Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Lee Sang Min
Date: Monday,
October 7, 2019
Time: 10:30-10:37 A.M.
1. Minister's Schedules
Minister Kim Yeon Chul had a meeting with Polish Foreign Minister
Jacek Czaputowicz today(10.7) from 10 A.M.
On Tuesday(10.8), Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at 10
A.M. Minister Kim will also deliver congratulatory remarks at an event
held by the Central Association for National Unification of Korea at 2 P.M.
On Friday(10.11), Minister Kim will deliver congratulatory remarks
at a reception commemorating Germany’s reunification at 6:30 P.M.
2. Vice Minister's Schedule
Vice Minister Suh Ho will deliver a special lecture at an
international symposium held by the Overseas Korean Journalists
Association tomorrow(10.8) at 10 A.M.
3. Q&A (Partial)
Q. What is the Government’s position regarding the breakdown of
working-level talks between the U.S. and North Korea?
A. The Government’s position regarding U.S.-North Korea talks has
already been released through related agencies including the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs. In line with the previously released stance and
noting that it was the first meeting in seven months since the Hanoi
summit, it is significant that the two sides were able to meet and
clearly check one another’s stance regarding denuclearization. As the
U.S. and North Korea have resumed meetings to solve the issue through
dialogue, it is early to be disappointed after one meeting.
The Ministry of Unification, with the goal of achieving
denuclearization and settling peace on the Korean Peninsula, has
pursued policies to create a virtuous cycle between North Korea-U.S.
relations and inter-Korean relations. The Ministry will make utmost
efforts to not only improve inter-Korean relations, but also help
advance U.S.-North Korea talks.
Q. With the South-North World Cup qualifier coming up in a week and
the working-level talks falling apart, prospects of sending a cheering
squad to the Pyeongyang games look dim. Regarding this, when will the
Ministry approve the athletes’ and relative persons’ visit to the
North? Is there any response coming from the North, and if not, how
will the situation proceed?
A. We have been trying to sound the North out on its intentions, but
there has been little progress. With about a week left until the
games, we will have to say that the situation does not look so bright.
Issues regarding the approval of visits to the North is a matter of
practical procedure - we will grant the approval once administrative
requirements are met. Despite the difficulties that may arise, we will
make all necessary efforts.
Q. The possibility of a prolonged deadlock between the two Koreas is
being raised. Do you think this will persist into 2020, beyond
Chairman Kim Jong Un’s year-end deadline?
A. It’s too early to talk about inter-Korean relations in the
upcoming year when it is only October. The Ministry will make utmost
efforts under the virtuous cycle of improving inter-Korean relations
and advancing dialogue. It is not necessary to worry that a deadlock
in inter-Korean relations will continue due to stalled North
Korea-U.S. talks.
