hankyoreh

Some of the key figures behind former president Kim Dae-jung's Sunshine policy regarding North Korea are speaking out against the current government of Roh Moo-hyun's approach to Pyongyang, saying the current government should move forward on relations with North Korea instead of, in their view, treating the relations as something secondary to the six party process and resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. Their criticism has become increasingly public as complications over the North's money in Macao's Banco Delta Asia become prolonged.

At a forum organized by the pro-government Uri Party in Gwangju on April 25, former Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun said, "It is not only undesirable but also unpractical that North Korea and the United States even take the lead in discussions on establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.''

"The two Koreas should build a consensus between themselves before there is a summit involving North Korea, South Korea, China, and the United States," he added.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan and Moon Chung-in international security ambassador have urged Roh's government to push ahead with a four nation summit first, and Jeong's remarks appear to target them.

During a lecture hosted by the Korea Reunification Society of the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice (CCEJ), a non-government organization, on April 24, former Unification Minister Lim Dong-won suggested a "2+2+U.N.'' process for establishing a peace regime for the Korean Peninsula. Lim maintained that the North and South should be the central players in signing a peace accord, and then the U.S. and China would guarantee it while the UN "ratifies" it.

Former president Kim, in turn, said, "It would be best to hold a South-North summit in order to make the six-way talks successful and make North Korea show some eagerness on the matter." In contrast, February 27, president Roh said it would "confuse things" if Seoul and Pyongyang were to meet at a summit ahead of other talks. "This is not the proper time to have an inter-Korea summit."

Former Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun stressed, "If the process of the South-North relationship lags behind that of the North Korean nuclear problem, very undesirable results will result." Chung Dong-young, former chairman of the pro-government Uri Party, urged the government to make efforts as a main player, saying, "We should not just wait around for Washington or Pyongyang.''

"A few persons hanging on to the sleeve of Washington are covering President Roh's eyes and ears," said one individual who served in president Kim's government who demanded anonymity.

In response, a key official of the current government said Sunday that the "recent direction of government policies has been adjusted to a changed political situation due to the February 13 six party agreement, and there have been no changes in the policies to promote inter-Korea relations and solve the North Korean nuclear problem at the same time.''

However, "as some within the government have raised a question about confusion created in the course of policy implementation and about whether the direction being taken by policy is appropriate, discussions are under way,'' added the official.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]