S. Koreans in reunion wish for more

We would like to first thank the people of North Korea and especially Pyongyang for the warm welcome. In return, we would like to greet you on behalf of the people of South Korea. We of the South`s family reunion delegation have come by air to Pyongyang carrying the hopes and aspirations of 10 million separated family members in the South. As we see the mountains and fields of the North, we cannot suppress the longing we have so long kept within us for our hometowns and our families.

The current exchange of separated family members is that much more meaningful, as it is the first actualized program of the historic inter-Korean Summit, which we hope will lessen and soothe the pain and suffering of the separated families. As this reunion is the first since the 1985 exchange of family reunions, we cannot fully express our expectations and high hopes.

However, we are saddened by the current limited number of family reunions at this time, as it cannot satisfy the waiting and prayers of 10 million separated family members. It is our sincere hope that the exchange of family reunions will continue until the day when they can freely travel between the two countries. We hope that this exchange of visits on this meaningful day, marking the 55th National Liberation Day, could be the start of a catharsis for the separated families.