Promotion for Separated Families to Meet around New Year’s Day

The Korean National Red Cross will propose a to North Korea to hold a meeting with the Red Cross executives in order to accomplish the 4th family reunion exchange around the Lunar New Year (February 12). This is the second time that the Red Cross has made the proposal after the first one on December 11 of last year.

At a press interview on the 24th, Unification Minister Hong Soon-Young said, "I am considering suggesting a Red Cross executives meeting to actualize a family exchange around New Year’s Day. If there is a strong will, the exchange will not be too difficult since it was delayed after the preparation was completed."

In addition, the government is to propose the resumption of the second South-North dialogue for Mt. Kumgang tourism project by next week.

Minister Hong said, "Talks for resumption of family exchange, dialogue for Mr. Kumgang tourism project, second South-North Economic Cooperation Committee, restoration of the Kyunghee-line, conference for military trust establishment, and settlement of separated family matters are to be proposed. Priority of the conference will be decided observing the South-North relationship progress."

After a positive review of North Korea’s will for communication in `Joint Conference of government, party, organizations` (on the 22nd), Ministry of Unification spokesman Kim Hong-Jae said, "The government will always open unconditional communication channels for resolution in inter-Korean matters."

Ministry of Unification announced its `current year major business plan,` pointing out that "This year’s aim in the North Korean policy is to maintain stability in the peninsula, and furthermore, to consolidate the foundation of a structure for peaceful coexistence." In support of the objectives, the government is to promote △ active inter-Korean dialogues △ systematization of solution for separated family matters △ establishment of basis for South-North economic community.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com