Exchanges are tricky
Published: 22 May. 2017, 19:58
The ministry attached a condition. “The South Korean government will sternly respond to North Korea’s provocations, such as test-firing ballistic missiles… and private exchanges will be permitted within the scope of not hampering the international community’s efforts to impose sanctions on North Korea.”
Just one day before the Unification Ministry’s announcement, North Korea test-fired a Pukguksong-2 medium-range ballistic missile. North Korea’s state-run TV, Korea Central TV, reported early Monday morning that tactical deployment of Pukguksong-2 missile battery was approved.
At this juncture, the announcement of the Unification Ministry’s deliberations on restoring inter-Korean exchanges can unintentionally cause confusion to an international community trying to make a stand on North Korea’s provocations.
Resuming private exchanges is valuable, and can draw North Korea to the negotiation table. The Unification Ministry should find the most effective timing when announcing such an important policy change.
JoongAng Ilbo, May 23, Page 34
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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