North¡¯s leader speaks frankly on S-N issues

The ambiance and the statements made by North`s leader Kim Jong-Il during a lunch with South Korean media heads in Pyongyang for the reunion of separated family members reflect a dramatic shift in the perceptions concerning the inter-Korean relationship. Kim made various statements in a style and frankness never before seen and seemed to reveal his inner self and ideas more than ever. "Up to now, both sides have been to blame,¡± the North¡¯s leader said regarding the question of reunification. ¡°Both governments used the reunification issue as a pawn in a game to maintain the systems."

He appeared personally involved and interested in making an effort to find answers to the various problems expected to arise during the process of reunification as agreed on through the inter-Korean Summit. He expressed his wish to stop playing political games of push and shove but to make a true effort. His seemingly new stance was visible through various statements concerning the improvement of the relationship between the two Koreas. For the reunion of separated families, he proposed two more such reunions in September and October this year and proposed a visit to the homes of the family members starting next year. However, he did caution on balance of preparedness and speed. "There is a danger of all this turning into a historic tragedy if too much is done without careful preparations," he said.

For the possibility of the exchange tourism to the Paektu Mountain, Halla Mountain and Bokwon lying at the border, the direct air route between Seoul and Pyongyang, and the bilateral interchange of two Koreas, his frank ideas and thoughts amazed those in attendance. Concerning the issue of missile development, Kim Jong-Il made definite statements reflecting his understanding of international concerns. However, whether he was seeking the United States¡¯ help in launching a satellite or he was asking for a space-age missile technology was not clear.

On the other hand, it was clear that the North considered missile exports as an important means of gaining foreign capital. He also made his will known that should the United States remove North Korea from the list of terrorist nations, the North would be willing to start building a relationship of amity. "The Clinton Administration will not be around for long,¡± he said. ¡°When the new administration takes control, who knows?"

Yet he placed some condition on building amenity ties with Japan. "Japan must compensate for the 36 years of colonization of Korea," he said, stating firmly that the resolution of the compensation issue must precede the start of a new direction in the North¡¯s relationship with Tokyo.

"It appears the North has taken an incredible leap toward a new improved direction in the inter-Korean relationship," Dongguk University professor Kang Sung-Yoon said.