GNP Proposes More Liberal North Korea Policy

The Grand National Party (GNP) has released a new North Korean policy, called “Vision for Peace on the Korean Peninsula.” While the GNP has held fast to a rigorous South-North relationship, the new plan indicates the party’s aspirations toward a more pragmatic and flexible mutual relationship. In particular, the conservative party announced it would no longer link “nuclear disarmament” to economic corporation and economic aid. In other words, the party will promote economic cooperation with North Korea and economic aid for North Korea as long as the situation does not turn sour.

Supreme Council Member Jeong Hyeong-geun disclosed the new North Korea policy at a party conference held at a hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul. His speech, drafted by the supreme council, read as follows:

The Vision for a Peaceful Korea includes five major challenges: to establish a nuclear-free Korea, build up an economic union, form joint transport and communications infrastructure, arrange for humanitarian aid, and support human rights.

For a nuclear-free Korean peninsula, the GNP is planning to schedule a South-North summit, consider a declaration ending the war among four parties (South and North Korea, the U.S., and China), conclude a peace treaty with North Korea, and hold regular South-North ministerial talks.

With the aim of shaping a South-North economic union, the GNP will set up South and North financial representatives in Seoul and Pyongyang, embrace 30,000 North Korean trainees yearly and support the construction of a highway between Seoul and Shinuiju.

Along with that, the GNP is planning to promote a South-North free trade agreement (NSFTA), special economic zones (Cheolwon, Paju), North Korean economic zones (Sokcho, Port Geojin) and special tourist zones (Mt. Geumgang, Mt. Seorak).

To develop transport and communications infrastructure, the GNP will draw up plans for all Koreans to come and go freely and get the content of North Korean networks and newspapers, and install wired and wireless communications systems linking the two Koreas.

mhpark@donga.com