Kim vows to address PWOs and abductees

President Kim Dae-Jung, referring to the issues of the South Korean prisoners of war and abuductees held in the North, said on September 3 that his government will resolve the questions without fail, stating that the government has estimates that there are about 300 to 400 PWOs and 700 to 800 kidnaped in the North.

President Kim also said that the government has decided to revive the global taxation system from next year, in order to narrow the gap of incomes between the rich and the poor.

In a special interview with the KLBS, MBC and SBS on the occasion of the Broadcasting Day anniversary, the president stated that the repatriation of the 63 uncoverted ex-North Korean prisoners will contribute to solving the problems of the PWOs and the abductees.

Kim asserted that the kidnaped South Koreans need to convey tidings to thier families here, meet and be united with them but that this sensitive issues should be addressed through behind-the-scene contacts between the two Koreas for the time being.

Referring to North Korean Defense Commission Kim Jong-Il` visit to Seoul, Kim said that he will visit here for sure, but the timiming has not been confirmed, adding that the government is considering a plan for his visit in the coming spring.

Choi Young-Mook ymook@donga.com