Changes in S-N Family Reunions Sought
2003-03-24
North Korea may be allowed to bring a smaller number of separated family members than South Korea for future inter-Korean reunions, the Unification Ministry said on Monday (March 24).
In a report made to President Roh Moo-hyun, Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun said the ministry is also considering using videoconferencing techniques to give more elderly men and women a chance to keep in touch with their kin across the border.
“In consideration of the North's fewer resources for keeping track of separated families compared to the South, we are considering holding reunions with unequal numbers of participants (where the South will bring more family members),” said a ministry official.
Inter-Korean family reunions, which have been held six times since 2000, have enabled 6,210 separated relatives to meet their kin. Some 100,000 people have applied for the event in the South alone.
However, North Korea has been showing reluctance in organizing additional reunions, citing difficulties in finding and transporting their people to the reunions.
The two Koreas are currently working out details for a reunion center they agreed to build in Mt. Kumgang, North Korea, where a steady flow of people can meet.
In the Cheong Wa Dae report lining out the Unification Ministry's policy goals for the new year, Jeong said his ministry plans to set up a dialogue channel for social and cultural exchanges in order to foster civilian-level exchanges between the two Koreas.
“More people will be able to participate in inter-Korean exchange programs,” said the official.
Regarding the ongoing dispute over Pyongyang's nuclear program, the Unification Ministry's report said it is reviewing an “all-inclusive negotiation program” for a fundamental solution to the issue.
“A fundamental solution using peaceful means is vital,” said the ministry official, adding he will consult with other government ministries to come up with a realistic alternative.
To this end, debate on ways to address the North's power shortage problem _ which Pyongyang claims to be a major cause for reactivating its nuclear plants _ is likely to speed up on the government level.
“Strong national consensus is vital for the (Roh Moo-hyun administration's) 'peace and prosperity' policy toward North Korea,” said the ministry official.
The ministry, as part of its plan to raise more public support for the new policy, will host the “1st Open Unification Forum” open to the general public Thursday afternoon at the Seoul Press Center.
Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun will attend the event, which will be held on a monthly basis in 10 major cities nationwide, officials said.
Source : www.korea.net
