``Non-Partisan Cooperation for War on Terrorism``

President Kim Dae-Jung and Lee Hoi-Chang, the president of the Grand National Party, held a meeting yesterday morning and reached 5 agreements including the nonpartisan support and cooperation for the war on terrorism and for the economic recovery. The two also agreed to operate the Policy Consultative Council of the Ruling and Opposition Parties.

After the first leaders` meeting since Jan. 4th, President Kim and Mr. Lee released a joint announcement, which reads ``[the two leaders] agreed that they strongly support the U.S. war on terrorism and the nonpartisan cooperation is necessary for the national interest in the preparation of the additional support measures and the strengthening of the national security.``

The two leaders also described, ``by the anti-terrorist war, the world economy is likely to suffer difficulties and the Korean economy is also in danger of aggravation. Hence, [the two leaders] will do their best efforts to recover the economy so that the people live their lives in comfort.``

They reportedly discussed a lot more about current political issues. According to spokespersons of Cheong Wa Dae and GNP, however, they agreed not to release any discussions that are not included in the joint announcement.

After the meeting, Kwon Chul-Hyun, spokesperson of GNP, appreciated that the meeting was meaningful in that ``the ruling and opposition parties agreed to cooperate for the comfort of the people and to reduce the difficulties and hardships of the people due to the war on terrorism.``

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com