MDP to raise fund for inter-Korean cooperation

The ruling Millennium Democratic Party plans to amend the South-North cooperation fund law during the forthcoming regular session of the National Assembly, calling for the raising of an additional 470 billion won per year. To this end, the MDP envisioned establishing an inter-Korean cooperative fund with a contribution of 10,000 won per capita annually, according to the MDP. The measure came in an 18-point party platform along with 200 party policies, which were announced by Rep. Lee Hae-Chan, chief policy maker of the MDP, on Tuesday. These will be submitted to the party national convention, scheduled for Wednesday, for approval, Lee said.

However, as the MDP plan will mean an increase in taxes, the adoption of the policy is likely to touch off controversy. Rep. Lee explained that his party plan is based on an opinion survey favoring public contributions for establishing an inter-Korean cooperation fund, adding that the proposed fund would be included in next-year¡¯s budget for inter-Korean cooperation. For the time being, the inter-Korean cooperative fund stands at one trillion won, but only around 300 billion won is available for immediate use. Therefore, if an additional 470 billion won is raised annually, about 700 billion won to 800 billion won could be used for inter-Korean cooperation projects per annum, Lee said.

Besides, in preparation for full-fledged S-N exchanges and cooperation, the ruling MDP has decided to strengthen regulations on personnel safety guarantees and provision of conveniences for the inter-Korean basic agreement. At the same time, the party planned to promote the conclusion of agreements on a South-North investment guarantee, double taxation avoidance, and matters governing liquidation and settlement systems, dispute arbitration procedures, industrial property protection, and country-of-origin regulations. The MDP also decided to abolish the bill system gradually and activate the electronic fund settlement system. Regulating that the traffic accidents, environmental contamination and spoiled food and beverages are three anti-public crimes, the ruling party plans to submit a revision of the related laws to strengthen the punishment through simultaneous imposition of physical penalties and fines on the particular law violators.

In addition, the MDP envisages the following programs: the amendment of the anti-communist National Security Law during the coming Assembly regular session, inter-Korean exchanges of information about the whereabouts of separated families, letting them exchange mail and engage in routine reunions as well as the installation of a meeting point. Also envisioned are assistance for the improvement of relations between North Korea and the United States and Japan and Pyongyang`s admission into international organizations.