardnadze said, "The sunshine policy by South Korea is the only way to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula and overcome the Cold War regime."

Citing the unification of Germany as an example, Mr. Shevardnadze said the steady pursuit of an engagement policy toward the North would result in the unification of the Korean people.

"The continual engagement of East Germany by West Germany and dialogue between the two governments are what paved the way for German unification," he said.

During his stint as Soviet foreign minister, Mr. Shevardnadze had a hand in German unification, the establishment of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the Soviet Union and the admission of the two Koreas as members of the United Nations.

On the establishment of diplomatic ties between South Korea and the former Soviet Union, he said, "It was based on the independent judgment of the Soviet leaders, who were confident the Korean peninsula would be united," he said.

"The leadership did not want to jeopardize long-term Soviet interests on the peninsula."

He also said he supports the anti-missile shield proposed by the United States and emphasized that the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty was no longer adequate.

Mr. Shevardnadze is the first head of state from a former republic of the Soviet Union to oppose the Russian's negative position on the missile shield.

Asked whether the unification of the two Koreas is possible, Mr. Shevardnadze said he has believed ever since Moscow normalized relations with Seoul that unification will definitely take place. He said the only question is when.



by Ryu Kwon-ha

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