The leader of South Korea’s ruling party suggested his country’s national security law should be « re-examined. »
Oct. 5 (UPI) — The leader of South Korea’s ruling party suggested his country’s national security law should be « re-examined » during high-level peace talks in North Korea on Friday.
Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan made the remarks on Friday afternoon before reporters, as he called for the swift approval of the inter-Korea Panmunjom Declaration in South Korea’s parliament, South Korean news service Tongil News reported.
« A motion for ratification must be taken care of in order for the treaty to be budgeted, » Lee said. « There should be additional laws and legislation passed in the National Assembly to move toward an end-of-war declaration and a peace regime. »
Lee, who is visiting Pyongyang as a representative of the Roh Moo -hyun Foundation, added « foundational laws » that govern relations between North and South Korea « need to be re-examined. » He said the country’s national security law is an example.
The law, which has roots in South Korea’s anti-communist policies, stipulates the North is an anti-state organization that seeks to usurp the Korean government.
The visit marks the 11th anniversary of the signing of an inter-Korea declaration by former President Roh and Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un .
North Korea appeared to be in agreement about ratifying the most recent inter-Korea accords.
Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea, said the two declarations signed by South Korean President Moon Jae -in and Kim Jong Un have proved to be a turning point, South Korean news service Money Today reported Friday.
« For the last 10 years, the fruit being borne between North and South were being stepped on, but the Panmunjom and Pyongyang joint declarations have created a paradigm shift, » Kim Yong Nam said Friday.
He met with South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyun, but a meeting with Lee did not take place as planned, according to Money Today.
