“North-South Summit Meeting in Near Future”

Chairman Lee Boo-young of the Uri Party said on November 4, “Efforts will be made to hold a North-South Korea summit meeting in the near future.”

During the “Conference with Foreign Businessmen Resident in Korea,” Chairman Lee said, “Many foreign investors are concerned about the risks caused by North Korea. However, relationships between North and South Korea will be managed to establish peace and to reduce ‘Korea risks.’ After consulting with the U.S., Japan, and the E.U., the summit meeting will be held.”

Chairman Lee emphasized that the summit meeting between the North and South Korea is needed to establish political conditions in which foreign investors are wiling to invest.

During an interview with The Daejeon Ilbo on November 3, Chairman Lee said, “I think the summit meeting between North and South Korea will probably be promoted during the first half of next year. Prior to that, steps to balance the policies of North and South Korea are required.”

However, Cheong Wa Dae and National Security Council (NSC) showed negative responses to Chairman Lee’s interviews by saying, “No such movements are made.”

During the conference on November 4, Chairman Lee said, “Although there are reports that the current administration and the ruling party are against the market economy, we are pro-market economy. The Uri Party should be seen as revolutionary conservatives or the middle-of-the-road reformists.”

Min-Hyuk Park mhpark@donga.com