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members of civic and religious groups hold a press conference in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul

The US sent a message of support to Seoul for its efforts to improve relations with Pyongyang, including a possible lifting of the May 24 Measures, sanctions implemented after the 2010 sinking of the ROKS Cheonan warship, a high-ranking South Korean government official said on Dec. 11.

The official, who is currently visiting the US, shared the country’s position at a meeting with correspondents from South Korean media at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

“An examination showed that lifting the May 24 Measures would not conflict greatly with the international community’s sanctions against North Korea,” the official said.

“We believe that the measures could be lifted if North Korea takes responsible steps,” the official added.

This marks the first time a senior South Korean official has explicitly said lifting the May 24 Measures would not conflict with international sanctions.

The official also suggested improved relations with Pyongyang could have a positive effect.

“If inter-Korean relations open up a little, a groundwork could be created in that space for persuading North Korea. That’s what we’re anticipating, and that’s the direction we’re planning to go,” the official said.

“We could see a positive feedback loop take shape, where minor changes from Pyongyang result in improving ties with Washington, too,” the official continued.

When asked if Washington supported this idea, the official said, “The US said it would also support and assist a framework where it is participating between South and North in a relationship of close cooperation.”

The remarks are drawing particular attention because they come after another high-ranking official in Seoul recently raised the possibility of comprehensive discussions with Pyongyang to address North Korea’s main issues, including the May 24 Measures and resuming tourism at Mt. Keumgang, and South Korea’s, which include divided families and President Park Geun-hye’s Dresden Proposal.

“If there is dialogue, it would be a forum where issues for both sides can be discussed. But we have to talk first before we know how they’ll be traded,” said that official, who is also in the US.

“We still haven’t considered what it would take place or what specific proposals would be made to hold it,” the official cautioned.

Meanwhile, Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae told reporters on Dec. 11 that he felt it was “necessary to look for another breakthrough in inter-Korean relations before Independence Day next year [Aug. 15], which will be the 70th anniversary of liberation from Japanese rule.”

Ryoo also said he had talked with Washington about the need to strategically divide up the their roles in resolving peninsula issues. One possibility he mentioned would be for Seoul to focus on improving ties with Pyongyang, while Washington focuses more on the nuclear and human rights issues.

“[US under Secretary of State for Political Affairs] Wendy Sherman said the US would provide active support in any way it can on the issue of reunions for divided family members,” he added.

By Park Hyun, Washington correspondent

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