South-North-U.S. Exchanged Opinions On Korean Peninsula

Foreign Minister Han Seung-Soo met with Huh Jong, North Korean circuit ambassador, and Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, at the unofficial dinner meetings of the Asian Regional Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam yesterday.

Minister Han delivered the South government position that the second Inter-Korean summit talk is necessary to be held as soon as possible to break through the stagnated Inter-Korean relationship. Ambassador Huh did not comment on this issue but carefully listened.

The Korean delegation is planning to exchange more close dialogue with the North Korean delegation today.

Mr. Han also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan in Daewoo Hotel, Hanoi, to discuss the situations related to the Korean peninsula.

Minister Han appreciated the China`s humanitarian treatment of the Chang Gil-Su family and delivered the Korea`s hope to promote a Korea Consulate in Sunyang to a Korean Consulate General.

However, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang confirmed the China`s decision that the North Korean defectors are not refugees, saying ``the case of Mr. Chang`s family was made possible only by the China`s humanitarian consideration on their unique situation.``

The two foreign ministers agreed to hold the summit talks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October and to cooperate closely with each other for China to successfully host the 2008 Summer Olympics in 2008.

In addition, the two minister agreed on the principle that the Japan`s distorted history textbooks have to be rectified. The both sides will respond to Japan corresponding to the situations of each country and exchange the opinions of the two nations. Foreign Minister Han will meet Japan`s Foreign Minister Tanaka Makiko today.

Kim Young-Sik spear@donga.com