Roh Declines Kim’s Proposal to Stay Another Day

President Roh Moo-hyun and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il discussed ways to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and strengthen inter-Korean economic cooperation during the two rounds of talks, held at the Paekhwawon State Guest, Pyongyang, on Wednesday

The two leaders agreed to announce a joint declaration, dubbed, “Declaration for Peace on the Korean Peninsula,” before a luncheon scheduled on Thursday afternoon.

Working-level officials began working on a draft of the joint statement based on what they had discussed during the two rounds of summit talks.

“The two leaders, who held the two rounds of summit talks from 9:34am to 11:45am and from 2:45pm to 4:25pm on Wednesday, decided to announce matters which had been agreed upon in the form of a joint declaration, before a luncheon on Thursday,” said presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon, who has been in Pyongyang as part of President Roh’s entourage.

“The two leaders talked at length in a candid manner. We believe the talks to have been fruitful. President Roh also expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of their discussions,” Cheon added.

Roh and Kim held in-depth discussions on the North’s nuclear issues and ways to build a comprehensive peace structure on the peninsula, including easing military tension.

Kim made a surprise proposal during the second round of summit talks, saying, “Why don’t you extend your stay in Pyongyang one day until the day after tomorrow (October 5), so you can attend a relaxing luncheon tomorrow.”

In this regard, Roh replied, “There are two groups more influential than I. I have to consult with the security and protocol personnel. I make decisions on big matters, but I can’t do so on small matters.”

However, the South eventually decided to adhere to the original schedule of returning home on Thursday after its three-day visit; and Kim also accepted it, saying, “As we have held sufficient talks, it may not be necessary for you to stay longer. As people in the South are awaiting your return, let’s follow the original schedule.”

"I had candid talks (with Kim) without concealment in the morning," Roh said at a luncheon meeting with South Korean journalists at Okryugwan, following the first round of summit talks. “However, the North showed skepticism regarding some areas in which the South has confidence.

South Korean officials present at the two rounds of summit talks were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy, Kwon O-kyu; Unification Minister, Lee Jae-joung; National Intelligence Service Director, Kim Man-bok and Baek Jong-cheon, Chief Presidential Secretary for Foreign and Security Policy.

Kim Jong Il attended the meetings accompanied only by Kim Yang Gon, the director of the United Front Department of North Korea`s ruling Workers` Party.

Cho Myung-kyun, Secretary for National Security Policy of South Korea, also attended to the talks to record the details of the discussion.

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