Le Monde: N. Korea seeks survival

The current series of reconciliation policies of North Korea, including reunion of separated families, connection of the Kyeui line and removal of land mines in the demilitarized zone, are not like the open-door policies of the former Soviet Union or China but rather a simple survival strategy in different form, the French newspaper Le Monde speculated on Tuesday.

It the recent article titled, ¡°North Korea`s new face,¡± the French newspaper reported that it was true that North Korea was trying to get out of its 50-year isolation by improving relations with South Korea and establishing formal ties with many other countries.

However, it is intended to strengthen the position of those who support the withdrawal of U.S. ground troops from South Korea and those who are against the national missile defense proposal of the United States through relaxation of tensions on the Korean peninsula, the Le Monde report concluded.

Kim Sae-Won claire@donga.com