Kim Says Farewell to Nation
2003-02-24
In a nationally televised speech marking the end of his five-year term, President Kim Dae-jung on Monday (Feb. 24) called for direct talks between the United States and North Korea to resolve the standoff over the North's nuclear program peacefully.
“North Korea should under all circumstances give up its nuclear program, but it should be achieved peacefully through dialogue. Above all, dialogue between North Korea and U.S. is the key to the resolution of the crisis,” Kim said.
The outgoing president said the presence of U.S. forces was needed in South Korea not only now, but also after any future national unification. Cabinet members and senior advisors stayed on after the last meeting presided over by Kim, listening as the president read his prepared speech.
“The Korea-U.S. alliance has been of benefit to both of the countries, therefore, anti-American or anti-Korean feeling should be avoided,” Kim said, pointing out that the North still poses a military threat and security is the nation's top priority.
Kim said his Nobel Peace Prize-winning “Sunshine” policy of engaging the Stalinist country was the key achievement of his presidency.
“A road has been finally opened through the Demilitarized Zone,” he said. “This marks the dynamic start of inter-Korean economic integration, which is leading North Koreans to switch their distrust and hostility to understanding and envy.”
He noted that the “the wheel toward peaceful national unification” that seemed to be stuck was now slowly moving forward. “We will grow to be the center of business for Northeast Asia and will be able to foot the bill for the unification.”
Saying his farewells to the nation, Kim said he had his share of regrets but he overcame these through the help of the country.
“Give your support to President Roh,” Kim told the nation. “The policies of inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation, and his reform agenda toward public participation should succeed. I have no doubt that President Roh Moo-hyun will do his best.”
Before the Cabinet meeting, Kim went to the National Cemetery to pay respects.
Kim received a courtesy visit by Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen at Cheong Wa Dae, his last function as head of state, and talked about the North's nuclear program.
At 5 p.m., Kim left Cheong Wa Dae in a sedan, seen off by Presidential Chief of Staff Park Jie-won and other aides. He bid his farewell to residents in the neighborhood of Cheong Wa Dae. Upon arrival at his private residence in Donggyo-dong, Kim received bouquets from elementary school students and a welcome from his neighbors before retiring to his house
Source : www.korea.net
