DATE=6/15/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=KOREA SUMMIT WRAP (L)
NUMBER=2-263510
BYLINE=ROGER WILKISON
DATELINE=SEOUL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: South Korean President Kim Dae-jung says he
believes reunification of the two Koreas can be
achieved if the two sides work together to build
trust. Correspondent Roger Wilkison reports President
Kim briefed his people on the landmark accord signed
at an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader
Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang.
TEXT: In a speech delivered upon arrival in Seoul,
Kim Dae-jung said he believes a unified Korea can play
a key role in the world. But - speaking through an
interpreter - he cautioned that the agreement he
signed Wednesday with Kim Jong Il is only a first step
on the road to reconciliation between the longtime
foes.
/// INTERPRETER ACT ///
This is just the beginning. I have seen the
potential. And we have to work on the
potential. It is going to take time. And we
need perseverance.
/// END ACT ///
Kim Dae-jung says Koreans on both sides of the border
need to solve the easy problems first. The accord
provides hope for reunions of families divided by the
Korean War and for South Korean economic aid to the
impoverished North.
Mr. Kim says only after such provisions are
implemented can Koreans tackle the more difficult
issues such as reducing military tensions on the
peninsula. But Kim Dae-jung says he told the North
Korean leader that reunification - a goal of all
Koreans - is possible if the two sides learn to get
along.
/// INTERPRETER ACT ///
We should never think of unification by
absorption, unification by communism. But
instead we should seek prosperity, coexistence,
and, in doing so, we should achieve unification.
That is what I told him.
/// END ACT ///
Kim Dae-jung says he raised international concerns
over North Korea's nuclear program and missiles during
the summit. And he urged North Korea to improve
relations with the United States and Japan. But the
South Korean leader also thanked Kim Jong Il for the
welcome he received and the cordial atmosphere that he
said prevailed throughout the summit.
/// REST OPT ///
Earlier, as the South Korean president prepared to
depart Pyongyang, Kim Jong Il ordered another
elaborate display of hospitality.
/// SOUND: BAND PLAYING AND SHOUTS FROM
CROWD ///
As a military band played and the two leaders trooped
down a red carpet lined with well wishers waving pom-
poms made of artificial flowers, the crowd shouted -
long live the leader. It was another demonstration of
Kim Jong Il's determination to show he can count on
the loyalty of his people.
That demonstration was preceded by a luncheon at which
South Korean television crews filmed the two leaders
toasting each other with glasses of wine and brandy.
Then, the two men and their aides clasped hands and
burst into song.
/// SONG: OUR WISH IS REUNIFICATION ///
The song is called "Our Wish is Reunification" and it
has long been popular in both North and South Korea.
It was an appropriate ending for a summit marked by
warmth, good cheer, and promises of further top-level
meetings. (SIGNED)
NEB/HK/RW/JO/RAE
15-Jun-2000 07:44 AM EDT (15-Jun-2000 1144 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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