Government Says “North-U.S Dialogue Is Meaningful”

Government officials affirmed the support of U.S. President George W. Bush for President Kim Dae-Jung`s Sunshine policy and his view on reunification at a press conference on 16th.

Park Sun-Suk, the chief presidential press secretary said, "What President Bush said about North-U.S dialogue this time is meaningful." and "The U.S has often expressed the intention to resume dialogue with North Korea. However, even though the wording is the same, the meaning is different depending who speaks and when."

High-ranking officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated, "President Bush`s basic perception of the North Korean government is the same. However, the focus of summit conference seems amenable to resuming dialogue with North Korea."

Nevertheless, another official stated, "President Bush statements about the situation of North Korean people who are starving and warning against weapons of mass destruction (WMD) at this juncture, before his visit to Korea, cause concern."

On the other hand, Lee Nak-Yeon, spokesperson of the NMDP stressed, "President Bush`s statement of support for the Sunshine policy is very significant since it confirms that the South Korean and American policies on North Korea is not different."

Jang Gwang-Geun, senior spokesperson of the Grand National Party, made a counterpoint saying, "WMD and withdrawal of conventional arms from the border that President Bush demanded from North Korea is what our party has been resisting for a long time." and added, "The ruling party should make its view on this matter clear."

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com · Jong-Koo Yoon jkmas@donga.com