Leaders Urged NK to Uphold Peace

188 representatives of non-governmental organizations, religions and academia including Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan and Chairman Suh, Young-hu of the Korean National Red Cross held a press conference yesterday at Hotel Shilla, downtown Seoul and urged the Korean public to pull together their strength to prevent nuclear proliferation, deter war and promote peace on the Korean peninsula.

In a statement, they said that civic groups have been polarized surrounding North Korea`s nuclear development and that there were two conflicting rallies scheduled on the 1st of March. They feared that such confrontation and conflict would aggravate tension on the Korean peninsula.

The current crises caused from the US announcement that it could use military force to stop North Korea from developing nuclear weapons. Thus North Korea should dispel the suspicion related to nuclear development in a transparent way and abide by the Declaration on Denuclearization, said the statement.

“It would no be desirable to move or relocate US Forces in Korea because it could harm the peace-keeping effort on the Korean peninsula and trigger a war. If necessary, the move or relocation of US Forces should be implemented within the framework of consultation and coordination between Korea and the US,” said the representatives.

They asked that the public pull together their wisdom and strength to prevent war and nuclearization and promote peace on the Korean peninsula. They added that the US and North Korea would hopefully take a step back and find a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

The representatives on hand include Cardinal Kim Soo-hwan, Korean National Red Cross Chairman Suh, Young-hun, Rev. Song Wolju, Rev. Kang Weon-yong, senior official of the People`s Coalition for Economic Justice, Prof. Kim Seong-hun, Kim Jin-hyun, former chairman of the University of Seoul and Oh, Jae-sik, former chairman of World Vision.

Hyo-Lim Son aryssong@donga.com