Korea Red Cross Proposes Resumption of `Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting`

Suh Young-Hoon, the president of the Korea Red Cross, proposed yesterday the immediate resumption of the Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting and the family re-unions of the 1800 divided family members who are already over 90 years old.

President Suh announced the statement at the 30th anniversary of the Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting and delivered his intention to visit the North to the chairperson of the Central Committee, Chang Jae-On, through Panmunjom.

Mr. Suh stated in his announcement that ``for past 30 years since the first suggestion of Choi Du-Sun, then president of the Korea Red Cross, on Aug 12, 1971, for the Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting and the family re-unions of the divided family members, only few of the divided members have met their families. To resolve this problem, the authorities of the both Koreas should meet as soon as possible.``

After the press conference for the statement announcement, president Suh revealed his plan for ``the gift exchange of the over 1200 divided family members whose presences are verified through the letter exchange, family re-unions, and other ways at the Korean Thanks Giving day.``

He also added that he will suggest the presidential meeting of the two Korea`s Red Cross whether at one of the Koreas or at China in an appropriate time. He said, ``We don`t care where the meeting is to take place if it is not a permanent one. Mt. Keumgang, where the North had proposed, is also okay.``

Kim Young-Sik spear@donga.com