N.K. Will Accept U.S. Envoy`s Visit

Lim Dong-Won, special advisor to the President on foreign affairs, national security, and unification, who had visited Pyongyang as the President`s special envoy and returned on 6th, announced that North Korean leader Kim Jung-Il admitted the South`s advice to accept a visit by Jack Pritchard, U.S. ambassador for negotiations with North Korea.

Special advisor Lim said, “Responding to President Kim`s advice to have a dialogue with the new U.S. government through a new approach, Chairman Kim expressed his willingness to resume a dialogue with the U.S.,” during his return report at the Executive Office of the South-North Talks, at Samchung Dong, Seoul, on 6th.

Lim added that Chairman Kim also presented his will to resume deliberations with the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO).

In addition, Lim said, “Chairman Kim mentioned that North Korea is ready to open Red Cross meeting with Japan, which showed his interest to resume the North-Japan dialogue.” Thus, the North-Japan amity talks, which has been suspended since October 2000, is likely to reopen.

The government decided to explain the results of Lim`s visit to major foreign countries through diplomatic routes. Korea, U.S., and Japan will discuss their future measures in dealing with the North at the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting, which is scheduled on 8th and 9th in Tokyo, Japan.

The South and North agreed to restore railroads and roads in the East coast, in addition to the Gyeongui Line railway and road. They will resume military authorities` meeting to handle military issues for the construction.

They also agreed to restart the reunions of the separated families at Mt. Geumgang from April 28th and to held a meeting of the South-North Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee in Seoul from May 7th to 10th.

The South and North decided to operate working level committees to discuss the reconnection of railroads and roads, the construction of Gaeseong industrial complex, and the flood control of Imjin River. They also planned to have a second working level meeting for promoting Mt. Geumgang tour at Mt. Geumgang from June 11th.

The North Korea will send an economy inspection team, consisted with high ranking officials, to the South in May, and the team is expected to attend at the opening ceremony of the World Cup 2002 (May 31) during the visit. The North positively responded to Lim`s request to participate in Busan Asian Olympic Game in September.

Donald Gregg, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, is visiting the North form Saturday. After his visit, he will stop off in Seoul to explain the results of his visit to the South government.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com · Dong-Ki Sung esprit@donga.com