[Editorial] Implications of NK leader Kim's statement

The talks North Korea Defense Chairman Kim Jung-Il held with the visiting presidents of South Korea`s media firms indicate that his statements have exceptional and forthcoming contents. They are indicative of his determination to accelerate the implementation of the June 15 Joint Declaration.

Kim assured them that there will be further family reunions in September and October. In particular, the separated families can have great expectations from Chairman Kim`s assurance that they will be allowed to visit their hometowns next year. This is no small consolation for most of the separated families who were excluded from the reunion event and are only able to watch others` reunions during the next three days.

As we have repeatedly pointed out, the reunion program in view of its very special nature must not stop at a one-time event. Fundamental measures must be taken to ascertain whether the family`s kith and kin are still alive, together with ways for the mutual exchange of letters and the establishment of permanent reunion centers. The preparation of concrete and systematic steps are better left to third parties like the South and North Red Cross Societies than the unilateral decisions of the official authorities of the two Koreas.

Chairman Kim`s views on mutual tourist visits, the opening of a direct flight route and the restoration of the severed Kyungui railway link are also very encouraging and epoch-making, though he at times appears to be moving far too fast. Kim seems to accept our proposals to establish routine South-North ministerial meetings in view of his assurance that pending issues will be dealt with in full from the third inter-Korean ministerial talks. As for his Seoul visit, his favorable response appears unmistakable although he did not specify the concrete date of his visit.

It must be noted, however, that some aspects of his judgment and understanding of our present, stark realities do not appear compatible with our views. We find it hard to readily agree with his view that the Korean War, instigated by the big powers, brought much suffering on the Korean people. Nor can we easily agree with his clarification that Pyongyang¡¯s missiles are to earn foreign currency by exporting them.

In particular, we are anxious to know what is meant by his statement about the time frame for our reunification, which is quoted as: "That will depend on my decision." The media presidents must have attempted to gain further clarification about Kim`s intentions and such statements. We regret that circumstances did not allow them to ask follow-up questions. To be sure, any unilateral decisions of either the South or the North cannot bring about our reunification. The task can only be accomplished by the gradual processes of mutual reconciliation and cooperation as well as the two Koreas` coexistence.

There are two conflicting interpretations over the statements Chairman Kim made at the meeting with the visiting presidents of South Korea`s media firms. The prevailing interpretation views Kim favorably as expressing some changes in his tactics. Others think that Kim was attempting to create in the South an atmosphere sympathetic to Pyongyang. Thus, it is imperative that the more developments in inter-Korean relations are accelerated, the more cautious and calm the government`s measures to counter Pyongyang should become.