Explanation on the Results of the 21st Inter-Korean Ministerial Talks
Explanation on the Results of the 21st Inter-Korean Ministerial Talks
1. Overview
o The 21st Inter-Korean Ministerial Talks were held in Seoul from May 29 to June 1, 2007.
* Two plenary sessions, three head delegate contacts, and three delegate contacts were held.
o The two sides discussed the future direction of the inter-Korean relations and various pending issues. The two sides adopted a joint statement and concluded the talks as scheduled.
2. Progress of the Talks
< Positions of the Two Sides>
o The fundamental position of the South was to normalize and provide institutional framework for inter-Korean relations in various sectors, which began their initial normalization following the 20th inter-Korean ministerial talks, and to facilitate the resolution of the North nuclear issue.
- From this standpoint, the South delivered its opening remarks to 1) emphasize the importance of the implementation of the February 13 Agreement and the need to implement it expeditiously, 2) lay out a vision for the establishment of peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and the creation of national community and 3) propose cooperation projects in a variety of fields including military, economy, and in socio-cultural areas.
These include : holding inter-Korean defense ministers' talks,
Promoting the Gaeseong Industrial Complex,
connecting parts of inter-Korean railways,
holding joint conferences between state-funded research institutes of the two
Koreas,
finding practical solutions to the issue of POWs and abductees.
o The North insisted that it is important to address various factors undermining the development of inter-Korean relations.
- The North, through its opening remarks, emphasized the position that inter-Korean agreements should be dealt with from the national perspective of the Korean people; the North defined the joint military exercises and the National Security Law as provocative behaviors and raised the need to solve these matters.
< Major Discussions>
(1) Future direction for the development of inter-Korean relations
o The South stressed that two Koreas have to seek mutual understanding and cooperation measures to achieve 'peace of a higher level' and realize 'cooperation in a greater scope' based on achievements in inter-Korean relations.
o The North recognized that progress in inter-Korean relations following the June 15 Joint Declaration resulted in positive developments such as the GIC project and Mt. Geumgamg tour. The North also said that the remnants of the Cold War have disappeared and expressed its view that the two Koreas should develop a milestone to bring inter-Korean relations to the next level.
- Nonetheless, the North reiterated its position that in order to achieve the goal mentioned above, fundamental problems such as the joint military exercise and National Security Law should be resolved.
(2) The February 13th Agreement
o The South explained that it is important to implement the February 13 agreement and stressed the need for an early implementation.
o The North expressed that efforts of related parties are needed.
(3) Delay of rice shipment
o The North insisted that the implementation of rice delivery (on loan basis) should not be delayed and that this problem should be solved first.
o The South confirmed its existing position that it would implement the agreement in good will, but currently, various circumstances make it difficult to implement the loan agreement.
- The South made it clear that without changes regarding the nuclear issue, provision of rice will not be able to win public support.
3. Significance of the Talks
< Maintenance of inter-Korean Relations>
o This ministerial talks were held amid difficulties including delays in the implementation of the February 13 agreement and rice loan.
- The fact that this round was held as scheduled is meaningful in itself considering the circumstances surrounding it.
o In addition, despite different opinions on the rice loan issue, the two sides avoided time-consuming arguments and proceeded the talks in a calm and sincere manner.
- This shows an increase in trust and maturity that has taken place between the two Koreas through past progress in relations.
o Despite different positions on pending issues, the two sides confirmed each other's firm committment to develop inter-Korean relations.
o It is also meaningful that at this talks, the two sides laid the foundation for further development of the relations based on mutual understanding by exchanging each other's views on pending issues concerning the inter-Korean relations.
< Promotion of the Resolution of the North Korean Nuclear Issue through the Implementation of the February 13 Agreement.>
o Even though the implementation of the February 13th agreement has been delayed and the Six-Pay Talks are stalled, through this round of ministerial talks, the South delivered the views of it and the international community on the nuclear issue to the North.
o The talks reaffirmed that inter-Korean dialogue is a useful channel through which the South can clearly deliver its views on the nuclear issue to the North.
