Lee reiterates call for inter-Korean dialogue

By Yoo Cheong-mo
SEOUL, Dec. 5 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Friday renewed
his call on North Korea to restart inter-Korean governmental dialogue to pave the
way for "genuine reconciliation," according to his spokesman.
Meeting with key members of the National Unification Advisory Council, Lee also
said his government will always stand ready to extend humanitarian assistance to
North Korea's beleaguered people.
"South and North Korea have to meet again for dialogue. The North will eventually
realize our genuine attitude through dialogue," Lee was quoted by presidential
spokesman Lee Dong-kwan as saying at the meeting.
"I don't have any intention to politically utilize inter-Korean relations. My
government will do its best to pave the way for true reconciliation and
co-prosperity between the two Koreas."
President Lee then reiterated his commitment to helping improve human rights and
living conditions in North Korea.
"Our eventual goal is to guarantee human rights and a peaceful life for the 70
million Korean people (on the Korean Peninsula). We have to help the North
Koreans in difficult situations."
Since his inauguration in February, President Lee has consistently said that his
administration will pursue a policy of "reconciliation, co-prosperity and
co-existence" with North Korea, stressing that the door to inter-Korean dialogue
always remains open.
The president has also said his North Korea policy won't be swayed by the
communist state's succession of provocative moves, including its strict control
of overland border crossings by South Koreans.
On Monday, North Korea halted inter-Korean railway service as well as South
Korean's tours to the North Korean border city of Kaesong. In addition, the North
massively expelled South Korean personnel from an inter-Korean industrial park in
Kaesong, citing Seoul's policy of confrontation.
ycm@yna.co.kr
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