Gov`t to Take `Thorough Investigation`… to Express Regret to North

As the participants of the 8.15 Grand Festival for the National Reunification returned, the government announced in a statement, issued under the name of Kim Hong-Jae, spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, that it would take thorough investigation on the processes and backgrounds of the event and take stern actions on the related people.

Kim said in a document called `the government`s stance on the 8.15 Grand Festival for the National Reunification` that ``the government humbly admits that it did not take more proper measures in relation to the event. The government is regretful that the North had driven the situation into such a scandalous incident.`` He also said that ``the government approved a conditional visit to North under the judgment that it was desirable to activate the civilian exchanges for North Korea`s changes and for the recovery of the national homogeneity. Civilian exchanges should not be manipulated by the speeches which may damage the national identity, or by North Korea`s strategic tactics for reunification. Civilian exchanges should be carried out on the basis of respecting the national sentiment.``

Kim Young-Sik spear@donga.com