Posted October. 13, 2000 17:52,
Chong Wha Dae has responded nonchalantly as President Kim Dae-Jung failed to receive the Nobel Peace prize on Friday. Officials at Chong Wha Dae are comforting their disappointment by saying that the President is a shoe-in for next year's prize as the inter-Korean summit has brought an atmosphere of peace on the Korean peninsula and Southeast Asia. When considering the rapidly improving relations between North the and South and also the U.S., there are also optimistic views that if Kim Jong-Il visits Seoul next year, chances are both leaders could jointly win the peace prize.
One official revealed that there is a possibility that parties criticizing the present government and the opposition party may in fact become more indifferent and rumors of lobbying may again emerge. Hence, Chong Wha Dae intends to remain steadfast on reforms while minimizing the side-effects. Chong Wha Dae had repeatly stressed that the Nobel Prize and national affairs were completed disconnected bearing in mind that the present situation may arise.