“President Roh to Visit Russia in May, Kim Jong ll’s Visit Is Under Doubt”

Cheong Wa Dae reported on February 1 that President Roh would participate in the Second World War victory memorial ceremony at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Spokesman of Cheong Wa Dae, Kim Jong-min, said, “President Roh decided to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to mankind’s sacrifice for peace during the Second World War and to improve global unity in the face of shared problems, including terrorism.

He further stated that President Roh’s visit to Russia would contribute to the settlement of peace on the Korea peninsula and in the northeast Asia region.

Besides President Roh, leaders of 55 countries including America, Germany, Japan, China, countries of the European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and presidents of three international organizations including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, have been invited to the memorial ceremony by the Russian government.

North Korea is also invited to the meeting. Although the leader of North Korea’s participation remains to be seen, if he does attend, a summit between the South and North Korea will be realized in any forms.

Yong-Gwan Jung yongari@donga.com