President Kim Urges Chairperson Kim`s Return Visit This Year

President Kim Dae-Jung emphasized yesterday that the regular summit talks with Kim Jong-Il, the North Korea’s National Defense Commission Chairman, would promote the smooth inter-Korean relationship.

President Kim held a dinner meeting with 170 celebrities in Cheong Wa Dae yesterday for the celebration of the 1st anniversary of the 6.15 South-North Joint Declaration and reiterated the return visit of Kim Jong-Il. ``Chairperson Kim Jong-Il has to make a return visit to Seoul as he promised in the South-North Joint Declaration,`` said the President. He also added, ``there are some changes, but it`s not the time to reveal.``

The President straightforwardly said, ``I`d like to further support the North Korea for the urgent need of food caused by the severe drought. However, the North Korean aids should be carried out by the [governmental] budget. The government can not support the North on its own will without acknowledging the people.``

President Kim expressed his regret that, if the North did not keep its promise to reconstruct the Kyongui line and to open the meetinghouse for the separated families, the South Koreans might be more willing to support the North. He remarked, ``to create such an atmosphere in the South, the North has to cooperate [with the South].``

President Kim Dae-Jung reiterated, ``despite the stagnated inter-Korean relationship, there is no alternative except for the Sunshine Policy. With a confidence, I will move forward with the Sunshine Policy and lay a foundation for the reunification in the future.``

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com