Security law needs revised regardless of NK policy: President Kim

President Kim Dae-Jung said Saturday that the National Security Law might be revised, even if North Korea does not rewrite the regulations of its Workers' Party.

"Some claim that it is premature for us to revise the National Security Law if North Korea doesn't amend its Workers' Party regulations. But this claim runs counter to reality," he said.

"Even if North Korea maintains the status quo, it is within our rights to make the change and thus show our superiority (to the North)," the President said.

He made the remarks during a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae to reviewuate the government's business performance in 2000. Participants in the meeting ware Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong, Cabinet members, chiefs of government agencies, mayors of local cities, provincial governors and members of a civilian policy reviewuation committee.

Kim noted that articles of the National Security Law are not being widely applied in the course of implementing inter-Korean cooperation and exchange programs.

He pointed out that the he had visited North Korea for talks with (North Korean National Defense Commission) Chairman Kim Jong-Il and that many others had visited there. "If the law were strictly applied, they would face charges for praising and encouraging the enemy among other things."

"We have been making contacts with the North free of the legal provisions and our nation has not been threatened or shaken," the President added.

He also said that North Korea had made clear its position to foster improved relations with the United States.

"I understand that North Korea has notified the U.S. government of its willingness to accept the stationing of U.S. troops (on the Korean peninsula) even after national unification," he said.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com