Rival Korean resident groups meet

The leaders of the general association of the pro-North Korean residents in Japan (Chochongnyon) visited its rival pro-Seoul Korean residents there (Mindan) for the first time on Thursday. The leaders offered a set of proposals for the implementation of the June 15 Inter-Korean Summit Declaration. According to Internet pages of Chochongnyon, the Chosun Shinbo, its vice president Nam Song-Wu; Yang Su-Jong, director for its international affairs and unification bureau; and Yu Sang-Sik, deputy director of the bureau, visited Mindan and conveyed a proposal, calling for their joint efforts for the implementation of the historic inter-Korean summit declaration.

The pro-Pyongyang Korean association asked for the organization of joint cultural and athletic events; for the implementation of the joint inter-Korean summit agreement; for the joint promotion of projects; and for formation of a committee headed by the Chochongnyon deputy chairman and Mindan vice chief to promote reconciliation and cooperation between the two groups.

Earlier, Mindan chief Kim Jae-Suk sent a letter to Chochongnyon chairman Han Duk-Su on June 15, proposing that the two Korean residents groups launch unconditional dialogue and exchanges for the peaceful unification, and for unity among the Koreans in Japan, along the lines of the inter-Korean summit declaration.