N.K.-U.S. rapprochement essential for smooth inter-Korean relations: President Kim

President Kim Dae-Jung expressed his expectation for a great outcome at a new level of talks between Pyongyang and Washington on the occasion of the visit of Jo Myong-Rok, the first vice chairman of the National Defense Commission and the second man in the North's power hierarchy, to the U.S.

On Sunday, President Kim spoke at the 18th Presidential Cup Athletic Event, sponsored by the "Organization of South Korean Citizens with Hometowns in North Korea," at Hyochang Stadium. During his speech, he stated that for the stable development of the South-North relationship to continue, better ties between the North and the U.S. were essential, and also hoped for improvements in the relationship between North Korea and Japan.

President Kim added that outright unification at this point would place an immeasurable economic and psychological burden on the South Korean people, and as such, it would be imperative to continue the efforts toward peaceful co-existence and exchanges for eventual unification.

In connection with the reunion of separated family members and the confirmation of their whereabouts, he stressed the need for an information exchange network and the establishment of permanent reunion facilities. He asked for the concerted effort of all people to achieve the complete reunions of all separated family members.