Koizumi-Powell “Welcome to North- South Dialogue ”

Government reported on 25th that it explained to the U.S. to consider its request before announcing Lim Dong- Won`s visit to the North, who is South Korean President Kim Dae-jung`s special adviser on security and unification affairs.

One diplomatic quarter in Washington said, “ there was secret negotiation between the two nations” and “the U.S. side fully understood Korea`s stand position to re-open the North- South dialogue”.

On the other hand, State Secretary Collin Powell said on presentation of special aide Lim`s visit to the North, “ it is really an inspiring job” and spoke person of U.S. state ministry, Joen Frokoboviz also said, “ the U.S. supports and welcomes the North-South dialogue”, delivered foreign news.

Japanese Prime Minister, Koizumi Junichiro stated at press conference, saying,

“I welcome the promotion of the North-South dialogue” and“ during the Korea-Japan summit on 22nd, I heard the explanation about special aide Lim`s visit to the North and I requested President Kim Dae Jung, if possible, to deliver our opinion that let the north deal with the matter of kidnapping Japanese sincerely”.

Ki-Heung Han eligius@donga.com